There are so many opportunities for freelancers in the new year! Here at Freelance University, we can only imagine that you’ve heard of the freelance revolution: the shift to a freelance economy disrupting businesses and introducing new opportunities for freelancers. That means if you have been considering starting a freelance business, the time has never been better to get started!

Is a Freelance Business Right for Me?

If the past few years have taught us anything, it is that the world of work is constantly changing, sometimes in unpredictable ways. 

So, why not make your own opportunities? Why not take advantage of the new opportunities as they present themselves? 

When considering the pros and cons of starting a freelance business, many individuals are afraid that freelancing is only an opportunity for the young or that freelancing is just for those highly skilled in the latest and greatest technologies or those who already have the substantial financial backing to ensure their success. 

If you’re one of those people, then we have a message for you from famed author and motivational speaker Les Brown:

“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.”

Here’s the thing about the freelance revolution – it’s a movement for all ages and abilities, with the average age of today’s freelancer being 40!

Whether you’re already a business-savvy individual looking into starting a freelance business in 2022, or you’re just testing the waters and looking for some additional reassurance that this is the right move for you, you’ll find some valuable information and resources below.

5 Reasons I Should Consider Starting a Freelance Business in the New Year

Freelancing is one of the most popular career paths in the world today, and for a good reason. If you’ve been considering starting a freelance business in 2022, then you’ll want to take a moment to review some of these reasons why you should dive on in:

1. I Can Be My Own Boss

According to a recent survey by FlexJobs, one of the leading reasons people choose to leave their traditional jobs and start a freelancing career is that they get to be their own boss. 

A significant 49% of survey respondents stated that having the freedom to be their own boss was a significant driver for freelancing.

There is nothing more exhilarating than having the opportunity to oversee your own destiny. You can choose how much you want to work, when you want to work, and how much you want to be paid. It’s liberating, and it’s for everyone. 

2. I Can Experience the Freedom of Time and Scheduling 

Being your own boss also means you have the freedom to set your own schedule, which can be highly liberating when you’ve been tied to a strict routine your entire school/work life. 

However, we’ve encountered many students who fear that they may not be able to maintain a proper work-life balance when they have this freedom to be home all the time or work whenever they feel like it. 

American author, Robert Collier, said it best:

“Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day-in, and day-out.”

Instead of fearing that this freedom could overwhelm you or that you won’t be able to balance freelance with a busy family life, it’s a chance to learn and grow. 

That is the true value of being your own boss. You get to figure out what works best for you and your unique situation. You get to adjust as you go, and you don’t have to answer to anyone else. 

That is a powerful feeling.

Even better, there are countless resources available to help you develop a healthy freelancer mindset, including the Fast Track Start-Up Program provided by the team here at Freelance University. 

3. I Choose the Clients I Work with and the Projects I Take On

We are all familiar with the quote “you can’t please everyone,” and one of the most frustrating parts of working for someone else and helping them grow their business is the fact that you can’t pick and choose who you work with. 

When starting a freelance business of your own, you can do just that. 

Sure, while some professionals out there will advise new freelancers to “take what they can get” to start building their reputation and skillsets, here at Freelance University, we will never recommend that.  

In fact, in our previous blog, “How to Gain Experience (and Credibility) When You Have None,” we suggest several incredible tips to help freelance newbies get started without having to sacrifice themselves to the wolves, including becoming a thought leader amongst your current audience and even volunteering your expertise where you see fit. 

When you take the time to pick clients and projects that you feel confident about, you’ll see your productivity increase and your revenue grow. Not to mention, you’ll start to build your reputation and develop the skills you need to succeed in the future.

4. The Possibility of an Increase in My Earning Potential

With the global gig economy (an economy that favors freelance workers) expected to hit approximately $455 billion in 2023, freelancing is becoming a viable profession for more and more job seekers. 

This is especially true for those with the right skills, the right mindset, and the right willingness to take control of their success. While there are many risks associated with freelancing, there are many rewards as well. In our experience, the biggest risk facing new freelancers is not the risk of failure but the risk of not starting!

With the right business plan in place, the risks associated with starting a freelance business can be managed. You can build an impressive and well-paying freelance business without losing sleep at night.

5. Allows Me the Opportunity to Find Meaningful Work I Love to Do

Finally, one of the most compelling reasons to consider starting a freelance business is the chance to find meaningful work that you love to do. 

“Pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work.” — Aristotle

When you’re in the midst of creating something beautiful or doing something meaningful, whether it’s developing software, providing customer service, or writing content, there’s a sense of purpose and accomplishment that can only come from creating something worthwhile.

That’s a powerful feeling, and it’s not easily replicated when you’re working for someone else, following their rules, and being told what to do next. The freedom to choose how you spend your time is one of the greatest rewards of working for yourself, and the best part is you get to choose the projects and clients that will allow you to experience this reward the most.

When you find meaningful ways to put your skills to work, you’ll never work a day in your life.

Don’t Go at It Alone – Let Freelance University Help Get You Started with Confidence

If you’re considering starting a freelance business, it’s easy to become overwhelmed. You have so many decisions to make, from the type of business you should start to the specific services you should offer and the various freelancing platforms you should use. The truth is you don’t have to figure all this out on your own.

At Freelance University, we’re here to help. We’ve worked with thousands of freelancers like you and have seen the highs and the lows of starting a freelance business. The services and resources we offer can help you start your business with confidence and get you on the right track toward building a thriving freelance career.

If you’re ready to invest in yourself and start a freelance business all your own, then download our start-up guide today and get started on the journey of a lifetime.