How To Overcome Freelancing Fear
There are so many great benefits when it comes to freelancing. Working from home, saving money, and being location independent are just a few great things that come to mind.
With only three weeks left before I make the transition from full-time employee to unemployed freelancer, I am getting a little nervous. While I am primarily positive and excited, sometimes negative thoughts in my head creep up and make me doubt myself.
Freelance fears
I won’t be able to make as much money as I do at my full-time job
Giving up my steady paycheck for the unknown is scary. It is so easy to work for someone else and rely on a steady paycheck. I am also comfortable with the paycheck I earn. Right now I earn enough to pay my bills, put money away in savings, and work on specific money goals, which includes paying off debt.
Instead of worrying, I have faced this fear head-on. I recognize that my paycheck will not be the same when I start freelancing. There is a good chance it will be less, especially when first starting out. But the exciting thing is I am in control of how much money I make.
I also reminded myself that I have been preparing for this moment for the past three months. Because I have sacrificed and planned, I am already earning freelance income in my spare time.
I’m not going to be able to find enough work
At my full-time job, I am really busy. I don’t have much down time and take very few breaks during the day. Once I switch gears, one of my freelancing fears is not having any clients and not being busy. I worry I will spend all my free time stressing about how to find clients and not knowing what to do.
One way I am trying to overcome this fear is by thinking logically. I am already working with clients and have actually had to turn down jobs because I can’t find the time. Once I have a more open schedule, I will be able to truly dedicate my time to clients.
There are also a ton of different ways to find clients! I have done my research finding different online job boards in preparation of freelancing full time. I also can ask my current clients for referrals. There’s no reason I can’t pitch my services to other bloggers and companies that might need my services. The bottom line is I am in full control of how much work I find.
How will I pay my bills?
Trying to figure out how to pay bills is one of the most stressful experiences a person can have. This is a legitimate fear. I have a lot of expenses each month that have to be paid. I don’t have anyone to rely on to help pay my bills if I don’t earn enough money from freelancing.
Whenever I start to worry about this, I remind myself that I have been putting away money each month to prepare for this. When I made the decision to quit my job, I made sure to give myself plenty of time to fund various savings goals in preparation of this moment. I personally use Freshbooks, because it’s a great way to keep track of my online business income, and then transfer money into my savings. Click here to learn more about Freshbooks.
I am actually more prepared than I thought I would be! It all comes down to planning for the future and being aware of my expenses. Even though I am prepared, I have to remind myself that I am taking all the necessary steps to avoid this kind of stress.
As I mentioned in last month’s expense report, I have put away four months of rent payments. I have also funded other savings accounts to help for monthly bills, miscellaneous spending, Christmas presents and holiday travel, etc.
What if I succeed?
I know this is a ridiculous worry. As I enter this phase of my work life, I have no idea what to expect. I could be wildly successful or fail miserably. While I believe I will do well, I have no idea what will happen if I do really well. I worry about not meeting everyone’s expectations and people being disappointed with me or my services.
This is a fear I am choosing to ignore right now. This is not something I can control at the moment and not something I worry about happening right now. Regardless of how busy or slow I am, I always plan on delivering the same service I always have.
These are the major fears I have when it comes to freelancing. It is completely normal to be scared when making such a huge change. I need to remind myself that I am in a fortunate position to be able to leave my job and try something new. I have worked hard for this to happen and am excited to see where this journey takes me!
Related reading:
- Typical Day in the Life of a Full-Time Blogger
- 9 Ways to Avoid Blogging and Freelance Burnout
- How to Manage Your Time as a Blogger
- 90-Day Blogging Guide For Beginners
Interesting that this article was published last year. I am starting my work at home fears. I know you’ve probably succeeded tremendously. Congrats and I hope I can do the same!
Great tips! Best of luck with freelancing!
Thanks Jen!
I’m so excited for you! I still have freelancing fears sometimes, but even still I would never go back to being a paid employee if I can help it!
I’m so excited for you to make the big leap to freelancing full time! Are you still working your telecommuting job? Either way, I just know you’re going to succeed at this and I will be holding you accountable to that 🙂
I’m just so stinkin’ excited for you, Kristin! I think you’re going to rock the Casbah. Creating a huge savings cushion is a very wise move. Who knows, maybe you won’t end up digging into it much at all and you’ll get to keep a large savings to start off your new life.
I am very interested in becoming a freelance writer. I would also struggle with very similar fears as yours. Although I’ve been approached with freelance writing and editing opportunities, I often pass them up due to lack of confidence in my work.
How exciting! I know you will do GREAT! I really enjoy freelancing, but finding time to expand is TOUGH for me!
Thanks Kara!