As digital solutions have expanded, working away from a traditional office has never been easier. Whether they’re working from home or in a shared workspace, many people are turning to freelance as a flexible way to earn a living. If you’re just starting on your own, expect a new suite of challenges that are different from working in a traditional office. To help you overcome them, here are a few tactics for successful freelancing.

How to Succeed as a Freelancer

1. Budget Carefully

Freelancing can be less consistent than working for a company, so be financially prepared for the natural ups and downs. Instead of getting paid every few weeks, you’ll be paid based on projects you complete—some months will be slower than others, so stash away money for dry spells and unexpected expenses. Also, keep taxes in mind; you won’t have a W-2, so set aside enough income each time you get paid so you’re prepared when it’s time to pay taxes.

2. Cut Yourself a Break

One of the challenges and benefits of freelancing is that you can work whenever you want. While many people enjoy this luxury, it’s also easy to let working hours cut into your free time. Because you won’t be leaving the office at the end of each day, give yourself breaks. Make a habit of only checking your email at set times of the day, build in time for vacations, and maintain a robust social life to avoid going overboard on the work.

3. Stay Connected

Separated from office life, it might be easy to feel isolated at first. Connecting with other freelancers isn’t just positive for social reasons—you also might make new business connections. Attending networking events, joining a shared workspace, and getting lunch with other freelancers can all build your network. This makes it easier to discover new work opportunities and gives you a chance to outsource projects to other specialists.

If you’re looking for a shared workspace to support your freelance career, visit Curated Co in Edina, MN. Whether you want a private office for your team or need a conference room where you can meet clients, this shared workspace opens this month—March 2020—to support professionals like you. It includes perks like an on-site cafe, childcare, storage, high-speed internet, and more. Learn more by calling (952) 303-6442, and visit them online to schedule a tour of the space.