Asteeeg! Beyond traditional careers and conventional lifestyle

“How can I quit my job and do what I want, on my own time, and still make enough money?”

Why, it’s never been easier!

If you are already know the answer to this question - move on. But for people who are visiting this site looking for answers to get out of the corporate world and start working for yourself, this is the post for you.

I started my freelancing career doing programing jobs while still in college. I continued taking some freelance jobs even as I started working as a web developer in Makati, and went full time in 2004 after quitting my last job as an employee. I worked from home doing freelance work for more than a year (though we registered as a company with the SEC) before putting up the company that I run today. However, the freelance work still continues from time to time, and provides a decent side income apart from my main job.

So, how can you do it too?

• Hone a skill people are willing to pay for. On my part, it was doing programming, web development, creating courseware, and yes, even teaching! Some people do professional writing, graphic design, creating presentations, doing marketing studies, and so much more. Observe something that many businesses need and you can probably find a good freelance career filling that need.
• Find a first client to serve as your reference. Nobody wants to try out a freelancer with zero previous experience. Before you quit that job, try doing something for someone, even if you’re not paid anything for it. You will get a feel for dealing with clients, managing your time, doing professional work, and many other things that doing life as a freelancer will bring. More importantly, it will give you a portfolio that you can reference when trying to get more potential clients.
• Be professional. Professionalism is with perceptions as much as it is with action. Apart from being skilled at the technical aspect of your job, you must be professional at dealing with your clients. From having a business card, being accessible when needed, meeting your deadlines, and providing superior service - these are the things that will build your reputation, widen your client base with referrals, and ensure you a steady income despite not having a “steady” job.
• Don’t be afraid! The biggest stumbling block for most people is losing that stable paycheck that comes to you in the middle and the end of the month. This is an unfounded fear, as long as you have a game plan for yourself when you leave the ranks of the employed and start freelancing. When you are liberated of a monthly paycheck, you will find out that you can get paid commensurately to your skill and hard work, and are not paid by an arbitrary number determined by your boss. This is the best part about having a freelance life - having the freedom of working as hard as you want to make a lot of money, or stopping to take a vacation or just do nothing until you need to work for money again.

I hope this little guide helps you as you consider turning over that resignation letter to live your life of freedom. Good luck!

P.S. Becoming a freelancer is very different from having your own company. You can be one or the other, or even both at the same time - but you should know that differences between each. This is something we’ll talk about more in the future.