What It Really Takes To Be an Independent Contractor

While the notion of going into business for yourself may pluck at the heartstrings of your inner entrepreneur, making the switch from employee to independent contractor isn’t a quick decision. It requires a bit of planning, resolve, and perseverance to achieve your goals. But with perks such as choosing your own schedule and working with only the clients you like, it offers freedom and flexibility unmatched in the employee realm. Discover what it really takes to be an independent contractor to find out if you have the recipe for success.

What Is an Independent Contractor?

Before you decide whether you have what it takes to be an independent contractor, defining the role and what it entails is just as integral. An independent contractor is a self-employed individual that performs tasks for clients on a short-term basis. In many ways, it’s similar to freelancing, but you often have fewer clients or a single client, and you may have to work during your employer’s work hours — such as 9 to 5.

However, you’re the expert. That means you’ll work largely unsupervised and with limited support in most cases. Because of your knowledge and expertise, clients expect you to know how to do your job. Employers will typically compensate you at a higher rate because of your skills and experience, but again, there are high expectations for your final product.

How Do You Become an Independent Contractor in the Remote World?

Becoming an independent contractor is somewhat similar to finding a job as an employee in some regards. Many remote job boards now have a specific button to filter these specific positions, just like you’d find on the Virtual Vocations job board.

Alternatively, some independent contractors find better results or higher-paying gigs by finding their own clients. Networking is a crucial tool to find work — whether online or in-person. Despite its old-school origins, word-of-mouth business is still a popular way to land new jobs as an independent contractor, provided that your results go above and beyond client expectations.

Before you get to that stage, however, you’ll need to do a bit of housekeeping in terms of your resume, cover letter, and portfolio. And since you’re the expert, you should have skills, qualifications, and experience for the industry you want to work in. Make sure to update your resume and portfolio to reflect your desire for independent contracts, especially if you’re transitioning from a traditional job.

What It Takes To Be an Independent Contractor

Now that you know what an independent contractor is and how to become one, you can make an educated decision on whether you have what it really takes to be an independent contractor. While you don’t necessarily have to meet each of these qualities, doing so will only help you become a better independent contractor. Some aren’t inherent in every individual, but with perseverance, you can acquire them. Here’s a quick glance to guide you.

Confidence

Not everyone has what it takes to be an independent contractor and much of that revolves around confidence in the workplace. The more faith you have in your abilities, the more success you’ll find as an independent contractor. It’s that simple.

Confidence comes in many varieties, but having a portfolio and experience that you’re proud of is paramount. And you also need the confidence to solve problems on your own. Remember, you’re going into the role with little support, so much of the success of a project lies squarely on your shoulder. More than anything, believe in yourself and your abilities.

Wearing Many Hats

You’re not an employee anymore, so those calls to other departments to solve problems are no longer an option. Moreover, you’re your own boss. That means you’re responsible for:

All of these are attainable if you put the work in. Just don’t get caught off-guard by how much you need to do — at least at the start of your venture.

Self-Motivation

Self-motivation might be the most important factor that determines your level of success as an independent contractor. Complacency just won’t work. Whether your motivation is work-life balance or more money for some of the finer things in life, you’re going to need to push yourself to find new clients and retain the good ones. In short, you’re the catalyst for your own success.

Knowing How to Work

Since you don’t necessarily have to adhere to a regular schedule, you need a bit of discretion to be an independent contractor. It’s not when you work, it’s how you work.

This means that while some of your employee friends are enjoying a Sunday afternoon, you may have to get ahead on a project or meet deadlines. However, the added pay, the ability to be your own boss, and innumerable other perks make this work arrangement worthwhile.

Backup Plans

In many aspects, a backup plan is tantamount to failure. Why make a backup plan if you’re intent on success? It’s a valid point. However, a backup plan as an independent contractor isn’t about changing positions or heading back into employment. It’s about weathering the storm. The needs and budgets of clients can change with little warning, and your income can fluctuate drastically from month to month.

That means your backup plan is more about saving some of your income, even in a very successful month. Always set some money aside for an emergency or a temporary downturn in your income, and you shouldn’t feel nearly as stressed or overwhelmed.

What Inspires You to Become an Independent Contractor Working in a Virtual Environment?

After reading all of this information, you may wonder why a person would aspire to be an independent contractor — remote or in-person. That’s a great question to have, and one that only you can answer. However, current independent contractors have seemingly endless reasons why they decided to abandon employment and branch out on their own. If you’re on the fence, maybe some of these reasons to be an independent contractor will inspire you:

How To Jump-Start Being an Independent Contractor

As the popular adage goes, it takes 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration to be an independent contractor or gain success in any other field. However, Virtual Vocations is the tool you need to get a jump-start on the competition and propel your career forward.

Sign up for Virtual Vocations today to find thousands of open independent contractor positions, as well as other tools to build a portfolio or give your resume and cover letter a makeover. By partnering with Virtual Vocations, you can get one step closer to the freedom and flexibility that only an independent contractor can get.

Are you a contractor? What common mistakes do independent contractors make? Connect with Virtual Vocations on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube to share your thoughts and tips. We’d love to hear from you!