Oh yes, going into fulltime freelancing is a big leap for any profession. It’s like throwing ourselves into the lion’s den. We have to leave our comfort zone that provides a steady flow of monthy income and leap into a new season of uncertainty. For many, this is not a challenge they want in their life. But for the handful who believe in themselves and are certain of what they want in life, this is one big leap that will change their life forever.

It’s important to be all geared up before you take the big leap into fulltime freelancing. It’s not as luxurious as it seems (if you have been reading the blogs of successful fulltime freelancers, you will understand what I mean). Common people view fulltime freelancers as slackers who sleep-in till the afternoon sun rises, coach potatoes who watch too much television, surfers who play games and chat online, etc. People think freelancers work less and play more. And they are right – partially. We play more, but we also work harder. Because we don’t know where the next bread and butter are going to come from and when.

Going into fulltime freelancing isn’t something that you can decide overnight. You need a plan for it, yes you do. There is a need to sit down and draw up a small plan before you take the leap. Here are some of the things to look into before sending your resignation letter to your boss.

Financial Cushion – It’s not a secret that freelancing is a fast route to quick and easy cash. But it really doesn’t happen as simple as assumed. You probably have to spend a few days looking for clients, then another few days to build that business relationship before getting the brief. By the time you sit down to work, two weeks would have passed. Another two weeks to get the job done, and a month to get paid. So yes, loads of cash, but a long time before it enters your wallet. That’s why it’s important to prepare a financial cushion before you take the leap. Make sure you save enough to feed yourself for the first three months. That way, your financial flow would be secured.

Moonlight First – Prepare yourself for the journey ahead. Before you quit your job, try out freelancing part time. Go out and build that network connection with potential clients. Try to get a job or two and work on them during your free time. That way you get a taste of what freelancing is all about (especially the paperwork and client servicing part) and you will be able to judge if this is what are you really up for. You may also be able to secure some freelance jobs before leaping into fulltime freelancing. Having jobs in hand would help manage your financial flow when you quit your job.

The Right Time – As if there is ever a right time for anything – LOL! There will never be a right time unless we make it a right time for us. People say don’t throw away your fixed income since the economy is bad, you’ll have to say it’s the right time to step out and freelance because people are looking for freelancers who produce quality outcome at lower price. People say there are so many freelancers out there and doubt you would survive, you’ll have to believe that you are not just one of them; you can stand out and be successful! No time is the right time unless we make it the right time for us.

Productive Location – Now that you are on your own, you need an office to work in. It doesn’t have to be a proper office-like building or a rented property. It just has to be a decent place where you can focus on working. Some people can’t work from home – they go to the cafes nearby or rent a room as their offices. Others are completely comfortable working on their laptop in their bedroom or at the balcony. Wherever it is, determine where you want to work and make it productive. No distraction from families and leisure activities and no excuse to do something else. It’s a disciplinary act.

Nail these pointers right, and your leap into fulltime freelancing would be one that you would surely be confident of. It’s important because confidence is the first key to success in the world of freelance.

Originally written by Gina Yap Lai Yoong © 2010

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