Earning More: 5 Essential Tips for Freelancers Who Also Work Full-Time
Do you want to start a freelancing career? A simple Google search could help you find leads on clients or side gigs in a matter of minutes. But, do you really have the time to freelance? For folks with full-time jobs, becoming a freelancer may seem a bit overwhelming. But it doesn’t have to be! After all, Authentic Jobs is here to help! So, if you’re on the fence about freelancing, just keep reading. This post will explain the benefits of establishing a freelance career and offer 5 tips to freelance while employed in a full-time position.

In this post:
Why should you start freelancing? Here are 5 Reasons

Freelancers can earn extra money.
This is, perhaps, the most common reason why people begin freelancing in the first place. And it’s a good reason! While one’s full-time job may offer a steady paycheck, a freelance career can offer the opportunity to acquire more spending money or save money if you’re looking to create a safety net.
A side-gig can be a good use of spare time.
For those who happen to have a bit of time on their hands during nights and weekends, freelancing can be a productive way to spend one’s time. In addition to the extra income that comes with side gigs, there is also the possibility of building a personal network while connecting with clients and other freelancers.
Side projects can offer a change of scenery from the typical office environment.
Tired of sitting in an office all week but want to increase your income? Freelancing can be a breath of fresh air that offers a much-needed change of scenery, for the right person. And while you might enjoy your full-time job immensely; having two jobs can offer a varied experience with different work locations, different clients, and more projects.
Freelancing can be an opportunity to hone skills.
Flexible careers can take many forms – from content writers to freelance designers to social media assistants and everything in between. So, it makes sense to start freelancing if one desires to hone skills, launch a business or learn something new.
Freelance work can offer an outlet for creativity.
Does your current job allow for creative expression? Many industries and job positions don’t leave much room for freedom in that capacity, however, a freelance project could! While one’s main job may take care of their financial obligations; creative people often need more than their monetary needs met – which is why it could be a good idea to pick up some extra projects from time to time. Depending on the freelance work one engages in; it is possible to find clients that appreciate quality work and encourage creative freedom.
Freelancing When Full-Time: 5 Tips to Do It All

Having two jobs is no small feat! However, if planned strategically, a freelance employment contract can lead to a steady stream of income that doesn’t interfere with a full-time position. Here are 5 tips to freelance successfully while producing quality work for your day job.
1. Define your goals as a freelancer.
Are you establishing a freelance career to earn extra income? Or, do you want to transition out of your current job? Do you want to have a full-time freelance career and work part-time in a more stable role? Figure out what your freelancing needs are then go from there.
2. Read every employment contract.
If you already have a full-time job and are considering becoming a freelancer, be sure to read your contracts. Your day job may offer flexibility for you to spend time freelancing, however, it is important to make sure you are not creating a conflict of interest. Check with your HR department if you do not have a clear understanding of the company rules. The same goes for freelance gigs, particularly ones affiliated with service apps (ie. Uber, Doordash, etc). Make sure you read the fine print in all of your agreements before taking on new opportunities.
3. Make time to rest.
Time spent making extra cash can come in handy, however, be weary of burnout. When picking up your first gig, evaluate the amount of time it’ll take to complete tasks, commute, and what the clients’ demands are. After all, you already work full-time. With the addition of a freelancing gig, you’re essentially working around the clock! And for some, that’s totally doable – especially if one of their jobs offers the option of working remotely. For others, too much work can lead to burnout, extreme levels of stress, and other undesirable consequences – so it’s important to schedule some time to rest amidst your other tasks.
4. Keep a clear separation between your full-time job and freelance projects.
When you pick up a second job, the last thing you want to do is threaten your first one. Remember, the goal is to amass more money; not jeopardize your steady paycheck! So, it’s important to stay focused on your full-time job during work hours. It can be tempting to divide your attention, however, we strongly advise against it. After all, it is unethical and the quality of your work will suffer when you’re not focused, so freelance work should be relegated to your free time only.
5. Only take on as many freelance jobs as you realistically handle.
For those working remotely or who have exceptional time management skills; it may be tempting to pick up multiple freelance opportunities at a time – this is especially common for those who work in creative fields such as web development or graphic design. However, it may not be a good idea to go all in with your workload. While multiple streams of income may increase one’s spending budget on monthly basis, overworking can be quite dangerous to one’s mental and physical health.