4 things I wish Id known before going freelance

4 things I wish Id known before going freelance4 things I wish Id known before going freelanceThe term freelance has a lot of connotations. Its synonymous with yoga pants, mid-week brunch dates and csekretariats (a.k.a. cafe offices). At best, its flexible working that enables you to be your own boss andbuild a business on your own terms. At worst, its juggling deadlines, chasing unpaid invoices and questioning if you can go another day without washing your hair.Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and moreMy experience sits somewhere in the middle. Four months ago Itook the plunge into freelancingwriting, turning my back on a stable, full-time role at a digital agency to chase my dreams in editorial and publishing. It was a decision spurred by the realization that I wasnt living up to my potential or following my passions. I felt out-of-place, overworked and on-track to climb a ladder in an industry Id never wanted to be a part of.So, has freelance life solved my career crisis? What lessons have I learned along the way, and would I have tackled things differently if I could do it all again? Read on to find out what I wish Id known before jumping into freelancing.1. Time Will Slip Away. Fast.Its amazing what you can achieve with 9 extra hours up your sleeve. You can hit snooze, stop by your favorite cafe for brekkie, and still make your favorite yoga class. But, without office hours to hold you accountable, itseasy to let the day slip away.My first few weeks of freelancing taught me the value ofsetting a clear schedule for each day. By blocking out my calendar at the beginning of the week, I quickly realized I didnt have infinite amounts of free time to play with.With deadlines looming and multiple projects on the go, its crucial to allocate and block out deep-work time to ensure you can submit deliverables on-time.The good news? Without an office to commute to, you ca n use this time to fit in leisure activities youd usually miss out on. Use this extra hour or two to hit the gym, head out for a run or join a fitness class youve always wanted to try.2. Youll Need To Create Your Own RoutineThis one might sound obvious, but hear me out. When youre a part of the 9-5 grind, theres a sense of familiarity to each day. Youll catch the same train each morning, stop by your usual coffee shop on the way to your desk and order your go-to salad when it comes time for lunch.So, whats the value of all this? Our brains are hardwired to seek out and follow a routine. To save mental energy, we develop habits that help reduce the number of decisions we need to make each day. Plus, routine helps build a sense of connection with those around us. Whether its working alongside the same faces or visiting our favorite barista, these regular encounters help us feel that we belong in the world.Although working solo does have a lot of perks, it can be an isolating experienc e for many. Beat the freelancing blues bycrafting a daily routine that allows for moments of connection. Whether its taking your dog to the same park every morning or working from a nearby cafe a couple of times each week, engaging in friendly conversation will boost your mood and foster a sense of belonging in your local community.3. Everywhere Will Become A WorkspaceYes, even your bed will become fair game. Freed from the shackles of the cubicle, its pretty damn liberating to work remotely. With a MacBook and WiFi, working from anywhere is truly possible.But in my experience, establishing boundaries is essential. Sending a few emails from the couch can seem like a good idea, but itblurs the lines between work and leisure. Create a space in your home that will become a dedicated work-only zone. It could be a desk in your spare room or study nook in your living area. Still struggling to stay focused? Try visiting your local library to help minimize distractions and the chances of bi nge-watching Netflix.4. Youll Need To Reach Out To Your NetworkGoing out on your own as a freelancer is daunting. As your own boss, finding new clients and opportunities is an essential part of the role. So, how do you make it happen?Sharing your services with your professional network is a great place to start. Make sure to keep your LinkedIn profile updated and consider posting an update to let your connections know youre looking to take on new projects. If you have a solid database of past clients and colleagues, sending a group email explaining what you do can also be a great way to reconnect with your network.This article first appeared on A Girl in Progress.