When you reach the age of fifty, you start assessing your achievements until now and think of what you can do next to improve your life. At this age, you most probably have a family and children at the age of puberty. Therefore, you still have a lot to accomplish, and you should do your best to stay as active as possible. A person at this age shouldn’t feel like he/she cannot change his life and try something new in their professional career. You shouldn’t think that if you just celebrated the 50thanniversary, you won’t be a valuable asset to any employer around the world.
On the other hand, remote working is becoming more popular, especially amongst millennials. Freelancing is in full expansion, offering people of all ages various opportunities. But, in comparison to the young professionals who want to make a living from freelancing, you are an experienced professional who can bring added value to any business. Keep reading this article and discover how you can start a freelancing career after 50.
Freelancing After 50: 4 Tips to Get Started
Choose your niche
In comparison to a freelancer who is half your age, you bring a unique advantage. You are full of experience, and you are able to adapt quickly to any type of work and requirements. On the other hand, you shouldn’t be afraid that your age would be a downside and clients won’t choose you. When they search for a freelancer to work with, clients don’t look too much on the age, but rather on the experience and portfolio of works. But, before starting out as a freelancer, you should decide on the niche that you want to follow. Do you want to specialize in writing articles? Or do you have an expertise in translations?
You can choose your niche in various ways. For example, if you have worked on a particular domain so far, and you know how things work in that specific niche, then this can be your choice. You can be successful in freelancing only if you do what you like. So, if the sector that you worked in so far doesn’t challenge you anymore, then you should switch to one of your hobbies. If you didn’t have the time and resources to follow your dreams, then this is the best opportunity to do it.
Create a portfolio instead of a resume
Freelancers are “free spirits” who are able to think outside the box and impress their potential clients with different pitches. When you discover a job that can be a good fit for your skills, you should think that you are not the only one who thinks the same. So, you should do something to stand out from your competition and win the project. Instead of sending your client a resume, where you present your previous work experience and skills, you should try something different. For example, you can create a portfolio website where you can talk about your personality and past projects.
When you develop your site, you will be able to use your imagination and create a portfolio that speaks about your personality. You won’t need to say too much in your pitch as your presentation site will speak for itself. Apart from adding details of your previous works, you should also include testimonials coming from your past clients and collaborators. They will increase your credibility level and convince new clients that you are the right fit for what they need.
Promote yourself on various platforms
One of your most significant achievements by the age of 50 is your experience. By this age, you have seen and done many things. Therefore, it becomes easy for you to decide whether a freelancing platform has enough potential to find new projects, or you should redirect your attention to something else. If you want to increase your chances of having a steady workflow, you should promote yourself on various platforms. However, you shouldn’t waste your energy and open accounts on all platforms. You should use your expertise and judgment to make a shortlist and create a profile only on those sites where you can find freelancing jobs on your chosen niche.
Use your network to make yourself known
Networking is one of the most efficient methods you can use to make yourself known. Tell the people you know about your decision to become a freelancer and ask them to recommend you. Also, you can join various groups on social media and engage in discussions. This is an excellent method to expand your network and find exciting events that you should attend. Apart from freelancing activities and events, you should also be open to participating in non-specific events. This is also a great place where you can find potential clients and people with whom you can develop new projects. Your age shouldn’t be an obstacle, but rather your “secret weapon.” Use your experience and versatility to blend in groups of young people and be open to learn from them.
Conclusion
A person who has reached the age of 50 still has a lot to say. Freelancing is not an activity that is suitable only for young people. The older you are, the more experience you can have and adaptability to get involved in various projects. Thanks to technological progress, you can now work with clients across the world. Use the tips above to develop your remote working activities and develop new skills every day. Freelancing is more than an activity that brings you money. It is also a psychological alienation that can help you overcome awkward moments and conclude that you have an essential role in society. Becoming a freelancer should be an excellent opportunity for you to do exactly what you want and enjoy the freedom of developing your schedule. As long as you have the courage and believe in yourself, there’s nothing too tricky that can stand in your way.
By Diana Nadim
Diana Nadim is a writer and editor who has a Master’s degree in Marketing. She combines her passion for writing with her interest in research and creates thought-provoking content in various fields. Besides working as a contributor writer for TrustMyPaper. What inspires her the most in her writing is traveling and meeting new people.