Whether you’re a writer, a consultant, a graphic designer, a photographer (or any number of other titles), being a freelancer can certainly be rewarding. You have the opportunity to be your own boss, set your own rates, choose who you work with, and work pretty much whenever and wherever you want.
There’s no doubt about it, being a freelancer can be wonderful; and as long as you have a steady supply of clients, it can also be quite lucrative. But no matter how well you’ve established yourself, lulls can happen. Your workflow can go from a steady stream to a slow trickle in the blink of an eye.
The ebb and flow of freelancing can be difficult to manage; particularly the ebbs. What do you do when work slows down? Ideally, you’ve built up enough of a safety net to carry you through those sluggish periods, but even if you have money in the bank, that’s where you want to keep it there. And what if you don’t have a cushion to get you through? How do you make cash to get you through a freelance famine?
Don’t fret! Here are three ways that you can get cash fast when work slows down.
3Get a Side Hustle
One of the reasons why you love freelancing so much is because you get to be your own boss. But when the going gets tough, you just might have to suck it up and seek traditional employment. You don’t have to look for a 40 hour a week office job (of course, you can if you want to); instead, look into something that offers a bit more flexibility so you can make extra money when freelance gigs slow down but still focus on working for yourself.
Waiting tables and bartending are two great ways to earn extra income. Depending on where you work, you could make some pretty decent cash. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to mix and mingle with the general public, develop relationships, and maybe even nab a client or two (or several) for your freelance business.
2Sell Your Stuff
Take a look around. You’ve probably got a lot of stuff that you don’t use that someone else probably would. When you hit a freelance hiccup, turn your clutter into cash and sell it! Depending on what you have lying around, you could stand to make some serious coin. Gently used clothing, old cell phones, and even home furnishings can actually bring in a good bit of money.
There are dozens of online sites where you can sell those unwanted items. Consider using social media as a selling tool; Facebook Marketplace, for example, is a great place to connect with people who are looking to buy. Or, you could go the old-fashioned route and host a yard sale. Make clever advertisements and post them around town, ask friends and family to help spread the word, and let your social media followers know about the event.
You might be pleasantly surprised to see how much extra money you can earn by selling your unwanted stuff.
1Get a Car Title Loan
Own a car? If so, you could use it to score some extra cash to get you through when freelancing is slow. With a car title loan, you could get a nice chunk of change. Depending on the lender you’re working with, the loan can be approved quickly and you could have money in your pocket in a matter of just a few hours. Reputable lenders offer fair terms and flexible repayment options. For more information, you can check loancenter.com.
A cart title loan is a great way to get the money you need during a freelance drought.
Being a freelancer is awesome; that is until things slow down. But when the going gets tough, one (or all) of the above-mentioned options can help you earn the money you need to get by.
