A Guide to Freelancing: Types of Freelance Jobs & More

The Rise of Freelance Work

Even before the COVID-19 global health crisis, many corporate employees switched to freelancing for different reasons. A 2019 report found that the Philippines ranked sixth in the world as the fastest-growing market for the freelance economy.

Some prefer the more flexible work arrangements and the significant savings and earnings that freelancing provides. For instance, freelancers don't spend hours commuting to work, allowing them to save time, transportation costs, and cash spent on food.

Freelancing has allowed many professionals from different fields to take back control of their work and life and earn a higher income to sustain themselves and their families, especially during the pandemic. 

Popular Types of Freelance Work

These days, many types of work can be freelanced. Below are some of the most common types of freelance jobs you can get started on. 

• Photography
  Photography is one of the most common freelancing jobs. During the pandemic, many photographers have turned to freelance and tried their hand at product photography for emerging small businesses. Having a portfolio of your shoots and experience is a good start to find prospective clients.
  
  Relevant skills: Editing, retouching, overlay shooting, conceptualization
   

• Teaching and Tutoring
  Teaching and tutoring can be a freelancing opportunity not only for educational professionals but also for experts in different fields, such as web developers, instrumental music professionals, and language teachers. You can develop your lesson plan and provide a packaged service or hourly rate for clients.
  
  Relevant skills: Expertise in a specific subject such as math, English, and programming languages
   

• Virtual Assistant
  A virtual assistant (VA) is one of the most popular freelancing jobs in the Philippines. VAs are responsible for organizational work and are a jack of all trades since they can provide various services such as setting appointments, creating email newsletters, social media marketing, graphic design, and more.
  
  Relevant skills: Organizational and communication skills, good command of written and spoken English, and computer savvy
   

• Graphic Designer
  Graphic artists or designers use digital tools to create and design illustrations or visual content for print or electronic use. They can produce anything from social media graphics, infographics, brochures, brand products and services pamphlets, branding materials, and more.
  
  Relevant skills: Photo manipulation and editing, illustration, multimedia content, and photo-editing software proficiency
   

• Content Writer
  Content writing or freelance writing is flexible work that could be anything from ghostwriting to crafting various forms of content, including blogs, social media copy, ad copy, e-books, landing pages, video scripts, and more.
  
  Relevant skills: Strong writing skills, editing, and familiarity with digital marketing tools
   

• Translator
  Translation jobs can rate high, especially if you know difficult languages like German and French. As a translator, the jobs you'll find will require you to translate text, documents, podcasts, or videos from one language to another.
  
  Relevant skills: Proficiency in different languages
   

• Video Editor
  Video editors develop concepts, create storylines, and assemble video footage for branding or marketing. Video editors ensure that their final product matches the client's vision. Plus, they must be experienced in using both hardware and software.
  
  Relevant skills: Video-editing software proficiency and editing skills
   

• Web Developer and Designer
  Web developers and designers conceptualize and design websites according to the client’s preferences and needs. Those who are well-versed in both front-end and back-end development tend to price themselves higher and earn more.
  
  Relevant skills: Proficiency in various computer languages
   

• Social Media Marketing Specialist
  A social media marketer is responsible for developing a content plan that will attract and appeal to a client's target audience. The job entails copywriting, graphic design, and doing social media audits and analytics. The flexibility of the role attracts many freelance social media marketers; plus, the service can be offered in different packages or pricing methods.
  
  Relevant skills: Well-versed in different social media platforms, organizational and analytical skills, and internet-savvy

Benefits of Freelance Work

If you feel freelancing is a good match for your lifestyle and needs right now, have a look at the upsides of freelancing below.

• Complete control of workload: With freelancing, you get to pick and apply/bid for projects and work with as many clients as you want. This allows you to work with businesses or clients that share the same principles you have and focus on areas or industries you're passionate about. 
  
  
• Freedom over working hours: : Freelance work offers more flexibility than office jobs. There are no set work hours you have to follow. You organize your workday considering the time zone and deadlines. Freelancing allows you to achieve a good work-life balance.  
  
