Many people work freelance as a way to balance the demands of their full-time job with other commitments. However, it’s important to be aware of the risks and responsibilities that come with this kind of work. For example, you’re essentially your own business owner, which means you need to stay on top of all the taxes and invoices you’re responsible for, find your own health insurance and purchase any technology and software needed to complete each project. The feast-or-famine nature of freelancing also means that some months will be packed with work, while others may be slow.

Once you’ve secured a freelance job, you’ll need to deliver high-quality content that adheres to the client’s specifications on time. You should also use the opportunity to network with other freelancers and establish a support system that can help you when the going gets tough. The lack of a boss also means that you’ll have to be comfortable pitching yourself and discussing your skills with strangers, which can be challenging for some.

Ultimately, freelance work can be rewarding because it gives you the freedom to choose your own projects and work with clients that you enjoy working with. Many freelancers find that this freedom leads to higher quality work than they would otherwise produce in a full-time job. It can also be satisfying to see a direct link between working hard and the balance in your bank account. But it’s worth noting that a freelancer’s salary doesn’t include the benefits of a full-time position, like paid vacation time, equipment, office space and matched pension contributions. freelance