Statistics show that approximately one out of every twelve households contains a freelance worker. This employment status is still somewhat rare, but recent trends predict that as the years go by, more and more people will turn to freelance work instead of working on a salary for an employer. There are common strengths that all freelancers share, regardless of what type of specific work they are doing for pay. Here are the top seven strengths that you will find among all self-employed individuals, regardless of whether they are designers, writers, accountants, or computer programmers.
1. Courage
The top strength that all freelancers share is courage. In today’s society, the “safe route” is to enter into the work force as an employee, and stick with one company for many years. This route is considered safe by many because it entails probable raises as the employee gains experience over the years. Employees usually enjoy a stable salary, benefits, and a retirement plan.
A freelancer has decided not to go this traditional route. Instead, he or she has ventured out on their own without the protection of having an employer. This takes courage because the freelancer knows that they will not have the raises, benefits, stability, or retirement plan that salaried workers have, yet they chose to go after their solo venture anyways.
2. Resiliency
Resiliency — the ability to recover from challenges — is a strength you often find among freelancers. This is because of the challenging nature of being self-employed. When things get tough, as they inevitably do, the freelancer cannot turn to a manager, project lead, or CEO to fix the problem. Instead the freelancer must suffer through the challenge and find ways to bounce back after the storm has passed. This is a strength that can be developed with time, just like a bicep will develop after many bicep curls.
3. Communication
Because freelancers provide consulting services to the public for a fee, they need to be good at communication. They need to acquire gigs, retain clients, and resolve issues that arise. All of this requires clear and direct communication.
4. Problem Solving
Not only do freelancers provide a skilled service to the public, such as computer programming or graphic design, but they also manage a business. This includes all aspects of small business management, including budgeting for supplies, making a schedule, delegating tasks, and managing promotions. A problem in any area of the business could stop the business from being profitable. This makes it vital for the freelancer to be able to problem solve issues that arise. For example, if the freelancer stops getting new clients, they may have an issue with their marketing strategy. They need to figure out what is going wrong, and how they will fix it. Problem solving often includes a blend between analytical and creative thinking.
5. Accounting
Though a freelancer might not tell you outright that they are good at accounting, if you dig a little bit you will find that it is an inherent strength. The freelancer likely understands how much they are making per month, what his or her expenses are, and how much should be saved for taxes. They probably know how to write and send an invoice, and keep a chart of accounts. These strengths are essential to small business success, so all freelancers, whether they are in a mathematical field or not, become strong accountants as the years go by.
6. Investing
Salaried employees often partake in a company retirement savings plan. This may be a 401K or a pension plan. Many times, this is set up at the moment that the individual is hired, and continues smoothly over the years with minimal involvement from the employee. Freelancers, however, do not have automated retirement plans. Instead they need to actively instate a strategy that will allow them to retire after a certain number of years. Many freelancers contribute to a Roth IRA or other investment plan. As they navigate the investment waters, they become well versed in financial terms.
7. Innovation
Innovation is often second nature to freelancers. The marketplace is constantly changing, and in order to stay competitive freelancers often have no option but to think of new ways to work. This may be related to a change in technology, or the evolution of a platform from which they work. Whatever the case, the freelance worker is well versed at brainstorming new methods, products, or strategies.
Freelance work is challenging and rewarding. In order to meet and overcome challenges, freelance workers need to be courageous, resilient, and innovative. Self-employed individuals have also built up skill in the areas of communication, accounting, investing, and problem-solving. These skills allow them to manage a business in an ever-changing, competitive environment.
