As a budding freelancer it is so important to get the right advice and direction, because there so many benefits available. You will obviously have your reasons for making the decision to do it, but also consider the fact that you can receive healthy tax reductions, which is definite plus. You also have the benefit of being able to make your own decisions each day. So when your ready to take a break, you can without the boss breathing down your neck.

For many people, the feeling having to answer to no body but yourself is refreshing. You can make your office how you see fit, or you can plan your hours to suit your lifestyle. Employees do not have these benefits, so if you personality leans towards this type of freedom, make the step.

You will, as a freelancer, get paid more money for your time than the average employee. Therefore it is advisable to market your self and hold onto the valuable clients you have, because if you can keep the regular work coming in at the rate you charge, you will be earning a lot more than the employee in a year.

If you do it right, you can earn a lot more as a freelancer because you charge a much higher rate for your time. If your not sure about rates, then check sites like the a.o.i site for ideas on rates (if your an illustrator or graphic designer).

Confidence building is important for newcomers, so it is advisable to get out there and market your self to as many companies as possible. The more people you work with, the more versatile you will become. Communication is very important, so learn to brush up on those verbal phone skills and close deals with confidence.

Freelancing is much harder to master than full time employment, because there is so much more to consider day to day. It is a good idea to maybe write down a S.W.A.T analysis of yourself, identifying your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. Remember, you will not have the same level of protection as an employee, so make sure you have a solid business advisor.

As a freelancer you will only get paid when the work comes in, so if your ill or off on holiday you will not get paid. You need to consider how you will save your money for those rainy days. Marketing is really the key to success in this extremely competitive industry.

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