Welcome to Freelance Files. A place where freelancers anonymously share a detailed peek at their business. Today, we get to hear from a writer/editor from India who has been freelancing for over seven years. This freelancer works a full-time job and also works 20 hours per week as a freelancer.
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What is your primary freelancing field: Writer, editor
How long have you been freelancing in this field? 7+ years
Where do you live? India
Do you feel the freelance world has become easier or harder than it was 1 year ago? 5 years ago? It has become difficult to find genuine, well-paying gigs.
What types of clients do you typically work with? Small businesses and agencies.
How do you find most of your clients? LinkedIn
Do you typically work with retainer clients, project-based clients, or one-off gigs? retailer clients.
Do you feel you are paid fairly for your work? Why or why not? Yes, I am paid fairly.
How many hours do you typically work per week? I have a full-time job of 40 hours. Keeping that aside, I work up to 20 hours in freelancing.
What is your average project rate? depends on the size and scope of the project.
What percentage of your time is spent on unpaid tasks? (e.g., admin, client outreach, revisions) about an hour a day (weekdays)
How many clients do you work with at any given time? maximum 2.
How much did you earn last year? $10,000
How do your clients pay you?
- Bank transfer
- Wise / international payment service
Do you expect to earn the same, less, or more this upcoming year. Less
Do you account for taxes, vacation, or sick time in your pricing? No.
What’s your biggest source of instability as a freelancer? Inconsistent client work
What are your typical monthly expenses related to freelancing? internet, which is about $40
What tools can’t you live without as a freelancer? Google doc, Google Keep, MS Office, Slack, Asana
How do you determine your rates? experience.
What is your biggest challenge as a freelancer? finding new and stable clients.
How often do you raise your rates with clients and how does that conversation usually go? really depends on the project.
What’s one thing you wish you had known before starting freelancing? how to get new clients. Yet again!
Do you take breaks or vacation regularly? If yes, how do you manage this financially? I save and invest.
How often do you feel burnout as a freelancer? Occasionally (a few times a year)
What’s one pricing strategy or tip you’ve found particularly useful? Change your pricing based on the client. If it’s a corporation, ask for more. I usually cut some slack for small businesses.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned freelancing? Based on this lesson, what advice would you share with other freelancers? Never put off work for the next day.
Do you plan to continue freelancing long-term? Yes, I’m committed for the long haul
What makes freelancing worth it—even when it’s hard? I am my own master. I can take a break when I want, I can work at my own pace.
What would make freelancing feel more sustainable for you?
- Better client relationships
- Fewer unpaid hours/admin
- More guidance on pricing and negotiation
