How long does it take to be a successful freelancer?

Like any field, the time varies. How fast you progress will depend on things like your skills and expertise in the field, how many hours you put into it, what kind of products or services did you offer to customers. And how did they liked them? It takes several months to build up a portfolio of previous successful projects that showcase your skill level-but if you're not starting with an already established customer base (or don't know where to get one), make friends in your desired trade through networking events. If friendships are not coming easy enough for you online or offline, try using social media sites like LinkedIn or Facebook to make connections; joining relevant discussion forums might also help.

A successful freelancer is someone who has a flexible schedule and system of uninterrupted work. A successful freelancer is also one who maintains a positive and relaxed approach to work, which means not getting too caught up in competition with others or dwelling on what they do not have. Similarly, it means having an open-minded attitude about the many possible paths that may lead to personal fulfillment. For example, some people find individual fulfillment through writing papers for academic journals while others find success as business owners. Still yet other people are happy working every day at their regular jobs but take time outs during weekends to develop new skills, pursue creative projects or start side businesses that enable them abroad exchanges.

It takes most freelancers years to become successful. A quick look at Craigslist will show you that, according to most of the postings I've seen on there, it usually takes freelancers about five years of experience before they find work without any upfront cost. This is all contingent upon networking and establishing a relationship with potential clients beforehand. Be sure to engage in good customer service practices both during your work, and after (i.e., quickly responding to email or phone calls). Remember that one stray customer who has an issue is exaggerated out into every other person having the same issues and can lead to a sour reputation, which can make it difficult for future customers and employers alike if left unchecked.

I would say around three months. It's important to quickly develop a strong portfolio with as many pieces as you can (while still maintaining your personal style). If you can work fast, be patient and stick to developing what you love most it will help get you more jobs! I encourage to always remember that nobody but yourself knows better where your talents are or what your style is. Sure, it takes time to get there, but this process should never feel like drudgery. Take the time needed to make sure what comes out of your sketch books are cohesive practices in geometric shapes, natural landscapes or abstracts that imbue color theory into unique personal geometric language. Start by exploring things that interest you.

It takes a lot of patience, hard work and drive to be a successful freelancer. From the micro perspective, it's really just about how long you can survive on one client or gig before your cashflow runs out. In the macro perspective, the more successful freelancers I know enjoy what they do and are happy with how much they earn in relation to time invested--it doesn't appear like any meet their goal of quitting all other jobs in pursuit of freelance life.

It takes time to become successful, but one's ability to succeed is not determined by how long it takes. It comes down to your level of commitment, experience and the quality of work you produce. There are some freelancers that do well right away because they have more clientele or a different skill set which allows them quicker success. For most though, it's an uphill battle for quite some time before they are consistently landing clients who are satisfied with their work. Maybe this falls on deaf ears coming from someone who has been employed as a freelance writer for over three years now - nevertheless the two-week delay in replies means many new contenders will be catching up quickly.