  
• Increased earning potential: The rates for freelance work are often higher than singular jobs, especially if you used to receive minimum wage. And if you're willing to take on multiple projects, you get to make more money.  
  
  
• Fewer distractions: Freelancing allows you to work at home or anywhere—eliminating the usual distractions like loud colleagues, office politics, and a micromanaging boss. You also get to build a more conducive work environment for your productivity.  
  
  
• Variety of work: There are lots of job opportunities in freelancing, introducing you to a variety of projects you may have never done before. If you're interested in working on different topics or projects, freelancing lets you expand your experience.

Limitations of Freelance Work

There are always disadvantages regardless of the type of work you do. Here are some drawbacks that come with freelancing. 

• No guarantee of income: Sure, you set your rates and find clients on your own. But the projects may be a one-time thing, project-based, or seasonal. You'll have to be strategic with looking for clients and manage your cash flow wisely. 
  
  
• Lack of employer benefits: Company employees are eligible for benefits, whereas freelancers hardly receive them. You will be responsible for allocating funds for insurance, healthcare, and budgeting for your leaves. 
  
  
• Unpredictable pace of work: As a freelancer, you are responsible for finding work or projects that will add to your cash flow. There are instances where a client may let you go without giving you enough time to process or plan your budget. That's why you need to have a backup plan for sporadic work. 
  
  
• Less stability: Freelancers are self-employed, so there is less job stability and security in the industry. Your income depends on the number of your clients and your motivation to find work. When you lose that drive, your finances will suffer. 
  
  
• Taxes: Once you switch from a traditional office job to freelancing, you'll realize how complicated it is to take care of taxes. Since you receive your income in full, you have to declare all your income and manage and pay your taxes on your own

5 Tips to Win Big as a Freelancer

With appropriate steps and planning, you can set yourself up for freelancing success. Below are some useful tips to help you thrive as a freelancer. 

1. Identify your expertise

Many freelance writers can write, but not many workers can express their expertise about specific subjects like legal or medical, or beauty and skincare topics. Determine what your expertise is in your field, for this can give you an edge over other candidates. 

2. Build a website or portfolio to showcase your work

A professional website will act as your portfolio for your freelance work. You can also utilize it to build your authority and reputation in your field. That's why it's crucial to ensure that your site highlights your skills and expertise as a professional.

Alternatively, you can use social media to showcase your portfolio and experience. For example, you can post some of your work and personal art on Instagram if you're a graphic designer. 

3. Request referrals from satisfied clients

Once you start working with happy clients, don't be afraid to request referrals when you're done with the project. Simply let them know that you're looking to gain more experience, and if they know someone looking for a similar service, you'd appreciate their recommendation. Also, don't forget to ask for feedback or reviews you can put on your website. 

4. Budget properly for emergencies and slow months

As mentioned previously, work can be unpredictable in freelancing, especially during lean seasons. That's why it's important to allocate a portion of your earnings for emergencies and months when work is scarce. Whenever you get multiple, steady projects, use it as an opportunity to build your finances. 

5. Establish your professional rate and adjust as necessary

When pricing your rate, account for the tools, software, supplies, skills, and experience—basically everything you use to perform your tasks. You can study the average rate in your field and establish your rate from there. Depending on your agreement with the client, you can adjust your rate to hourly, per-project basis, or packaged services.

Most importantly, always have a contract that details the scope of the project, deadlines, cancellations, rate, and other factors you negotiated with the client. 

Freelancing: A Job that Works for You

Regardless of whether it's full-time employment or freelancing, there are ups and downs to both types of employment. However, many workers are shifting to freelancing because even though the work may be challenging, the flexibility and work variety it offers can be rewarding. Hopefully, this article could help you gauge if freelancing is right for you.

As a freelancer, it's important to have a concrete understanding of your finances and to plan for your future. BPI AIA offers comprehensive health insurance plans in the Philippines that give freelancers peace of mind as they tend to their careers and income streams. Get in touch with a Bancassurance Sales Executive today to help you take control of your finances upon preparation in making the shift.