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<p>Did you think during a long time about becoming a freelancer or a self-employed worker or did you leap quickly? Did a specific event give you the courage to say goodbye to your 9 to 5 schedule or did you plan it for years? There are many steps to follow before creating your own business but did you take the time to discuss with other freelancers for some pieces of advice? Here are 5 things to know before becoming a freelancer according to <a href="https://www.momenteo.com/blog/" target="_blank">testimonies from our blog</a>.</p> <h3><strong>You Need (and Will) Become Multifunctional</strong></h3> <p>Before, you had a defined role in a business. Now, you need to manage different departments at the same time. Indeed, you are in charge of marketing and looking for new customers, you must provide customer service, as well as having to send all estimates and invoices (at least, <a href="https://www.momenteo.com" target="_blank">Momenteo can help you</a> with that). You will need to do very different tasks during a workday and some people might find it terrifying, especially when you are uncomfortable with customers or do not where you find new contracts. Try to remain calm. Some resources and tools can help you. For example, can you ally with other more experienced freelancers or self-employed workers? There are also associations of entrepreneurs and training. Be disciplined and with the time you will master all aspects of YOUR business.</p> <h3><strong>You Need (and Will) Learn Who You Are</strong></h3> <p>Many freelancers have mentioned that they learned who they were through their freelance reality. First, it is important to know your strengths and weaknesses to find the right jobs for you. Do not start to apply on projects that you do not feel comfortable with or that you despise. Know how to remain honest with yourself. Furthermore, you also need to find what separates you from your competitors since you are in charge of selling yourself. As mentioned above, you are now the person in charge of finding new customers. If you know yourself, it will be easier to sell your services.</p> <h3><strong>You Need (and Will) Learn to Live With Financial Insecurity</strong></h3> <p>The liberty provided with the freelance life comes with a few disadvantages. One of them is financial insecurity. Indeed, we never know when an off-peak season can occur or when one of your customers will not renew his contract with you. It is the hard reality of freelancers and self-employed workers; however, when you know it can happen, you can prepare for it. To start with, it would be wise <a href="https://www.momenteo.com/blog/how-to-save-money-when-you-are-a-freelancer" target="_blank">to save money</a> when you receive payments. A portion of your fees should consider freelance precariousness. Then, closely monitor your incomes and spending. Why not <a href="https://www.momenteo.com/blog/are-you-ready-for-the-holiday-season" target="_blank">take some time off</a> when you know that a precise moment will be quiet? You could also take this opportunity to follow some courses or look for new customers!</p> <h3><strong>You Need (and Will) Set Boundaries Between Your Personal and Your Professional Life</strong></h3> <p>It might be tempting to finish projects in the evenings or during the weekend but is it what you want? It can be difficult to separate the freelancer life of your personal life, especially when you work from home. From the start, set boundaries and follow them as much as possible. Exceptions to your own rules must not become the norm. You probably wanted to become a freelancer to spend more time with your family and not the contrary. You might have to decline a few opportunities to keep a good life quality. Do not forget that you are the most important employee of your own business. It is then important to take care of yourself.</p> <h3><strong>You Need (and Will) Avoid to Isolate Yourself</strong></h3> <p>The last thing our freelancers wished they had known is that you might isolate yourself when you will start your own business. This is also especially true if you work from home. With the latest technological advances, you might likely have less human contact than when you were working for a business. You might miss your past colleagues then. Why not <a href="https://www.momenteo.com/blog/where-do-i-work-from" target="_blank">work from somewhere else</a> from time to time to remedy this? You could go to the local library or a coffee shop, for example. Have you ever thought of working at a coworking space? These shared offices are used by other freelancers just like you. You could also go to networking events to meet people!</p> <p></p> <p>In conclusion, always keep in mind the reasons why you wanted to be a freelancer or a self-employed worker. Why not write these reasons on a sheet of paper for moments of doubt? Do not hesitate to ask for help from other professionals if you feel overwhelmed. It is not because you are a freelancer that you need to be alone!&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>