<aside> <img src="/icons/stopwatch_purple.svg" alt="/icons/stopwatch_purple.svg" width="40px" /> Estimated Read Time 3-4 Minutes
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Balancing a full-time job with freelancing can be challenging, but it’s definitely possible to do both. It requires careful planning, dedication and discipline – but you’ll reap the rewards in terms of flexibility, autonomy and financial security. Freelancers have the opportunity to work on their own terms (and pursue their passions!) while still holding down a regular job, and there’s no reason why you can’t do both.
<aside> <img src="/icons/light-bulb_purple.svg" alt="/icons/light-bulb_purple.svg" width="40px" /> This blog post contains some tips on how you can make freelancing work alongside a full-time job. At the end of the day, it’s all about setting boundaries and effectively managing your time and energy. Understanding this balance is important: if you’re working two jobs, your side hustle shouldn’t make you compromise on your main hustle (and vice versa).
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Your day job probably made you sign a contract when you joined. You should revisit a specific section in it called the “Non-Compete Clause.” This outlines the type of work you can take on outside of your job - and usually cautions against projects or gigs that clash with your current role. Choose your side hustles accordingly!
<aside> <img src="/icons/light-bulb_purple.svg" alt="/icons/light-bulb_purple.svg" width="40px" /> Example: If you’re a marketer for a beauty brand, you probably shouldn’t be marketing for another cosmetics company (that could potentially be a competitor for your existing employer!)
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Additionally, if your job requires you to report any additional jobs you’re taking on, do talk to HR and make sure they know about your intentions.
Here’s how the conversation could go:
“Because I believe in transparency, I wanted to let you know I’m considering expanding my skillset as a [eg: graphic designer] and intend to take on freelancing independently, outside of my job here. I just wanted to let you know that my loyalties are still with [company], and I won’t be in violation of any terms on my employment contract!”
We know freelancing can be lucrative, and the money certain one-off projects can offer is tempting. However, your clients (and employers!) deserve the truth. If a project’s too big, if it takes away from your full-time job, or if you can’t meet a deadline since you work a 9-5, speak up. Be honest about your capacity, your time crunches, and your professional commitments.
For example:
“I’d love to design this webpage for you, but I actually work a 9-5. My turnaround might be a little longer than the 3-day deadline you’ve set, given my other commitments. Is that a problem?”
Honesty and transparency are values you should never compromise on, no matter what your profession/field. If you’re a freelancer specifically, being honest with your clients could significantly improve your relationships with them! Don’t be afraid to let them know about your bandwidth, constraints, and capabilities.
Just because you have a side hustle doesn’t mean you need to test the limits of human performance. You need to prioritise your day job, yes, but also your health. This goes for physical and mental health. Space out freelancing gigs over lighter weeks at work. And of course, if something feels like too much, you don’t HAVE to take it on just because you’re a freelancer. People will still think you’re qualified, and luckily, freelancers are (mostly) always in demand.
<aside> <img src="/icons/light-bulb_purple.svg" alt="/icons/light-bulb_purple.svg" width="40px" /> Example You have a big meeting to prepare on Friday, but have come across a cool Fiverr listing due exactly an hour after. Say no to the listing for now. More opportunities will come!
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You probably chalk out your different responsibilities – freelance and non-freelance – onto your Google calendar. Or on your planner. Side note: if you don’t do any of these things, consider planning out your work week (digitally or on paper; it works miracles). Anyway. Back to the point. Need time to unwind? To recharge and watch a movie? Or to go out with your friends? Don’t budge. Put it into your calendar. Stick to the timing. Commit to it. Make sure it happens.
<aside> <img src="/icons/light-bulb_purple.svg" alt="/icons/light-bulb_purple.svg" width="40px" /> Example If you’re working double time, you deserve a good, spaced-out break. It’s important to make sure your social life, self-care and family time still exist, even if you have a lot on your plate. Just because you’re busy doesn’t mean you don’t deserve to be happy! Being happy is also being productive (facts).
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Building a profile that stands out: Part 1
Freelancing with a full-time job
Building a profile that stands out: Part 1
Building a profile that stands out: Part 2
Making the most out of AI tools
Mastering English communication with free tools
<aside> <img src="/icons/book-closed_purple.svg" alt="/icons/book-closed_purple.svg" width="40px" /> CHAPTER 2
This part of the course is all about helping you score bigger and better clients. We'll dive deep into the art of lead generation and show you how to write a cold email that'll make potential clients stop in their tracks. But we won't stop there. We'll also give you the insider secrets to finding those high-ticket clients that every freelancer dreams of.
So if you're ready to level up your freelancing game and start landing the jobs you deserve, this section is where it's at!
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<aside> <img src="/icons/book-closed_purple.svg" alt="/icons/book-closed_purple.svg" width="40px" /> CHAPTER 3
Let's face it - clients can be tricky. But fear not, we’ve got you covered in “Client Relations”! This section is chock-full of articles that will help you improve your client communication skills, build strong relationships, and set the tone for success from the very beginning.
Whether you're dealing with your first client or have been freelancing for years, these articles will give you the tools you need to keep your clients coming back. So, let’s get started and learn how to make your clients love you - and your work - today.
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