It can be overwhelming to navigate the freelance market. Of the<a href="https://ddiy.co/freelance-statistics/"> </a><a href="https://ddiy.co/freelance-statistics/">3.38 billion</a> people in the global workforce, 1.57 billion are freelancers. It can seem like a wild world! But breathe. We'll tell you how to continue earning a good income by freelancing today. Feeling that "you are not alone" might be scary initially, but that is also an assurance. Why? Because we are in a gig economy.
Because you are in demand, because you have the skills, now you need a roadmap. This article will give you that and more. Let's go! 
<h2>Who is a Freelancer? </h2>
A better term for a "freelancer" is a "solopreneur." A freelancer does not work with just one employer or company but instead works independently on a project-by-project basis.
They're the cool cats of the working world, with the freedom to set their hours, choose their projects, and work from wherever they want. They're a little bit entrepreneur, a little bit artist, and their own bosses. 
<h2>The Perks of Being a Freelancer in 2023 </h2>
<ul>
<li> You have flexible working hours. You decide when you want to work. All you need to take care of is meeting deadlines. You are your boss (and can be in pajamas!)</li>
<li> You are location-independent, so travel and become a digital nomad! You can still keep that stream of income coming. You also save time and money on intercity travel.</li>
<li> You can undertake a diverse range of projects. This will also keep you interested and ward off monotony. </li>
<li> There is no limit to how much you can earn. The more work you take on, the more money you make.</li>
<li> You can have a<a href="https://www.gettinghired.com/blog/4539/benefits-of-remote-jobs-from-flexibility-to-work-life-balance-or-getting-hired"> </a>better work-life balance and more time for things you are passionate about. For example, 70% of freelancers, who were part of a<a href="https://ddiy.co/freelance-statistics/"> </a>survey, said they were doing what they were for an improved work-life balance. There is a flip side to this too. You can overwork yourself and have weekend deadlines. You should know where to draw the line. </li>
<li> No workplace politics!</li>
</ul>
 
<div><img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/kyvEK13SR1GPfeOh4zeg"> </div>
<h2>10 Tips to Navigate the Freelance Market in 2023</h2>
<h3> Find Your Niche</h3>
Being a Jack or Jill of all trades might not work in your favor. So instead, pick a niche and become an expert at what you do. This will help you stand out from the crowd and get you gigs constantly. 
<h3>Look Up</h3>
Not many understand the importance of having a positive attitude toward freelancing. Stay positive, have a good attitude, and nothing can stop you. What do we mean by a good attitude? Let's explain that with an example.
Let's say a client rejected your assignment without an explanation. Taking the rejection to heart might not work out well for you. If you understand they are rejecting your work and not rejecting you, you can deal with it better. Ask for detailed feedback and move on! 
<h3>Networking</h3>
Not all freelancers are comfortable with going out and talking to people. But that is not all that we mean by networking. Networking today can also mean having an online presence, interacting with people online, and posting on platforms like LinkedIn to get to know others.
You can also get to know people at events that are not meant for that purpose -- say, story sessions or open mics. 
<h3>Consistency</h3>
You may have to start small, but the important thing is to keep going. Don't slack off because you do not have someone to oversee your work. Self-discipline is the keyword! 
<h3>Upskill Constantly</h3>
Learning and growth should never stop. You can never know everything. Having that modesty and a curious mind will not only help you increase your skill level but also help you stay relevant. For instance, if you are a writer, take a course in a different writing genre.
Take a grammar assessment. Learn another language. 
<h3>Build a Good Portfolio</h3>
Have a portfolio ready of what you can do, what you have done, and a brief about yourself. Having a website is a must today. Build one and upload your articles there. 
<h3>Choose Strategically</h3>
In the beginning, you may take up anything that comes your way to make a buck. Change that with time. Choose what you are interested in and what also pays well.
What tasks would look good on your portfolio? What would you really enjoy working on? 
<h3>Set Your Goals</h3>
One of the biggest mistakes most freelancers make is to work without a goal instead of towards one.
The plan could be anything. To work with 100 clients in 5 years. To have USD 10000 to travel. To save up for retirement. To have x number of followers. To become an expert in your field. This would help you get some perspective. It will also keep you motivated. 
<h3>Seek Mentorship</h3>
There are people in every profession who have been there and done that. Seeking their advice can help you avoid making the mistakes they had. They can guide you when you are stuck, help you network, and more. 
<h3>Bonus</h3>
<ul>
<li> Collect client testimonials and showcase them wherever you can. People trust other people more than ads. </li>
<li> Have a blog (text, audio, or video), even if you are not a writer. For example, if you are an SAP expert, write thought leadership posts on that. Show that you know what you are doing. </li>
<li> Lastly, ALWAYS deliver. Meet deadlines. Understand the brief. And exceed expectations. This helps in cultivating trust. </li>
</ul>
 Challenges are another essential thing you need to be aware of while navigating the freelance job market. Brace for those. Expect the worst and prepare for that so you are not caught off guard. 
<hr>

