Five steps to get started as a freelancer
Previously, we shared with you ‘5 Benefits of Freelancing with IT Skills’ which covered some of the advantages of breaking into the gig economy within technology here in Japan.
There has been a significant increase in demand for freelance work due to the rise in remote working. With many people wanting remote and location-independent work, starting a freelance business has become an attractive prospect for making a living as well.
Thankfully, it is easier to become a freelancer than ever before, and we will share five simple steps on how to get started before you embark on your journey.
1. Update your work history and LinkedIn profile
Prior to job hunting, you should always make sure that your Curriculum Vitae (CV) and LinkedIn profile are up to date with your current background, skills, and strengths. The better your LinkedIn profile, the more likely you are to catch the eye of hiring managers and recruiters and be offered a position.
If you are working solo, your profile will play a very important role in your personal branding.
2. Do research on salary rates for each job and find out your market value
After choosing to quit your job, one of the biggest concerns you may have is the effect on your monthly income. How can you transition into another role smoothly to prevent financial instability? What are salary packages that you should be looking out for in your next role? Global Enterprise Partners can help you with this by utilising our experience in the area, so feel free to talk to us.
If you are uncomfortable with the idea of starting your own business out of the blue, you may want to start freelancing as a side hustle - depending on the regulations of your current company. This will give you a rough idea of how you can manage your monthly income, and the gaps that you might need to cover if you choose to decide to freelance full-time.
3. Join a community and expand your network
According to Freelance Whitepaper 2020, 73.8% freelancers say that the best way to attain work opportunities is through personal connections – this includes referrals by acquaintances. Therefore, building connections and joining communities with people in the same or similar industries, even while working full-time with a company, can be a great advantage in your later career. To get started, be engaging and active on social media and look out for events that can allow you to network with experts and enthusiasts in the industry.
4. Find out what the legal requirements are for freelancing
When you work as a freelancer, there are various areas that you might need to ensure that you are covered for individually, such as insurance and pension.
The main procedures include submitting a business registration form, applying for the National Pension Plan, and even enrolling for National Health Insurance.
You will also need to file a tax return at the end of the fiscal year. Make sure to do ample research on all procedures to ensure your transition goes smoothly.
5. Register with a consultant today
In addition to using your personal network to search for jobs, as mentioned above, you can also get in touch with an agency like Global Enterprise Partners that is well-established in contract recruiting to support your needs. We make successful placements for high-level positions, both domestically and abroad, every 38 minutes. If you require support or are ready to take on a challenge in the gig economy, fill out the form with your details below or upload your CV using the button below to be shortlisted for a suitable role.
