Start Freelancing While You Have a 9-5 Job
Photo by Alizée Baudez
Let’s say you’re a writer or designer in a creative agency or in-house at a corporation.
Now is the time to get a few freelance clients on the side.
That means you’ll be working evenings and weekends. Yes, I know it’s easier to go out for drinks after a day of work.
But while you have a job and a secure income, start building your own business. Whether you want to become a solo freelancer or make something bigger, it’s easier while you’re still getting paid.
Benefits of Having Freelance Clients
The obvious benefit is the extra money.
But the real benefit is that you’ll learn all the other aspects of the business:
Taking client briefs
Creating estimates and invoices
Developing relationships with clients
Setting your Terms and Conditions (I wrote about Terms and Conditions for freelancers here)
Take Advantage of Your 9-5 Before Freelancing
While you’re working, you should be looking at how the company runs and manages processes. You’ll likely be able to use this for your freelance business.
I asked some freelancers about the benefits of working a 9-5 before freelancing. Have a look.
Ethics and Freelancing While Employed
Two things to keep in mind:
First, it’s quite common for employees to freelance on the side. As long as your day job comes first, there should be no issues with working freelance. (But just to be sure, if you signed an employment contract, see whether it mentions anything about freelance work.)
Secondly, you should not work for a client that is a competitor to any clients your current employer has.
For example, if your employer has a soft drink client, whether or not you work on that account, you can’t freelance for another soft drink company. It’s clearly unethical, a potential conflict of interest that could cost you your job. Although the offer may be tempting, there’s only one answer: “No”.
Where do You Get Freelance Clients?
There are many ways to get started with freelance clients:
If you know other freelancers you could team up with, contact them. Common teams include writers and designers, videographers and editors.
If you know anyone working at a large company with an internal communications department, ask whether they use freelance talent.
People may come to you and ask for your specific services. These are likely friends or friends of friends who have businesses that need your services.
If you’re in your second or third job, contact friends from previous jobs. Let them know that you’re looking for freelance work.
One of your clients may have left their position (Started their own company, gone to a smaller company) and may contact you about providing services. That’s why you want to establish relationships and keep up with them.
Once you get your first freelance client, and assuming you were both happy working together, ask whether they know anyone else who might use your services.
Get active on social media. Twitter and LinkedIn are especially good for people looking for freelance help.
Look for clients on websites such as Upwork or Fiverr, where projects are posted, looking for bids. This would be my least favorite recommendation, but I know some people have made it work. Often it boils down to how cheaply can you do this? Generally, you don’t want to compete at that level. I wrote about how to be successful on UpWork here.
Launching a freelance business can take time. That’s why you want to start when you still have a full-time job with a dependable income.
Free 1-Hour Consultation if You Bought One of My Books
I’ve been doing this but haven’t publicized it yet. If you bought one of my books, I’m happy to chat on Zoom, Google, or whatever platform works.
I’ve done it for quite a few people and have enjoyed it. For some, it helps their business or solves immediate problems.
No proof of purchase is necessary. I’ll take your word for it (but I might ask you what you liked most about the book).
So, buy a book and get in touch. If you already own one of the books and want to talk, let me know.
On Bluesky, DM me at @strotebook.bsky.social.
On Twitter, I’m @StroteBook.
On LinkedIn, I’m Andy Strote.
New Book For Freelancers
I’ve just published How to Become a Successful Creative Freelancer. It’s the essential business guide for freelance writers, designers, developers, filmmakers, and photographers.
Whether you’re just starting as a freelancer or have years of experience, you’ll learn a lot from this book.
It’s broken down into easy-to-understand chapters with strategies and tips you can use today. Not just “what to do”, but also “how to do it”.
It’s available now in Paperback and Kindle ebook on Amazon.
Want to Grow An Agency? The Agency Book is For You
If you’re looking for tips on how to build and grow your agency, you’ll want to read How to Start a Successful Creative Agency.
Available at Amazon (Paperback & Kindle ebook), Kobo (ebook), Apple Books (ebook), and Gumroad (PDF).
The book is packed with useful information to help creatives start and grow their agencies.
Testimonial: A Business Bible
“This book is so chock full I have to read it slowly. I got it for my birthday and I really enjoy it. I read it piece by piece and then integrate the different lessons.”
Julie Ann, 5 Stars, Amazon
Want a Free Taste First?
Sure! Sign up in the footer below for a free PDF of Chapter 14 of the Agency book Working With Clients.
This chapter covers essential areas such as Clients vs. Projects, Corporate Clients vs. Small Business Clients, How to Create an Opportunity Document, the Benefits of Finding a Niche… and much more.
Questions?
If you’re on Bluesky, I’m @strotebook.bsky.social. Ask me anything.
On Twitter, I’m @StroteBook. D.M.s are always open.
On LinkedIn, I’m Andy Strote. Ask away.