Hi there!
In our many conversations, many people don't know what freelancing is or what freelancing truly entails.
In today's interconnected world, freelancing has gained immense popularity. Freelancing existed before 2020, but it has grown exponentially after the pandemic. Since 2019 the U.S. has seen freelance work grow by 78%. James and I are part of this 78% 😊
The common misconception among people (for us as well when we started our journey) is that freelancing is about working online or being an employee from home.
Moreso, freelancing represents a distinctive way of life — a lifestyle. It is a form of self-employment that gives individuals the freedom to work on diverse projects, jobs, and tasks for various clients, offering flexibility, earning potential, and an avenue for continuous growth. In addition, freelancing has become an avenue for baby boomers to utilize their well-earned skills, maintain relevance, be of service, and foster personal well-being.
Embracing Self-Employment and Liberty
Freelancing is not a traditional employment arrangement but an opportunity to become your boss. By embracing self-employment, freelancers gain the liberty to chart their course. They are not bound by the constraints of a typical 9-to-5 job and can choose the clients, projects, and tasks that align with their skills and passions.
This independence allows freelancers to break free from the monotony of a single job, explore their interests, and cultivate ways to continue earning income.
Variety and Flexibility
One of the many features of freelancing is the ability to work on various jobs, projects, and tasks. Freelancers are not confined to a single role or industry. They can take on assignments from different clients, spanning multiple domains. This versatility ensures that freelancers are constantly challenged and engaged, fostering personal and professional growth.
If you enjoy changing it up, doing different things, and engaging in new projects using your skills, then freelancing's variety and flexibility of jobs will be a joy.
Additionally, freelancing offers flexibility in terms of working hours and location. Whether working from a coffee shop, your home office, or on a beach in a faraway land and maybe during unconventional hours, freelancers can shape their work environment to suit their preferences and maximize productivity.
It's about on-time, high-quality delivery; how or when you do the work is up to you.
Unlocking the Earning Potential
Unlike traditional employment, freelancers are not bound by fixed salary structures. They have the power to determine their earning potential.
Freelancers can negotiate their rates, charge based on the value they provide, and take on multiple projects simultaneously. This autonomy allows individuals to tailor their income to their financial goals and lifestyle needs.
While freelancing offers the possibility of earning more, it's essential to consider the responsibility of managing taxes, retirement planning, and other financial aspects of self-employment.
*NOTE— In our previous article, 5 Ways Using an Online Platform Works Well for Freelancers, we mentioned the value of working on a platform so your income is tracked and easy to gather for tax filings, etc.
Contributing and Staying Relevant
Freelancing allows individuals, including baby boomers, to leverage their years of experience and expertise. It enables them to remain active, relevant, and connected in their respective fields.
Seasoned professionals can share their knowledge and contribute to meaningful projects without being constrained by traditional employment structures.
Additionally, freelancing promotes lifelong learning as individuals constantly adapt to new trends, technologies, and industries. This pursuit of knowledge, and upskilling, ensures that freelancers stay competitive and continue to deliver value to their clients.
Why do clients hire freelancers?
They bring specialized skills and expertise.
It's cost-effective. It takes 30-60 days to hire an employee and 1-3 days to hire a freelancer.
They're ideal for project-based work
They don't need office space or equipment
They give businesses hiring flexibility
Freelancing is a unique lifestyle that empowers individuals to define their professional journey.
It offers the freedom to work on diverse projects, choose when and where to work, and determine one's earning potential. For baby boomers, freelancing allows them to utilize their skills, contribute to meaningful work, and maintain personal well-being. Baby boomers are living longer than ever and staying healthier. For many, this means continuing an income stream. What better way than using skills you already have and working at your computer from wherever you want?
Freelancing allowed us to try something new, live abroad, use our skills, and continue to make money while serving others. This is why we're so passionate about sharing it with you!
By understanding the true essence of freelancing, individuals can embark on a path of self-employment that aligns with their goals, aspirations, and desired level of flexibility. It is a way of earning money independent of age or location. It's an idea whose time has come.
If you want to learn more about freelancing or have any questions, click here for our website and contact us.
Be Truthful, Gentle, and Fearless ~ Gandhi
Jeanne 🌺 James
This article has opened my mind and made me realize I can use the skills I have to make the money to fund our new lifestyle and actually enjoy doing it. Thank you for gently guiding so many like minded people to reach far and be the best they can be. B. Pierce