Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic struck in 2019, it seems the world has manually restarted itself. With everything from trade and commerce to typical daily tasks coming to a halt, multiple businesses worldwide couldn't take the test and eventually crumbled under pressure.

Owing to the developments mentioned above, more than one-third of the workforce pursues freelancing, which has increased in popularity over the past few years. The bulk consciously chose the independent lifestyle. This is not unexpected when you consider the advantages and freedom of being your own employer.

Yet, the brightest of lights casts the darkest of shadows. Despite the numerous perks of being a freelancer, the competition standing in your way makes it comparatively much more complex to have your freelancing company reach its potential.

Uncertainty and Freelancing: Is that a thing anymore in 2022?

Uncertainty has a sneaky way of preventing you from moving forward and leading you in the wrong direction. Thankfully, the most common misconceptions people have about freelancing are mere talk that results from ignorance. You'll be in a better position to overcome the anxiety and doubts if you want your business to be a successful freelancer.

If you're thinking of beginning a freelance business as a side business, part-time employment, or a full-time job, you've come to the right place. This article will discuss a few myths and misconceptions to avoid as a novice freelancer.

Stereotypical Myths to Avoid as A Freelancer 

There are many myths about working for yourself, but most people fail to realize that working for yourself isn't always better or worse than having a full-time job. It actually comes down to that working for yourself has its own set of distinct advantages and problems.

Listed below is a list of myths you should avoid and overlook as an aspiring freelancer:

1. Freelancing Is an Unreliable Source of Income 

For people working a 9-5 job, and making a regular salary, it makes sense that they would view freelancing as an unstable source of consistent revenue. Regardless of the number of hours they work, an employee in a traditional job receives a defined salary. In contrast, the potential for growth as a freelancer is infinite. Freelance and income are two-sided affairs. Freelancers must labor to make money. However, the sources of money for freelance work can vary greatly. Your pay is equivalent to the amount of effort you pour in. Work hard to earn more. That's all there is to it.

2. Freelancing Is More Stressful Than a Nine-to-five Job

People naturally anticipate freelancing to be more stressful than other nine-to-five employment because of the first fallacy we explored. While it is difficult to say whether freelancing is more stressful than full-time employment without knowing exactly which areas of work you find challenging.

However, if you build a solid enough name for yourself early on, you might find that you don't need to advertise because clients will come to you. Being a freelancer at first can be more financially stressful. At the end of each week or month, you may expect to have a certain amount of money when you work a full-time job, but when you freelance, you aren't compensated until you have a constant stream of paying clients.

Although financial stress can still affect your work life, managing it and your freelance business will be considerably simpler if you use financial software to handle your accounts and sales.

3. The Competition Is Too Much to Manage 

Most freelancing marketplaces appear to be over saturated given the millions of freelancers who are starting their own firms globally. You may feel as though you have no possibility of standing out from such a sizable throng as a new freelancer.

Yet, you must realize that the fallacy predates independent contractors going the stereotypically straight approach rather than establishing a specific specialization. You can reduce the level of competition you encounter and build a fulfilling freelancing job doing what you truly enjoy when you concentrate on a specific skill set or client industry.

4. Inconsistency Is Not a Problem in Freelancing 

While freelancing allows you a great deal of flexibility in your schedule and method of operation, it is false to believe that you can just work whenever and however you like. Your clients' needs must also be considered, even if you may usually set your working hours and perhaps develop a freelancing schedule that suits you.

To finish your assigned task, you might need to use a specific application or work in a particular way to satisfy the expectations of some clients. It would be best if you also considered your clients' schedules.

Calls should be scheduled in advance, and work hours should be coordinated with theirs. The clientele you select, however, is something you can control. It is entirely up to you as a freelancer to choose whether to accept an assignment or just pass it on if you feel you cannot accomplish it in the allotted time.

5. You Only Need to Undertake Assignments You Like 

The choice to only work on assignments you are passionate about may be an option once you have established yourself as a successful freelancer with a steady flow of paying clients. But you might need to accept any projects you can, especially when you're just starting.

You can start by browsing the many freelance websites available online for your first job opportunities. We do realize that it can be challenging to handle every project once it begins to arrive effectively. This is why independent contractors overseeing numerous tasks and projects from a single intuitive platform must invest in intelligent software to do their bidding.

6. A Person Must Have a Certain Degree to Setup Their Own Freelance Business 

Before launching a freelance business, many people wonder if they need specific credentials or certificates. You do not necessarily have to possess any training or accreditation to begin offering your services for hire as a freelancer. You need to be aware of how to help your clients. Aside from that, several forms of coaching and advising must adhere to rules and principles. You can start freelancing immediately without needing to meet any of these requirements because it is not regulated in and of itself.

7. The Pay in Freelancing Is Very Low 

Last but not least, the research from 2018 that was cited indicated that 3.3 million independent contractors earned $100,000 or more yearly. Even though millions of people have succeeded, it isn't easy to make six figures. Both new and seasoned freelancers frequently make the errors of undervaluing their skills and placing undue reliance on internet networks for freelancing employment. Freelancers compete to earn less money by undercutting one another's rates. People's perception that freelancers make poor wages is directly related to their inability to evaluate their services accurately. You may watch as your income soars by accurately pricing your services in line with their market value.

8. Don't Fall for These Myths 

You'll experience the flexibility and satisfaction that a full-time employee would not have offered until you're a seasoned freelancer. You might also discover that, over time, your income grows much beyond your wildest expectations. However, it's crucial to keep in mind that there are numerous myths about freelancing. And sometimes, what works for someone else won't necessarily benefit you. Since much of your journey will involve testing, it is important to try things out for yourself rather than relying on the opinions of others.

9. Freelancing and Mental Health 

According to studies, nearly 50% of all independent freelancers reported feeling "lonely" and "isolating" in their work. A third of respondents stated they missed office chitchat and missing feeling like a member of a team because there was no social life at work.

Although working for yourself and being a freelancer can provide you with more freedom over your schedule, many self-employed people put in more time and effort than ever before. Avoiding such myths as a novice freelancer and getting accustomed to all the market tricks and perks all by yourself is not an easy task and requires a lot of patience and skill. Thus, piling on to a lot of mental stress and anxiety. A freelancer must take breaks regularly and maintain a stable and healthy state of mind to improve their freelance business further.

10. Winding Up 

Are the myths too overwhelming for you? Well, not to fret. Freelancing is a vast and diverse vocation geared towards assisting organizations and usually includes top individuals in accomplishing their goals. Freelancers who have worked with the nation's most prominent brands know about stress and can work their way around gigs effectively with handsome pay for their projects. Experience counts in this regard, along with excellent deliverables encouraging clients to hire them repeatedly.