It’s hard to deny the impact of COVID-19 on freelancers over the past year. At the onset of the global pandemic, a large number of the labour force began freelancing. Social distancing measures forced office-based employees to cut back on onsite work.

Many are struggling as they’re unable to rely on employee benefits such as leave credits. Opportunities have dwindled down as organisations focus on surviving rather than growing. Plenty of virtual professionals have considered going back to full-time employment because of these but you mustn’t lose hope.

Why freelancers thrive in a pandemic

• They are more cost-effective than full-time workers so businesses prefer hiring them.
• They provide flexible working arrangements which is ideal during times of uncertainty.
• They are self-starting so employers won’t have to micro-manage them.
• They know how to remain productive when working from home or elsewhere.
• They offer on-demand productivity that help companies move and build faster.

There’s no guarantee that the rest of this year is going to be easier, but there are ways for you to weather the storm. Read on to learn our recommendations for thriving in this time of crisis.

Tips for freelancers during a pandemic

1. Put your health first

When you’re not feeling well, there isn’t anyone to take over your duties so staying healthy must be your highest priority.

Follow COVID-19 health protocols and guidelines:

• Wash your hands with soap regularly and for at least 20 seconds
• Stay away from crowded areas
• Remain 2 meters away from people when outside
• Refrain from touching your face, especially around your eyes and mouth
• Disinfect surfaces that you frequently touch e.g. phones and door handles
• Wear a face mask over your mouth and nose whenever you are out in public

Besides that, you might also want to:

• Set aside time to exercise, even if to take a walk around your yard
• Step outside for a bit of sunshine and fresh air
• Eat nutritious meals that have vegetables and fruits
• Speak to a friend or therapist for your mental health
• Consume media that isn’t the news

2. Lower your pride when necessary

Freelancers who’ve been in the business for a while may be used to doing work that comes to them than contracts they have to ask for. However, don’t let your ego get in the way of pitching for a new gig. You must realise that asking doesn’t equal to begging.

Tips for making that pitch:

• Think of yourself as the product and pitching as marketing.
• Focus on the prospective employer’s needs and how you may meet them.
• Avoid complaining about your personal circumstances.
• Keep your tone and messages as professional as possible.
• Don’t expect to always get a bump in your rate when negotiating.

Remember that budgets are tight for everyone in the midst of this crisis. In other words, you aren’t the only one who is struggling to make ends meet. Learn to compromise without putting yourself in a bad spot.

3. Go for the most stable options

A volatile market leads businesses to cut costs to brace for potential drops in sales. This means your favourite clients may pause or cancel projects with you as they deal with internal problems. Here’s what you may do:

Look for the exceptions

Despite what other people might claim, not all companies are having a hard time with the recession. Some of them are having their best weeks ever with skyrocketing demands for certain products and/or services.

For instance, there’s been a boom for cleaning services and grocery stores. Find who these organisations are and take some of their projects of their hands.

Find some retainers

Freelancers often work on one project to another, but what you need right now is consistency. Flexibility is nice until you have to keep looking for remote jobs in this crisis.

With a retainer, you predict your income every month since they keep giving you work. You may continue taking one-off contracts in addition to retainers if you still want to enjoy some variety.

Widen your horizons

Consider upgrading your services to attract more clients across different industries. For example, if you’re a content writer, you might want to help companies manage their Facebook or Twitter accounts.

If you don’t have the skills to expand your services, learn through online classes or webinars. Consider signing up for Skillshare to access free classes on a large selection of topics.

4. Manage your finances better

To keep your freelance business afloat, you have to know how to balance your income with your expenses, among other things, like:

• Focus on adding to your income over cutting your expenses to improve your cash flow.
• Spend conservatively by eating at home and cancelling subscriptions you don’t need.
• Avoid making big purchases such as buying a new car when your income is unstable.
• Drop a portion of your earnings into an emergency fund as you never know what the future holds.
• Shop around for things you do need, like choosing cheaper supermarkets or buying secondhand.
• Put some of your savings into worthwhile investments but be sure to study your options first.
• Apply for aid from the government as you could use all the help you can get with your finances.
• Get serious about collecting dues from your clients and send reminders for payments.

Finding remote jobs in a pandemic

In our previous blog post, we covered 5 strategies to use when looking for online jobs. These are: broadening your network, tapping hidden positions, doing cold emailing, being the first applicant, and keeping yourself organized. Check that article out for a more detailed explanation about those strategies.

If you find that as too much of a hassle, consider our services here at Remote Workmate then. We’re an offshore staffing provider connected to clients from all over the globe. You never know if your next employer is on our list so let us give you a hand.