The trick to starting a freelance career is knowing when to make the switch and leave your traditional job behind. Switching career types can come with a lot of hesitation and even fear, but identifying the signs that you’re ready can give you peace of mind and the motivation to get started. You don’t need to manifest all of these signs to know you’re ready to freelance. Sometimes one is enough.
Opting to Work Harder on Something You Enjoy
Preferring to work harder on projects you enjoy rather than work less on easier, uninteresting work means you’re ready to cut the cord and try it on your own. Working harder and longer are exactly the skills and abilities you need to make it as a freelancer, no matter the industry.
Willingness to Toss Aside Stability for Professional Freedom
Freelancing isn’t always stable. Some months you’ll make more than at your previous job, and other months will end with very little profit. It’s the nature of the business. There are ways to lessen the instability of freelancing, but no effort will guarantee constant stability. If the potential instability is worth the professional freedom that a freelance career offers, now is as good a time as any to get started.
Freelancing During Your Limited Free Time
If you’ve started supplementing your professional work with freelancing, it’s time to consider devoting yourself to freelancing. As a busy mother and professional, you don’t have much free time; filling your nights and weekends with freelancing projects shows your passion. Life’s too short to ignore your passions and your professional desires.
Already Considered the Pros and Cons
How many times have you thought about the pros and cons of freelancing? You’ve probably gone over the list several times. The cons might be intimidating, but not enough for you to give up on the idea. There comes a moment when it’s time to act on all your research and considerations. Now’s the time.
You Feel Ready
Set aside all the negative self-talk and natural worries about freelancing. Instead, focus on how you feel. Do you feel ready to freelance? Are you excited to try? If you feel ready, don’t let the uncertainties scare you away. Properly preparing for a freelance career should quiet those uncertainties and allow you to move forward.
Freelancing offers schedule flexibility and the freedom of choosing clients, which is a great option if you’re looking to be a work-at-home mom. You may hesitate to make the switch, but only you can decide if you’re ready. And once you decide that, a whole new professional world will open up, providing you with new opportunities and experiences that will only make you a better freelancer.
