When we think of working as a freelancer in another country, images of pleasant climate, blue skies, and an office by crystalline waters immediately pops up. Freelancing is the dream of many as it allows you to work anywhere with just a laptop and an internet connection, travel frequently and create a new life away from your existing 9-5 office job. Leaving your current job and moving to an entirely new country might seem overwhelming at first but the benefits it brings including cheaper rent, flexible working hours and warm weather certainly outweigh the complications. However, before making the big move, it’s important that you consider these five tips to ensure things run seamlessly and you make the most of your time while freelancing from abroad.
Research is the key
Before you move, make sure you know everything about the country and the city you’re headed, be it the culture, cost of living, red tape around work permits, visa formalities, language barriers, and freelancing opportunities. Make it a point to hang onto some clients back home since the lack of fluency in the local language might take you longer to set-up a new client base. Learn everything you can about the tax policies, payment methods, and all other issues that might arise when you embark on your wonderful freelancing journey. If this seems a little daunting, the best solution is to test the waters before permanently moving your base to a new country. A month or two would be enough for you to explore the new surroundings, interact with the locals, and get familiar with the customs of your new home.
Manage your finances
Before jumping off your company’s payroll, make sure you have enough money saved in your bank account for times when the going gets tough. As mentioned earlier, it might take you some time to build up a new client base in the new country, so you must keep your finances in order so that you don’t give up before even tasting success. You don’t just need money for accommodation, travel, food, entertainment but also for the things that you don’t see coming.
However, no matter how good you’re at budgeting and planning things ahead, you can still run out of cash due to some uncertainty, and suddenly find yourself lost in a place you know nothing about. Don’t panic as you can easily ask your friends and family to help you with some money using Ria money transfer. Yes, all clients need to do is sign up and send the money anywhere in the world in the quickest way. Their service is not just hassle-free, but they also offer competitive exchange rates and low fees. Amazing, isn’t it? And once you’re settled, you can return the favor by sending some cash back home using this amazing money transfer service.
Network, network, network!
You need to nail down your networking systems to build a good reputation in your industry. You need to be out there to get noticed by potential clients. Organize meetups, attend conferences and seminars, and get some business cards printed. You can join a co-working space to understand the local freelancing scene, meet like-minded people and seek new opportunities. Sure you can operate your business sitting at home but what’s the point of coming this far if you don’t explore new possibilities.
Don’t forget to socialize
Life as a freelancer can be a lonely experience especially when you’re away from your home country, so it becomes important to push yourself out of your comfort zone. While your willingness to devote more time working is understandable, remember that your work is not the only part in your new life you have to set up for yourself. Explore nearby coffee shops, bars, try to make new friends and you never know, the next moment you might end up planning a trip with them. These experiences will also help you learn the local language quickly.
Consider the risks
While being an independent freelancer in an entirely new country is fulfilling and exciting, consider the risks as well before taking the plunge. Since you’re far away from your family and loved ones and you’ve to make all the decisions by yourself, it’s crucial to take some basic precautions. It’s good to socialize but be aware at all times and do not let anyone befool you. It’s okay if you’ve never been alone; all you need to do is stay smart and safe, believe in yourself, and soon you’ll realize this by far was the best decision you’ve ever made.
I won’t lie, you’re going to have moments where you’ll question your decision of coming so far but keep pushing yourself and remember freedom doesn’t come easy. With patience, planning, networking, learning and an acceptance of yourself, things will surely fall into place, and you’ll come out stronger on the other side. So go for it, take the plunge!