Look how time flies so fast and it has been almost a couple of years when I started online freelancing. I've been aware of it since 2000 but because I was so young and pre-occupied, I have to set it aside. Not to mention the "conservative & traditional" working norm that was inculcated in my mind since I started talking and walking. It was just a couple of years ago that I've considered it wholeheartedly and devoted some time and effort. Today, I am reaping what I've worked hard for so long and it's a rewarding experience for me.
Based from my own experience and personal views, online freelancing requires time, dedication and lots of patience. For professionals like me who was educated and trained in a very different field and environment entails a "super saiyan" transformation or "moon crescent power make-up" transformation (dragon ball and sailormoon hangover). Kidding aside, freelancing is a serious stuff so-to-speak.
Layman's misconceptions about Online Freelancing and Facts
Most of non-online freelancers (layman) would think that this is a child's play and will not bring in some serious dough.
Misconception No. 1: Easy breeze
"Chillax "mode or short for chilling and relaxing is the first thing in mind when someone hears online freelancing. But they are wrong! Like any serious regular "office" employment, when work calls in, there is not second to waste. Online freelancers would sometimes deprive themselves of food and water and even bathroom breaks just to finish a project with online tracker system on their computer screens. When there is no activity recognized by the system, it is then subtracted to the freelancer's fee. You may think that being a regular employee (with so much time for mind wondering while on your desks or in the field) would be better.
Fact: If you've accepted a project that is time based (with online time tracker and activity screenshots) it is more likely that you have to sacrifice some time to finish certain task but there are clients (employers) who are understanding and considerate that will give you an hour break for 8 hours of a day's work. If you happen to accept a non-time bound project but with certain deadline, it is much better because you are responsible for your own time management.
Misconception No. 2: No penny
There is no future in this career. Oops! That is not so true. Among the freelancers and clients that I've met along the way, online freelancer have even sent their siblings and children to school, build a house of their own and even travel to places that they've want with work just a click away on their laptops. In addition, building your career profile on the net would be not that quick and easy at first but it will develop over time. Before you know it, you might be even having your own business.
Fact: With the explosive growth of cloud-based computing system and mobile devices development, it makes professionals like me, to take our expertise outside the office norm and even multiply potential income compared to regular office earnings. For some country like in the Philippines (US have passed a bill for online work taxes), online freelancing has no tax fees yet, so you get your income without that much deduction except for 10% freelance platform (Odesk or Elance) would charge the clients. Take note though, there are some clients that would include the platform fee on your professional fee but that can be negotiated.
Misconception No. 3: Not ideal
It will not fulfill my dream job. Yes and No. Yes, if it entails a hands-on personal appearance on the work field and No, if it demands just your expertise, advise and our even your voice online. You cannot build a house in North America online if you are a carpenter in China (but you can still promote your services within your community) but if you have an inclination to arts, writing, technology and even customer support, and then this is a great avenue for you within the comforts of your home.
Fact: Dream job criteria depend on each individual. If you want more flexibility, creative control, work at home, earn more money or grow your own business, then online freelancing is best for you. These are the top 5 answers according to the 2010 Global Freelancers Survey. The majority would be flexibility as they go into certain projects or contract.
Here are the top ten (with no corresponding order) in demand jobs that I've dogged into for the last couple of years. (Each freelance platform has their statistical report but this is based on personal daily experience online)
1. Technical support
2. Customer service
3. Data entry/ Encoder
4. Programming
5. Web development
6. Web content writer
7. Graphic Designer
8. Translation
9. Editor
10. Project manager
Like a diamond buried for so long in the mud and rocks, online freelancing is a gem if found. Once you have found your niche and build a career on it then you are more than a millionaire. Not just in terms of the money but also the life you've always wanted.
I wonder what are other personal misconceptions that you might have in online freelancing and personal reasons for choosing one?
I would love to hear from you. Feel free to share your story or experiences as well.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lindsay_Saludar
http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Hidden-Treasure-(A-Glimpse-of-an-Online-Freelancers-Life)&id=8231756
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