Freelance Work From Home Jobs (Beginner's Guide)

Thinking of freelance work from home jobs really do stir up a variety of feelings and thoughts.

What do you picture in your mind when you think of freelance jobs? Do you envision Sean O’Connell in the movie The Secret Life of Walter Mitty traveling the world to take photos of exotic locations?

Or the opposite, you picture a freelance writer who can’t pay the rent. They work for all day for pennies.

Today we are going explore freelance jobs that set can set you free financially. I hope this beginner’s guide to becoming a freelancer will help make it a clearer picture and one you might find a good fit for you.

The Basics Of Freelance Work From Home Jobs

Freelance lies in a gray area between being self-employed and being an independent contractor. A freelancer is usually self-employed, working in a temporary to ongoing capacity with one or more employers (or clients).

The freelancer approaches a potential employer/client with a portfolio that includes samples of past work.

The most common type of freelance job is creative industries: writing, editing, software design, website design, and graphic art to name a few.

And, the internet has been a game-changer, for the world of freelance helping to expand into other services like virtual assisting, translation, bookkeeping, project management, consulting, and more.

The Good and the Bad in Freelancing

Like any job, there will be benefits as well as challenges.

Pros of freelance work from home jobs

Freelance work from home allows you to work around your schedule. You get to decide how many projects from employers/clients you want to take on.

First, you have a wide variety of jobs to pick from based on your skills and goals. You can find jobs with set work hours and jobs with flexible hours.

If you don’t like working with a client, you can choose not to work with them in future projects and seek out a new client.

You are able to deduct expenses for tax purposes. The income range is large; in other words, as you build skills, you can move up the income ladder through promotions or changing jobs.

Depending on the services you decide to offer and work to get those first clients, you begin getting referrals thus increasing your clientele and income without marketing!

You also, have opportunities to set your fees. The more experience you get the more you’re worth.

Cons of freelance work from home jobs

The most challenging part of freelance work from home is getting started. You must a certain level of motivation to push through the steps it takes to create consistent income. It will be necessary to search for the best opportunities.

Another drawback is this wonderful tool called the internet.

It lets not just you but allows people all over the world to compete for the same jobs. With a much lower cost of living, freelancers from those places drive to pay down considerably.

But this isn’t the case, there are companies that have come rely on freelancers who reside in the U.S. or one of the other English speaking nations.

The biggest con, probably is job insecurity. Companies change their plans and let contracted employees go suddenly. I’ve personally experienced it. You are responsible for taxes to the IRS. By saving a portion of the income protects you from any surprises.

Lastly, contracted jobs do not usually offer benefits, but this is not true for all. There are few that offer some benefits to independent contracted employees.

Before signing ANY client, make sure you make them sign your freelancer legal contract!

Getting Started Finding Freelance Work From Home Jobs

Getting started with freelance work from home jobs means you have to get your ducks in a row. Evaluate what services you have experience to offer or have a strong desire to learn. Make sure it’s something you enjoy doing; otherwise, you burn out fast.

Next, set up a plan to clearly state what service you will freelance, what skills you have or how you plan to learn them, and how you plan to find employers/clients.

A clear plan will help you stay on focus and organized.

Get a separate checking account and register with the state as a business. Registering as a LLC will ensure you against business liabilities. It, also, looks more professional to potential clients.

Decide how you will keep track of your earnings. As a contractor, you will need to keep track of money coming and going out. Check with an accountant about tax write-offs for your business.

You should have the proper legal pages on your website to protect you in case of any problems.

Set up a professional website to show off your portfolio and services you offer. You can include a blog and newsletter signup to use to market your services.

Here’s how to set up your website for free.

Link it up with social media channels you can market your services and build an audience. At last, all these can potentially help land more freelance work from home.

Work At Home Contract Jobs

Work at home contract jobs are one of the four types of online work from home jobs out there. Contract jobs are one of the most common ways companies hire work at home employees.

And since that’s the case, it’s important to learn about this kind of employment when you’re looking for a work at home job.

We’ll discuss the legal aspects, the types of jobs available, and the positives and negatives of working as a contract employee.

Many companies hiring work at home employees will choose to have them work under a contract as an independent contractor, rather than traditional employment.

This way the employer is not responsible to withhold employee taxes. Workers fill out a W9 form and then receive a 1099 form instead of a W2.

This, also, makes it easier for the employer to let employees go when business slows down or projects end. If you are hired to work as a contract employee, be sure to keep track of income, putting some aside for taxes.

Also, keep a record of any work-related expenses that may qualify as tax deductions (office equipment, computer software, utilities).

Be prepared for the possibility of the employer ending your employment without very much notice; that way you aren’t left without any income until you find a new position.

What Types of Work at Home Contract Jobs are Available?

Because contracting is very popular with companies hiring work at home employees, the types of jobs available vary greatly.

The customer service industry is one of the largest that hire employees for phone and technical support.

Phones sales and marketing is also a big chunk of the positions available.

But if working on the phone isn’t your cup of tea, there are non-phone jobs, too.

Transcription (general, legal, and medical) is an option if you have strong typing skills.

Writing jobs are available for both beginning writers and professionals. Other jobs include tutoring and teaching, chat support, clerical and administrative, accounting, and consulting.

Here are some freelance work from home jobs ideas, and how to get started with them:

That’s just a few of the many types you can seek out in your job search.

As the number of companies moves toward hiring employees to work at home, the more types of work at home contract jobs come available.

Freelance Work from Home Jobs – Conclusion

In conclusion, work at home contract jobs are much like regular jobs from home. The difference is employee tax management and the employer’s freedom to end the contract as deemed necessary.

The application process is the same: filling out an application or submitting a resume, followed by interviews.

By knowing more about contract jobs, you can now make educated decisions about your job goals.

I realize some of these steps can take time and you’re probably in a hurry to get the money coming in.

There is nothing wrong with starting your search for your first ‘gigs’ while you get these important pieces in place.

And, just remember if you want to really make the best of freelance work from home, you’ll want to have these things in place as soon as possible.

More Freelance Work from Home Jobs Resources

Here are some resources of where to start looking for freelance work:

Freelance Work From Home Jobs (Beginner’s Guide)