Freelancing can be a rollercoaster ride of uncertainty, flexibility, and freedom. It offers the opportunity to work on exciting projects, but it also comes with its fair share of challenges. Three experienced freelancers, illustrator Pounamu Wharekawa, screenwriter/playwright Kathryn Burnett, and actor Mark Mitchinson, share their insights on navigating the freelance world.
One of the key aspects of freelancing is embracing uncertainty. Burnett emphasizes the importance of having faith in oneself and being able to ride the rollercoaster of uncertainty. Wharekawa, on the other hand, highlights the challenges of dealing with the ebb and flow of work opportunities. Mitchinson stresses the significance of self-belief in the freelance world, emphasizing the need to back oneself in the face of uncertainty.
Rejection is a common part of freelancing, and learning to handle it is crucial. Mitchinson advises understanding the decision-making process behind job selections, whether in acting or corporate work. Rejection can often lead to valuable lessons or better opportunities down the line. It’s essential to maintain a positive mindset and not take rejection personally.
Dry spells are inevitable in freelancing, but they should not be seen as a reflection of one’s talent or worth. Burnett shares her experience of going through a tough dry spell and emphasizes the importance of diversifying skills to weather such periods. Mitchinson echoes this sentiment, noting that dry spells are a natural part of the industry and should not be taken personally.
Success in freelancing is not a linear journey but rather a series of highs and lows. It’s essential to celebrate the highs and navigate the lows with resilience. Wharekawa emphasizes the cyclical nature of work in freelancing, where periods of abundance can be followed by droughts. Understanding this dynamic can help freelancers manage their expectations and emotions.
Compensation for rushed or last-minute work is a common challenge for freelancers. Wharekawa introduces a rush fee to address this issue, ensuring that clients understand the value of timely and quality work. Setting boundaries and communicating expectations clearly can help freelancers maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Balancing paid work with personal creative projects is a common struggle for freelancers. Burnett suggests ring-fencing time for personal projects to ensure a balance between commerce and art. By prioritizing personal creativity alongside paid work, freelancers can nurture their artistic pursuits while meeting client demands.
Networking and building connections are essential for freelancers to secure work opportunities. Wharekawa emphasizes the importance of attending events and maintaining personal connections to expand one’s network. Putting oneself out there and letting people know about availability can lead to unexpected job offers and collaborations.
Avoiding comparison and jealousy is crucial in the freelance world. Burnett advocates for paying it forward by recommending other freelancers for opportunities when unable to take them on. Mitchinson stresses the importance of generosity and self-belief, reminding freelancers to focus on their unique strengths and talents.
In conclusion, freelancing offers a mix of challenges and rewards, requiring resilience, self-belief, and a proactive approach to securing work. By embracing uncertainty, handling rejection, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance, freelancers can navigate the ups and downs of the freelance world with confidence and success.