<h4 style="text-align: center;">Searching for a new position or switching careers? To apply and discover more about opportunities that are HIRING NOW, create an account at <a href="https://www.careercircle.com" rel="follow">careercircle.com</a>! </h4>

Are you a freelancer with a great set of skills? All you need is a roadmap to navigate that market. We've got that for you.

Navigating the Freelance Market | Getting Hired

Navigating the Freelance Market

Congratulations! You sent out your resume, <a href="https://www.careercircle.com/blog/post/5-ways-you-can-make-a-lasting-positive-impressionitive-impression-at-a-job-interview" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">nailed the interview</a>, and you have successfully landed your dream job. It can be an incredible feeling to get a new position, and you deserve to pat yourself on the back!&nbsp;However, for many people, that excitement can wear off as their first day of work approaches, and it can be replaced by fear and worry. It is perfectly natural to have first-day jitters, but we are here to tell you that there are ways to stay calm and enjoy the experience. 
If your new job is about to start, then these tactics can help you to be comfortable and more confident on the first day. 
<h2>Start Preparing The Day Before</h2>
 Some people get more nervous than others when it comes to trying something new. If you know that you will inevitably get nervous when you approach the office that first day, then it may be a wise idea to start mentally <a href="https://www.careercontessa.com/advice/first-day-new-job-preparation/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">preparing yourself the day before</a>. Think about some of the aspects that get you nervous and practice getting through your anxiety. For instance, if you fear that you may be tardy on your first day, then spend some time planning your route and even practice driving it. The idea is to get to work early so you aren&rsquo;t rushing and you can make a good impression. Just don&rsquo;t try to get there too early, or you may end up sitting in your car for 30 minutes, and the nerves could build up again.
&nbsp;
Another good idea is to plan out what you intend to wear on your first day. Dress appropriately for the position but wear something that makes you feel good. That could be a brand-new suit or a lucky collared shirt. Just make sure that it matches the dress code. Lay your outfit out now, so you don&rsquo;t need to rush in the morning.
&nbsp;
Finally, make it a point to get <a href="https://www.careercircle.com/blog/post/7-tips-for-employers-to-support-self-care-for-emp" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">adequate rest</a> the night before your first day. Aim for seven to nine hours of sleep so you can wake up feeling mentally refreshed. If you are already nervous and you fear that you will have trouble falling asleep, then you may want to <a href="https://www.zocdoc.com/blog/your-guide-to-creating-the-right-bedtime-routine/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">tweak your bedtime routine</a>. Go to bed at a decent time and avoid eating a heavy dinner that could create digestive issues overnight. Avoid staring at your phone as you lay in bed and instead consider a relaxing activity like reading your favorite book. You&rsquo;ll be asleep in no time. 
<h2>Know What To Expect</h2>
 The next step is to mentally prepare yourself so that you can be sharp when you arrive at work on your first day. You will likely be subjected to a lot of new information as you go through the onboarding process. Prepare to <a href="https://asana.com/resources/first-day-of-work" rel="noopener" target="_blank">learn a lot</a>, including the company policies, an overview of your initial responsibilities, the tools you will be using, and the login information that you will need to remember to access them. 
&nbsp;
You will likely meet a lot of new people. Don&rsquo;t worry about remembering every name, as that will come over time. However, if you are typically nervous about meeting people and introducing yourself, then you can make it easier to break the ice by researching your colleagues ahead of time on LinkedIn. Proper&nbsp;research will give you discussion topics, and it will be a lot easier to match faces to names and remember those names.
&nbsp;
While every first day will be a bit different depending on the company, one thing that you can count on is that you&rsquo;ll likely be busy. If you aren&rsquo;t prepared, then you may quickly become physically and mentally drained. You can prevent those negative feelings by making it a point to <a href="https://www.stanley1913.com/blogs/how-to-guides/how-to-stay-energized-the-whole-day" rel="noopener" target="_blank">stay energized throughout the day</a> by drinking plenty of water, eating a healthy lunch, and packing a healthy and energetic snack, like almonds. Coffee can also help but try not to overdo it, or you could experience a crash later in the day. 
<h2>Calming Your Jitters</h2>
 If you prepare for your first day, but you are still very nervous, then there are several tactics that you can try during the day to keep your nerves at bay. When you get a moment alone, consider some deep breathing exercises. By focusing on your breathing, you can decrease your heart rate and slow your racing thoughts. One of the easiest exercises to remember is the <a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/4-7-8-breathing" rel="noopener" target="_blank">4-7-8 method</a>. This is where you inhale as you slowly count to four. Then, hold your breath for seven seconds. Finally, slowly exhale for eight seconds. Repeat that exercise until you feel better.
&nbsp;
It is also a smart idea to use positive affirmations to build yourself up if you are feeling scared. Remind yourself that this employer hired you for a reason and that you are the best person for the job. Think about why you wanted this job in the first place and why it is your passion to do what you are doing. This little pep-talk can be key to rebuilding your confidence.
&nbsp;
Finally, if you know yourself well enough to know that you will have jitters, then consider having a friend or family member on standby that you can call during a break. Talking to someone you trust for a few minutes can give you the confidence that you need to go back to work and take on the rest of your first day.
&nbsp;
In the end, if you are nervous about your first day at work, then know that many people feel the same way. Consider the tips and advice described here, and you can start your new position with confidence. 
&nbsp;Looking for a role or changing careers? Register <a href="https://www.careercircle.com/candidates/signup" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank" title="Register Today!">here</a> to apply for available roles with our partners!&nbsp;&nbsp;
<hr>

