Freelancers have a ton of freedom and autonomy, especially when you compare their workplace setups with those of traditional office setups. With that said, sometimes, we all know the grass can be greener on the other side of the fence. While there are tons of benefits to working in the gig economy, there are also some pretty distinct setbacks. After all, if it was easy to go gig, everybody would be doing it. There are still tons of people who either prefer to stay in an old-school work environment, or those who have found their way back to the standard 8-to-5 constraints because they weren’t prepared for the obstacles the gig world gives freelancers.
Former teacher, master’s degree holder, finance guru, and cryptocurrency writer David M. says of the gig economy:
“In an interconnected world where hiring and working are borderless and limitless, gig work represents the freedom to negotiate fair pay, align assignments with skill sets, and attain thought leader status in practically any field of endeavor.”
So, what sets the movers and shakers apart from those who prefer to stick to traditional office spaces? Let’s take a look!
1. The Ability to Be Rejected
Rejection is fun for no one, but freelancers need to have a tough enough skin to be okay with walking away when they’re not chosen for a particular project. In fact, many freelancers get more rejections than they get acceptances; it’s figuring out how to be profitable from the clients who do pick you that’ll make the difference when it’s time to get paid.
Gig workers have to put themselves out there. It’s up to them to market their own businesses, connect with clients, and create final products that resonate with the people who have hired them. Rejection is part of the game, but wise freelancers look for ways to make themselves better each time a client turns down their proposals. In some cases, they miss out on the opportunity of a lifetime; in other situations, they may have saved themselves from disasters that were waiting on the other side of the screen. In any case, each rejection offers the ability to learn and grow from it. People who can’t take rejection may not do well as solopreneurs.
Storytelling writer Meagan S. shares her newfound experience with the gig economy:
“I didn’t think the gig economy was something that everyone could access. Once I got started freelancing, I realized I couldn’t have been more wrong! If you’re willing to put yourself out there and do your very best work, other people will notice it guaranteed.”
2. Persistence
You know you might receive a lot of rejections, so how do you keep your head up and keep fighting for the freelancing life you want to have?
WriterAccess real estate and marketing writer Cindy B. says:
“Content writing can be a rewarding career if you possess the motivation and persistence that’s essential for success. It takes time to build a client list, but doing what you love is its own reward.”
If you want to to make it in the gig world, you have to have the ability to step up to the plate and motivate yourself. Your paycheck depends on creating positive relationships with clients, complying to occasional requests for revisions, and finding ways to create knock-your-socks-off content on a regular basis. Maybe a client didn’t like your take on SEO strategies, but does that mean you should throw in the towel and be do something else with your life, or does that mean you use that piece as a sample to attract clients who would be more suitable to your specific style? The choice is up to you.
3. Willingness to Learn
No matter what niche you specialize in—or if you specialize in being a generalist—things are always changing. You have to keep up with Google’s algorithm changes, understand the latest and greatest trends across a number of industries, and be able to convey your thoughts in a way that makes sense to everyday readers. If you’re not up to the challenge of constantly learning, you may soon find yourself overwhelmed by the world of the gig economy. However, if you’re willing to learn, good things will likely come your way.
WriterAccess is filled with tons of freelancers who specialize in a variety of niches and skill sets. If you think you’ve got what it takes to be successful in this new landscape, apply today!
Kristin B is interested in anything that teaches her something new or gives her a different perspective on something she already knew. She’s a self-proclaimed Learn Nerd, which means the world is her educational oyster, and she’s always seeking opportunities to learn from life’s experiences and her clients’ assignments.
