Being a work-from-home freelancer can come with a lot of perks. More often than not, you get to set your own schedule, work at your own pace, and avoid the tediousness of a 9-to-5 job. As an added bonus, you can commute to work just by walking over to your computer! However, this doesn’t mean that being a freelancer is all sunshine and roses. There are many difficult aspects of remote freelancing that millions of people are realizing for the very first time. So, in today’s guide, we are going to look at 5 ways to take care of yourself as a freelancer!
Don’t Ignore Your Health
When you have a traditional employer, you usually have some form of health insurance provided for you. However, as a freelancer, you’re pretty much on your own. You have to get your own insurance and navigate the healthcare system alone. As a result, many freelancers forego insurance and treatment simply because it seems too expensive or complicated.
Naturally, this is a huge mistake. You should never ignore potential health issues, whether you suffer from chronic back pain or you require heel spur surgery (in which case you can contact the experts at The Bunion Cure). No medical treatment is worth delaying. So, always remember to put your health above all else.
Create a Realistic Budget
Budgeting is difficult for everyone, but it is especially complicated for freelancers. You likely need to deal with quarterly self-employment tax payments, home office expenses, and delayed cash flow from unpaid invoices. As a result, you need to be particularly careful to set a realistic budget for yourself. This way, you are far less likely to mismanage your finances or accumulate a lot of debt.
Contribute to an Emergency Savings Account
Freelancing income is often unpredictable. Sometimes, you may work for months with a steady income and then suddenly lose a few clients. Before you know it, your monthly income has been cut in half. For this reason, you should always have an emergency savings account and contribute to it regularly. With additional funds on hand, you can have a buffer when work is quiet and you’re not making as much money.
Keep Your Work Life and Personal Life Separate
When you work from home, it can be difficult to keep your work and personal lives separate. You may have a spouse, children, roommates, or other aspects of your personal life that draw your attention away from work. Therefore, it is essential that you set strict parameters in your schedule. Sure, you can have a flexible work schedule, but work time should always be dedicated to working. Alternatively, free time should never be dedicated to working.
Don’t Sell Yourself Short
Many new freelancers take on any work they can get at extremely low rates. Moreover, many freelancers suffer from Imposter Syndrome and don’t have faith in their abilities. This often results in lost income and poor relationships with clients. So, don’t sell yourself short. Set competitive rates for your services and don’t accept work from clients who are not willing to pay for your skills.
Did you find our guide on 5 ways to take care of yourself as a freelancer useful and informative? If so, be sure to check out some of our other posts on Devlounge today!