Content Contributor:
Ainsley Lawrence is a freelance writer from the Pacific Northwest. She is interested in better living through technology and education. She loves traveling to beautiful places and is frequently lost in a good book.

Start your new job confidently by preparing the day before, knowing what to expect, and staying calm.

First Day Prep at a New Job | Getting Hired

First Day Prep at a New Job

Taking a new job is exciting, but moving to a new location can be daunting. With some preparation, you can find the perfect place to live that meets all your needs. Here is some general advice to get you started. 
<h2>Research the New Location</h2>
Before you agree to anything, you need to ensure that the new location fits your family. You must investigate the area via internet research, conversations with your future co-workers, and visits. 
<ul>
<li>Schools</li>
</ul>
Find out all you can about the new school district, its reputation, and where the <a href="https://www.publicschoolreview.com/top-ranked-public-schools">new school system</a> ranks within the state for educational excellence. Visit schools your kids will be attending. Get a sense of the institution and its management. 
<ul>
<li>Taxes</li>
</ul>
Look into what local and state taxes you will be responsible for paying. In some states, the salary increase you get will be negated by the taxes you owe. Make sure, before you commit, you have a good sense of where you will end up financially if you move forward. 
<ul>
<li>Cost of Living</li>
</ul>
The cost of living in an area can be a deal killer. If, for example, you are moving from <a href="https://www.bestplaces.net/cost-of-living/oklahoma-city-ok/new-york-ny/150000" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Oklahoma to New York City</a>, you should assume you will need to make more than double what you are currently making to break even. 
<ul>
<li>Real Estate Market</li>
</ul>
Investigate the local real estate market and understand what it will cost you to buy a home, rent, or find an alternative living arrangement. Look at resale prices for that market and use that information to look for housing where you know you can resell if you need to do so. If you rent, look at average rents and use that information to determine where to look. 
<ul>
<li>Crime</li>
</ul>
Search online and find the crime statistics for the town or city you will be relocating. Pay attention to any neighborhood crime assessments and any trends in reported crimes. Crime statistics will help you decide where to live and give you a general idea of areas you may want to avoid. 
<ul>
<li>Local Job Market</li>
</ul>
If you have a spouse or kids that work, you want to investigate the <a href="https://www.thejobnetwork.com/top-8-tools-salary-research-012017/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">local job market</a>. Make sure you are moving to an area that will allow your spouse to work in their field easily. It makes no sense to increase one spouse's employment if the other has to take a huge hit in salary or benefits. 
<ul>
<li>Average Commute Time</li>
</ul>
Speaking of commuting time, how about your commute? Can you easily get from your new home to your job, or will there be significant traffic issues that affect when you have to leave and when you can expect to be home? If there are commuting challenges, does it make more sense to look to live closer to work or in a different location? 
<ul>
<li>Check Out Amenities and Services</li>
</ul>
Research what local amenities and services exist in your new location and find out the following:
