Freelance work problems: ways to solve them

This guide outlines solutions to the six most common freelance work problems in today’s freelancing landscape.

The freelance work lifestyle suits many people. You get to work from wherever you want while choosing your working hours. There is also flexibility to take on jobs that suit your preferences and charge yourself out at any rate you please.

6 freelance work problems — and solutions

However, while many benefits are associated with freelance work, there can also be several downsides. Fortunately, you can learn more about these disadvantages and how to combat and solve them below.

Sending Invoices as an Individual

Many freelancers assume that they can’t invoice without having a company, especially as invoices always look formal with company logos and business addresses.

However, it may surprise you to learn that online platforms exist that allow everyone from solopreneurs to freelancers and company owners to send invoices for freelance work. With a small amount of time and data input, you can have your invoice created and ready to send.

Unrealistic Deadlines

Many business owners leave important tasks to the last minute, often believing those tasks take very little time and can be outsourced to someone who can meet their deadlines. While freelancers are often efficient with their time, that doesn’t mean they can always work within a tight timeframe with very little room for error with freelance work.

Work-life balance is crucial, and spending countless hours of your free time finishing up freelance work projects that were late through no fault of your own is not sustainable. While you can’t fix the time management skills of the people you work for, you can set firm boundaries.

If you can’t meet a freelance work deadline without pushing yourself to the point of burning out, make that clear to the client. Ask for an extension if it’s possible, or say no if you’re in a position to do so. Setting these clear boundaries early on may reduce the risk of the same problem happening again. Your client will soon learn that you need realistic timeframes, or they have to look elsewhere.

Late Payments

When you work a regular job with a wage or salary, you get paid on the same day each week or month, and often the same amount. Freelancer pay cycles can be much different, and a common problem they face is clients not paying by the agreed due date on their invoice for freelance work.

There is generally no malice intended for not paying on time, but it can be frustrating for freelancers who rely on regular payments to improve their financial situation. Fortunately, there are many different ways to solve this problem.

You may like to set up automatic payment reminders on your invoices when they’re not paid by the due date or even follow up with an email or phone call after a specific amount of time. Setting late payment fees for freelance work may also motivate clients to start paying their freelancers on time.

Poor Communication

Giving freelancers the creative freedom to undertake specific tasks can be a blessing for many creative types. You can let your imagination run wild and use your expertise to develop a solution to a client’s problem without being bound by a strict list of criteria.

However, poor communication can hamper your efforts with freelance work. If a client doesn’t provide feedback or guidance throughout a freelance work project, you may find yourself heading in the wrong direction, requiring you to work countless extra hours.

Regardless of whether your client has allowed a certain amount of creative freedom, consider splitting your freelance work project into stages. Check in with the client at each stage, and don’t progress onto the next step until you’ve received the all-clear from those in charge of decision making.

Work-Life Balance

As many freelancers work from home, local cafes, or even on the road, it’s all too easy to start checking emails and performing tasks at all times of the day and night. While being a freelancer gives you this flexibility, it doesn’t mean you need to use your free time to work.

Work-life balance can be crucial for your well-being, and relationships can suffer when you don’t prioritize the most important things in life. If you struggle to switch off and exit ‘work mode,’ you may need to put some rules in place for yourself to follow.

These rules may include not working at certain times of the day and switching off freelance work notifications on your phone except for the hours you’ve dedicated to working.

Finding Enough Freelance Work

If you’re good at what you do, you may find that you’re never lacking freelance work to do. However, most freelancers will attest to going through a dry spell. If you’re struggling to take on enough freelance work to cover your outgoings, there are many avenues you may like to consider.

Freelancing platforms may be a practical solution, even if they take a percentage of your earnings. You might also consider investing in advertising, such as social media marketing, SEO for your website, and even Google ads. The more you get your name out there, the easier it may be to discover new clients.

Life as a freelancer can sometimes be challenging, and many curveballs can be thrown your way. If you’re familiar with any of these issues above, you may now be in a much better position to manage them and enjoy a stress-free freelancing experience.

Advantages and disadvantages in summary

Advantages 

• Flexibility of schedules (the freelancer works at his own pace, as long as he meets the deadlines set with the client);
• Workplace flexibility (you can work in your own home, next to the beach on a sunny day or in a coworking space);
• Choice of tasks (you can choose certain jobs or customers);
• Versatility of functions (acquires knowledge and experience in several areas);
• Networking.