Many states are re-opening and some people think that the COVID-19 crisis is behind us.
It isn’t.
The U.S. government’s own statistics state that over 135,000 Americans will die from COVID-19 by August.
We can’t stay inside forever. We also can’t underestimate the risk of a second wave of infections. That will force stricter and longer lasting lockdowns.
That’s why many so local governments mandated that all, “nonessential,” workers telecommute when this pandemic began.
Over 30.3 million Americans have lost their jobs since this crisis began. Many were employed in vocations where telecommuting is impossible.
I’ve been telecommuting for about a decade before COVID-19 appeared. So, if you’re new to freelancing, you must know a few things:
- Don’t take work for granted, look for gigs
- It takes time to make appreciable pay
- “I’m my own boss!” is a relative term
It won’t be an easy transition. But it won’t be impossible either.
Don’t Take Work for Granted
I am trying to apply for the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program.
It’s an extension of the CARES Act which allows independent contractors, or, “freelancers,” to apply for unemployment insurance.
I haven’t been able to get through, but I am still trying. Also, I’ll probably won’t be successful. Each state makes its own criteria for such assistance.
My point is that a telecommuter must try to take advantage of every opportunity possible. I have reliable clients who have given me work for years, but those are few.
Unless you’re a salaried employee, it takes time to find gigs. Most freelancers have a few reliable clients and many one-time, occasional, or seasonal gigs.
It Takes Time to Make Appreciable Wages
The average, novice remote worker makes about $16,000 annually.
However, that is an optimistic estimate even for those new to remote workers.
I barely made a few hundred dollars a year when I first began telecommuting.
It takes time to learn the craft if telecommuting. It may take you years before you’re making $10,000+ annually.
Set your pay expectations realistically, especially if you’re new to remote working.
Every client has different work standards or submission standards for invoices. You may have clients situated in different countries. Your ability to make money quickly depends on your adaptability to the exacting requirements of your clients.
I’m My Own Boss! (Not really)
As a telecommuting writer, I have a series of short-term and long-term bosses. I am not salaried, so they are not obligated to provide me work.
But relatively speaking, they are still my bosses.
I am my own boss in the sense that I can make my own workdays and hours. As long as I follow the work guidelines set by my clients, they don’t bother me. They have enough to do.
Now, if I am late on assignments or let quality slip, then I’ll hear from the, “bosses.”
The less your online clients have to complain about, the more you can work on your own terms.
Learn how to manage your time efficiently and you won’t want for work.
Making a Career in Telemarketing Takes Time
My ambition is to start a comic book company. To write several novels via my own publishing company.
Being a telecommuting writer is a means to an end for me.
But for many people, it’s a new way of life because of COVID-19.
My advice to you is to always update your skills. Many of your assignments may require meticulous research.
Look for new gigs daily or weekly. Try to secure 3 or 4 gigs every month.
If you’ve been driven to telecommuting by COVID-19, welcome to the field!
Just don’t take it for granted.
There are many free online college courses for adults. Such courses can help you brush up on skills that could benefit your telecommuting work.
Read More
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Should You Do Anything Above Pay Grade?
Allen Francis was an academic advisor, librarian, and college adjunct for many years with no money, no financial literacy, and no responsibility when he had money. To him, the phrase “personal finance,” contains the power that anyone has to grow their own wealth. Allen is an advocate of best personal financial practices including focusing on your needs instead of your wants, asking for help when you need it, saving and investing in your own small business.