Are there parks? Where are the supermarkets? What is there to do during the week and weekend? Does the new place have the type of church you want to frequent (if you are religious) How about hospitals and Urgent Care?
Identify the services you use in your current location and activities you like to do and investigate if both are available at your new location. If the answer is "no," you will likely still take the job, but you might tailor your living location to your interests and needs. 
<h2>Visit and Look at Housing</h2>
Once you have locked down the area where you want to live generally, look at the housing options in those areas. Take a weekend if you can and spend it looking at properties. A weekend trip will not only help you find your ideal living space, but it will also give you a good sense of the area you want to live. 
<h2>Decide on a Moving Date and Set a Budget</h2>
Once you have a place to live, decide on a moving date that gives you plenty of time to get packed and ready. Before you pack one box, work out your budget. For example, suppose you are moving from New York City to Baltimore for a job. Figure out the cost of going with an <a href="https://www.ozmoving.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">NYC moving company</a> and look at options based on your budget.
You want to budget your move even if your new company is moving you because moving expenses can escalate quickly. One issue with the delivery of your stuff, for example, and you could be looking at having to stay at a hotel for a few days. You will also have other expenses like meals and general travel costs, like gasoline.
The more you plan your move, the better off you will be once you get to your new location. 
<h2>Say Your Goodbyes</h2>
Try and plan your goodbyes, so they do not interfere with your move. If possible, you want to have at least one day between your last goodbye and you are going to your new home. 
<h2>Move</h2>
Whether moving one town over or across entire regions of the country, remember that no move is perfect, nor is it worth stressing too much over what you have no control over. 
<h2>Get Settled in the New Place</h2>
Make sure you give yourself a few days to acclimate to the new surroundings. If possible, give yourself a week. That will let you start to get settled before you have to start focusing on the new job. If a buffer is not possible, prioritize what is important to you in terms of making your new space your own. 
<h2>Final Thoughts</h2>
Some people can pick up and move to a new location and not break stride. Most people need a lot of planning, adjusting, and flexibility to make it all work. Follow this list of suggestions and your move will be significantly easier than if you push ahead and hope for the best. 
<hr>
 Are you currently looking for a new role or are interested in changing careers? Make sure to check out available job opportunities at <a href="https://www.careercircle.com/jobs" rel="follow">careercircle.com/jobs</a>.&nbsp; While you are there register and sign up to receive updates about jobs, events, and resources to take your career to the next level!&nbsp;

Moving for a new job? Discover tips to find the perfect place to live and make your move easier.

A Guide To Moving to a New Job Location | Getting Hired

A Guide To Moving to a New Job Location

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157 Articles

Navigating the Freelance Market

First Day Prep at a New Job

A Guide To Moving to a New Job Location

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