1. Freelancing today is equated with high earnings, freedom and minimal stress. Are these epithets correct? What is your interpretation of freelancing?
In my opinion, freelancing is a choice for a different lifestyle. It shouldn’t be compared to traditional work because it is different. Earnings depend on knowledge, and it depends on the individual. We can not generalize and say that everyone will earn well from the first day. There’s a lot of space to reach, but it comes with knowledge, skills and compares to traditional places, the earnings are better. This is also in line with the skills required for it. The freedom that comes with this type of work also means a great deal of proactivity and discipline. For minimal stress, I can only say that, unlike traditional employment, you are responsible for your health insurance, pension fund, technology (physical and online tools), office, and internet in this business. Are there any benefits? Absolutely. Do you get those benefits after you invest and build a portfolio? Yes. The first few months are very hard from traditional work. But if you put in the effort and attention, you get a lot of benefits that are not available in a conventional workplace.
2. In many parts of the world, women are less valued than men in traditional workplaces. Are women freelancers equal to men freelancers? Do you have experience with clients who have tried to reduce your value or whose decisions have been based on gender?
I can say that women and men in this field of work, in my opinion, are equal. This is according to my subjective experience. I have not had a problem with payment. This is due to my invested time in learning sales (sales techniques, negotiation, etc.).
3. Which aspect of freelancing do you think takes the most time to build? Why?
The first few months are the hardest, because of the competition for such jobs. When we apply for a traditional job, our competition is usually people based in our city. However, the applications for remote positions mean that you compete with the global labor market
4. Half of the freelancers give up this type of work in the first 3 to 6 months. Can mentoring reduce this number? What is the role of the mentor in developing a freelance career?
I think many people who give up simply realize that this way of life and work is not for them. Each of us has different needs, values, and career ideas. Each of us has the right to find what will enable us to live the way we want. Mentoring can reduce this number through advice and diligent work on the challenges that freelancers face. The role of the mentor is guidance, inspiration, and help to create momentum. But at the end of the day, the mentor can not work for us, just as the coach can not exercise. We are here to help freelancers through challenges and tips so that everyone can start a freelance career. It is up to the candidates to prove that everything they want is possible and achieve the same with our help.
Elena is part of our network of freelance mentors that will guide future freelancers in the Republic of North Macedonia. Through her expertise freelancers will learn many crucial skills, effectively increasing their income and the freelance community.
If you want to learn about Digital Marketing from Elena and become successful in freelancing, apply to become a mentee on the following LINK.
This activity is supported by the RECONOMY program.
RECONOMY is a regional inclusive and green economic development program of the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), implemented by HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation in partnership with Impact Foundation and others in the Eastern Partnership and the Western Balkans.
