After the
age of 50, many people worries about their coming future. Most of them don't
think about to do something after a long career. They spend a critical time in
this stage. It became difficult to get a new job or involved in a corporate
organization even in business in this age.
Many
people get involved in freelancing at this age. Experts say that it is
important to take new initiatives for your own and keep yourself motivated to
change careers. Positive attitude about everything is very important at this
stage.
According
to a survey report named 'Freelancing in America: 2019', published by the
Freelancer Union and the most popular online freelancer platform Upwork shows
that one-third of US workers are associated with full-time or part-time
freelancing when they reach age fifty+. Most of the freelance workers of this
age group have voluntarily chosen this profession.
Online Freelance
Working is getting popularity day by day across the world. The survey report
revealed five most notable findings:
- Freelancing income exceeds GDP of some major industries
- Freelancing is becoming more of a long-term career choice
- Freelancers are most likely to be skilled professionals
- Freelancing enables opportunities for those who otherwise might not be able to work
- The younger the worker, the more likely they are to freelance
Below are 5
Special tips and suggestions for those who are aged 50+ and want to succeed in
freelancing.
Apply
Current Skills:
According
to the survey, freelancers of all ages perform jobs based on their skills and
abilities. These include consulting, marketing, programming, designing, writing
etc. In the freelancing marketplace, the skilled people get more jobs than the
inefficient ones. The income of skilled workers is much higher. The skilled
freelance worker is earning more than $ 28 per hour on an average. But the
average income of lower and un-skilled worker is below $ 20 per hour. Those who
have reached the age of 50 will be able to earn from freelancing using their
previous work experience easily. Skilled freelance workers earn the most in the
Upwork marketplace. Earnings are higher in such type jobs in accounting or
finance. Those who understand corporate restructuring, Bitcoin and
international accounting, even earn more than $ 200 per hour.
Networking:
Networking
is one of the most useful things in the world of freelancing. If more people know
about you and your skills, you will get more jobs. Freelancing in America
report says, personal communication is the best source to get freelancing
assignments. Private networks include former freelance customers, friends and
family, professional contacts, acquaintances etc are very important. In this
case, fifty above aged people can get more benefits. Because of their long
experience and communication is very useful. Stephane Kasriel, President and
CEO of Upwork said that the network that is created through communication and
interaction with people over a long period of time can be a source of income.
In this case, LinkedIn is very effective. Besides, by opening account in popular
freelancing sites like Upwork, Fiverr, PeoplePerHour, Freelancer etc, lots of
freelance online jobs can be found.
Investment
in training:
Those who
have the skills, even when they are older, can invest to increase their skills.
You can learn the techniques of digital marketing, social media management or
any other about your own interest. By not adhering to age constraints, show
your customer that you can do it and they can rely on you. If you can't improve
your skills, your dream of becoming a high-income freelancer will not come
true. According to the Freelancing in America report, 73 percent of freelancers
voted in favor of skills development training. In addition, 71 percent of
freelancers have increased their ability to survive in the competitive online marketplace.
Even in the last six months, 65 percent of freelancers have been trained to
improve their skills. Even Soft Skills can’t be ignored. You need to learn
things like communication, teamwork or negotiation with someone.
Keep
Patience:
The idea
that you can earn lots of money after immediately entering the freelancing
world is very wrong. Upwork CEO advises to get involved slowly and steadily into
the freelancing world. You don’t need to be rush. There is no shortcut. You
have to learn a lot. In addition to finding a job, you need to learn how to earn
money for work. You need to know how to fix pricing. Sometimes there may be no
work at hand. So you need to think about how you will survive on this period. You
can start freelancing on one or two projects in the beginning.
Be
Positive:
The most
important thing is to stay positive in every turning of life. Without a doubt,
it is easier to maintain a pessimistic outlook than it is to actively stay
positive while you search for a job. When you don’t get hired, list all the
ways and identify why you didn't get it. This way, you’re always preparing for
the next job you’re truly meant to have. Being positive will help you to get
sound health also. Studies show that optimists are twice as likely as
pessimists to have healthy hearts. People having positive attitude leads much
less stressful lifestyles. As much as you may think your resume makes or breaks
your opportunity to get hired, it’s not the most important factor.
Thanks,
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