The freelancing industry has bloomed over the past few years. If a couple of years ago working from home didn’t seem so possible, now many jobs offer just that. Or, even better, you could be working from a sandy beach in an exotic country. Here you can find a survival guide to international freelancing that will help you decide if it is something that you could embrace.
Introduction to freelancing
Being a freelancer is better described as being self-employed. Working project-based or collaborating with companies in the long term. You can work from the comfort of your home or in another country. Also, you decide how much you spend working each day. Freelancing is all about flexibility.
There are many fields of work in which you can become a freelancer. From journalism, photography, graphic design, software development to admin support, there are all sorts of jobs that can easily be done from home. Even so, the most popular and accessible freelancing jobs are based on writing. Clients from all over the world are looking for creative writers to help them improve the quality of their blog posts or articles.
International freelancing
If you could do your writing from home, why not do it from another country? That is one of the best parts of freelance writing. You just need a laptop, and you are good to go. Travel the world and work at the same time. Finance your vacation from vacation.
It all sounds impressive, but it’s not always as easy as it looks. This survival guide to international freelancing will help you understand the ups and downs of traveling and working. Here are some of the things you should focus on when becoming a digital nomad.
Finding the right location
Sure, you want to work and feel the breeze of the sea. But is it possible? Being a freelance writer in a different country is not like traveling for work. You might not have a steady income that you can rely on. You have to pay for your accommodation and food. Expenses can be very high in some parts of the world.
Before deciding to become an international freelance writer, do some research. Find out which are the best countries for freelancing. Saving some money before making a move is also recommended. Look at the options you have and choose carefully. Maybe there are places that you have already been to that could be a good pick. Find the best places in the world for working from home and enjoy your new life as an international freelancer.
Adapting to the new scene
A fresh start in a new country can be a challenge. Having to move abroad and quickly get used to a new culture might not be easy, but it is very important, especially for a writer. The sooner you get settled, the better. Understanding your new home will help you find new stories everywhere.
Knowing the language is a significant advantage. If you don’t, you should learn it. Being able to socialize with locals and make friends is essential. It will help you find stories in surprising places. A visit to the local market or a walk through the park can inspire your next great article.
Visit museums, eat in local restaurants, live the local life. Work when you need to work, but don’t forget to take some time off. Inspiration comes to us when we are relaxed.
Generating a stable income
Some of the freelance jobs are project-based. That means that sometimes you might not have what to work on; no work, no pay. And that can be a real problem when you are in a foreign country. It’s a good idea to make sure that you have a steady income.
Being a freelance writer often offers the opportunity to also have a full-time job. Research the local market for extra work. You might find some opportunities. Also, get in touch with the freelancing community. You are not the first one to become an international freelancer. Learn from other people’s experiences.
Even if you have something to work on at the moment, constantly look for new opportunities. It’s better to have some backup than to worry about when you will find your next project. Work on two or three projects if you can, and always try to save some money. You never know when it will come in handy.
Improving your writing
When it comes to the basics, freelance writing is the same as any other job. You always want to improve and be the best at it. To achieve that, make sure you follow some of our advice.
- Communicate openly. Let your clients know exactly what you have to offer. Set clear boundaries and stick to them. For example, if you agreed on four hours of work each day, don’t work past the agreed time. You might end up creating a bad habit that might affect other projects you are working on.
- Take breaks. Even if it might break rhythm and concentration when writing, taking breaks is highly recommended. Making five-minute pauses from time to time can improve the quality of your work. You can refresh your thoughts and see a new perspective. Also, it will help prevent burnout.
- Say no when you have to. Reject projects if you can’t handle them. There’s no shame in it. On the contrary, it is better to turn down a job that you don’t have time for than to take it and have bad results. Try to focus on what you have and make the best out of it. There will always be new work opportunities.
Take your work seriously. Yes, being an international freelance writer gives you flexibility. But don’t get too flexible. Try to treat your writing like any other job. Schedule your working hours and stick to the plan. It will help you develop a routine, and you will set limits between working time and personal time.
Final thoughts
If you like to travel but also need to work, becoming an international freelance writer might be a good idea. Pack your bags and travel the world for your next story. Who knows, you might even become one of the travelers that choose to stay abroad. Follow this survival guide to international freelancing and make your freelancing travel experience a success.
