How to cope at the beginning of your freelance career

If you read our previous entry on the Freelancer Accounting (http://www.freelanceraccounting.com) blog, then you’ll know that many freelancers become so largely by accident, rather than design. You’ll also be aware, however, of the great earnings that many freelancers can command, while we have also previously covered many of the knotty tax responsibilities with which our accountants in London can assist. For many freelancers, though, just surviving is tough enough.

It is at the start of your freelance career, in particular, that you are especially vulnerable. For those that don’t have any jobs, contacts or clients to begin with, it can feel like an uphill struggle to constantly chase up those opportunities. Indeed, you may wonder whether you’re ever likely to get on a stable financial footing. At worst, you can find yourself trawling for odd freelance jobs on sites that seem to be aimed more at students than long-time professionals.

Try, try and try again

However, it is that word, ‘professional’ that sums up the attitude that you must take in the early months of your freelance career, with ‘persistent’ and ‘patient’ being others. The most successful clients of our small business accountants got to where they are today by taking chances and being more than merely ‘eager’. They had business cards designed and websites developed and generally made the most of every opportunity, making sure that each and every job was done to as high a standard as possible so as to attract recommendations and repeat business.

But of course, even the most altruistic freelancer still needs to eat, which is why many of them take on other part-time work to begin with, so they have a certain degree of financial security for those lean weeks and months when work seems thin on the ground. You’ll also need to ensure that in all of your eagerness to price your services competitively, you don’t find yourself working full-time hours for part-time pay. Be open to the range of jobs that you are willing to do, and view those inevitable mistakes as mere learning experiences.

Look to our highly-rated specialist expertise

A freelancer’s tax matters can be especially daunting, even more so if you’re new to taking care of them yourself after years of employment under PAYE. Things like your self assessment tax return suddenly become deceptively easy to forget about, and subjects like IR35 and limited company formation can confuse even some seasoned freelancers. That’s why it’s such a good idea to seek out a PCG accountant who can guide you on matters like the business expenses that can be claimed against tax.

Give Freelancer Accounting (http://www.freelanceraccounting.com) a call now for more information about our specialist accountancy services for new freelancers. We charge a competitive fixed fee so that you can budget well in advance.

Editor’s Note: Freelancer Accounting (http://www.freelanceraccounting.com) is represented by the search engine advertising and digital marketing specialists Jumping Spider Media. Please direct all press queries to Louise Byrne. Email: louise@jumpingspidermedia.co.uk or call: +44 (0)20 3070 1959 / +34 952 783 637