There’s nothing more alluring than the idea of a tropical beach, cocktail in hand, gently working away on your latest project. Your time is your own, your career is your own and success in paradise almost feels guaranteed. It sure beats the everyday train commute to your 9-5.
The Covid-19 pandemic has left many of us contemplating our career choices, with more people than ever turning to a freelancing career to get back control of their vocation and to make their wellbeing a priority. Freelancing overseas is the icing on the cake, what could be better than working for yourself, from some of the most beautiful places on earth?
If you’re dreaming of working abroad as a freelancer, read on to discover these fundamentals, before you reach for your passport.
Invoicing software
As an overseas freelancer, you won’t just be expected to hit deadlines and meet the expectations of your clients, you’ll be juggling all kinds of responsibilities including your accommodation, your finances, flights and your business responsibilities such as admin, tax and the billing process. Having the right tools at your disposal is essential to help you streamline your working practices and make you more efficient. Freelancer invoicing templates that can be found here, are the perfect example. By simplifying the billing process, freelancers like you can create customized, automated invoices within seconds, including templates to help you get started. This approach helps you get paid faster and frees up more time for you to enjoy your freelancing experience.
Understand the time zone differences
Whenever we travel abroad, it can take some time to adjust to the different time zone and the jet lag that comes with it. Thankfully, it doesn’t take too long, but as a freelancer working overseas it’s not just your current time zone you have to get to grips with; you could be working with clients across different time zones, therefore you’ll have to tailor your working hours, and your communicative hours to benefit your latest project and stay on schedule.
Remember that communication is key
When we picture working overseas, it’s easy to picture sun-kissed beaches, endless blue sky and a slower pace of life. Sadly, that’s not always the case. Working overseas means things can and will go wrong, just like in any vocation. The difference here is how you handle it.
For example, if you’re suddenly struck with the inability to upload your work and you can’t send it across to your client, then you have a problem. Although you’ll be wracked with guilt and panic, in instances like these, you should remember that communication is key. Sometimes, a simple phone call or message explaining the situation will suffice.
Networking with other freelancers is essential
As a freelancer, you’ll want to protect your work and your projects, but keeping your vocation too private might be holding you back. By reaching out and networking within the freelancing nomad community, you may find more work, potential collaborations, support networks and reassurance!
Final thoughts…
Still dreaming of being a traveling freelancer? What are you waiting for? Follow the points above and watch your career flourish.
