A layoff can be the push you need to try something new. Freelancing offers flexibility, independence, and the potential to earn more than a traditional job. Here's how to get started.

Is Freelancing Right for You?

Freelancing works best if you:

• Have marketable skills (writing, design, development, consulting)
• Are comfortable with uncertainty
• Can manage your own time
• Have some financial runway
• Want flexibility over stability

Getting Started in Week 1

1. Define Your Services

What can you offer? Be specific:

• Not "marketing" but "Email marketing campaigns for e-commerce brands"
• Not "writing" but "B2B SaaS blog content and case studies"
• Not "development" but "React frontend development for startups"

2. Set Your Rates

Start by calculating your target annual income, then divide by billable hours (realistically 1,000-1,500/year):

• $75,000 target / 1,200 hours = $62.50/hour minimum

3. Create a Simple Portfolio

You don't need a fancy website. A LinkedIn profile or simple one-page site with:

• What you do
• Who you help
• Examples of your work
• How to contact you

Finding Your First Clients

Your Existing Network

Your first clients often come from people who already know you:

• Former colleagues and managers
• Your former employer (as a contractor)
• LinkedIn connections

Freelance Platforms

• Upwork: Good for ongoing relationships
• Toptal: Higher rates, more selective
• Fiverr: Better for project-based work
• Contently/Skyword: For content creators

Cold Outreach

Identify companies that could use your help and reach out directly. Focus on the value you can provide, not your services.

Legal and Financial Setup

Business Structure

• Sole Proprietor: Simplest, no setup required
• LLC: More protection, worth considering once earning $50k+

Taxes

• Set aside 25-30% of income for taxes
• Pay quarterly estimated taxes
• Track all business expenses
• Consider hiring an accountant

Contracts

Always use a contract that specifies:

• Scope of work
• Payment terms (net 15 or net 30)
• Revision limits
• Ownership of work product

Scaling Your Freelance Business

Once established, grow by:

• Raising rates with each new client
• Moving from hourly to project-based pricing
• Creating passive income (courses, templates)
• Building a personal brand