What being a freelancer really is

Being a freelancer means working for several clients on your own, charging for a service or a project, instead of having one boss and a payslip. It can be on a computer (websites, videos, design) or with your hands (mechanics, assembly, renovations).

The good

• You need almost no money to start: your skill, a phone or a computer and the will.
• You choose your clients, hours and where you work.
• Your income has no ceiling: if you improve and raise your prices, you earn more.
• You learn to sell, negotiate and run a real business.

What you don’t see on Instagram

• Good months and slow months. You have to save for the bad ones.
• No paid holidays or sick leave: if you don’t work, you don’t get paid.
• Finding clients is part of the job, always.
• You do everything: the work, selling, invoicing, chasing payments and answering messages at 11 at night.