How to become a freelancer?

Becoming your own boss is almost everyone’s dream. And to get there, everyone takes their own actions. But the best way to achieve this goal is to change your status to freelance. In France, freelancers are more and more numerous, especially because they have understood the advantages they can enjoy by working this way. Freelancers are mostly present in the fields of IT, Web, and new technologies, especially in sectors of activity that allow to work remotely.

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What is a freelancer ?

Also called self-employed, a freelancer is someone who makes decisions on his own to perform the tasks assigned to him. He organizes himself on his working hours and his resting hours. It is up to him to distribute his tasks during the day or week according to his availability. This is why a freelancer is considered as a free and autonomous worker.

The difference between a freelance and an employee is that for a freelance there is no subordination link between him and his client. His contract of employment is classic and does not resemble either a fixed-term contract or a permanent contract. His contract allows him not to be subjected to the pressure of any employer in the execution of his duties.

However, to be able to work as a freelancer, you still need to send your CV so that recruiters at the other end of your computer can judge your skills and your real motivation to take on the responsibilities you will be assigned remotely. You can get inspiration from the resume templates available online.

What is a freelancer’s mission and who can become one?

A freelancer works within the framework of a service or sales contract. He is therefore committed to the accomplishment of his mission according to the duration that his “boss” has given him. Most of the time, the mission of a freelance is of short duration and punctual. If an assignment does not suit the freelancer’s availability or requirements, he can refuse it and look for another one. He is free to handle the orders that suit him.

A freelancer can perform several tasks in several industries depending on his skills. He can be a DJ, an agricultural engineer, a consultant, a web writer, a translator, a salesman, and a restaurateur if he has all the criteria to perform these functions. And that’s the main advantage of being a freelancer. In principle, anyone can become a freelancer if they want to.

How to become a freelancer?

To become a freelancer, you have to change your legal status. Of course, the freelancer does not have a precise legal status that is defined by law. According to the latter, it is only an independent person who offers his services to one or more customers for a specified period of time in each party will have defined together. The freelancer works with his own means to satisfy the needs of his clients.

In any case, to become a legal freelancer, you will have to issue invoices and therefore regularize your activities by adopting a legal status that suits you. You have the choice of opting for the auto-entrepreneur regime, or creating your own company (EURL or SARL) or even trying out freelance administration. Each of these options has its advantages and disadvantages and it is up to you to choose the one that suits you best. But whatever your choice, to become a freelancer, you must respect the following steps:

-Choose your field of activity: you need to find a viable project so as not to lose money because note that being a freelancer is also an investment. In order to target profitable projects that are interesting enough for clients, you must have the required experience for the execution of the tasks concerned and know how to evaluate the market you are entering;
Organize your business: organization is the key to your success as a freelancer. Organize your days and months in a way that allows you to take stock of what you have been able to do and what you still want to do to improve professionally. To do this, define the framework of your mission (mission deadline, contract, payment deadline, etc.) and set up a corner that will allow you to work quietly and in good conditions;
Gain visibility: the best way to succeed in your professional reconversion as a freelancer is to make yourself known in your sector of activity. Therefore, do not hesitate to ask for advice from professionals to help you find a project and clients. Make yourself known on social and professional networks to gain visibility. Get out of your comfort zone and attend professional networking events that will not only allow you to find a freelance job but also to improve yourself professionally;
Create your legal structure: as mentioned above, you need to choose a legal status to practice as a freelancer. Most legal freelancers choose to create their own company (SARL, EURL, SAS, or SASU) but this does not prevent you from becoming a self-employed contractor. It’s up to you to choose the best status for your case;
And start practicing: when everything is settled, you can now start practicing legally as a freelancer. To do this, you need to register on platforms specifically dedicated to freelancing and create your own slogan to set yourself apart from other freelancers. A slogan is a phrase that summarizes your activities and strengths to make yourself known in this field and attract more clients. Get in touch with clients who are interested in your service and agree with them on the time frame for assignments, payment terms, guidelines, etc. And even if a client has not yet agreed to you, this should not prevent you from convincing them again and again by sharing your past achievements with them.