How to Become a Freelancer in the Middle 40's?

Is it possible to change your life drastically when you just turned 40, and even if that was a long time ago? Will you be able to move to a modern work style? Fortunately, the stereotype that it is too late to look for a decent job in adulthood is gradually dissipating. After 40, it is quite possible to find a freelance occupation in your specialty or to plunge headlong into a completely new field of activity. However, be prepared that you still have to put in some effort on the road to success.

Advantage of Previous Experience

Middle-aged people have many competitive advantages over younger job seekers. Usually, children are already grown up and do not require as much attention as they used to. Therefore, you can now devote more time to work. By this age, a person has already accumulated a certain store of knowledge that they are ready to use as productively as possible. Competence is always valuable, don’t forget this.

Responsibility is another characteristic of mature employees. Due to different life situations, they understand that results can be achieved only with effort and hard work. Each decision is made more carefully and consciously. Generally, at this age communication skills are well formed, so it will be easier for you to negotiate with customers and solve any problems if they arise.

Use your main advantage, because by the age of 40 you already have invaluable experience in a particular field. It is a hackneyed phrase, but for an employer your age really won’t matter if you turn out to be a real professional. Moreover, it is often much easier for a freelancer at this age to find a job than an applicant for an office vacancy, because only your knowledge is important for the customer.

However, here, too, you need to be prepared for the fact that you will constantly have to learn, change and grow very quickly, and also follow current trends in your business. Let’s be frank, you cannot do without self-education and advanced training, otherwise you risk being left behind. But believe, this is not at all difficult if the business really suits you.

Mastering New Technologies

Do not be afraid to study, because now it is not necessary to leave home for this. Trainings, webinars, online courses, books will help not only improve your qualifications, but also allow you to advance in an area in which you had no experience before. The more knowledge you have, the easier it will be for you to find a job. Our medium already has an article on how to become a sought-after specialist, so you can check it right now.

Update the knowledge and skills relevant to your industry as they become obsolete. Being on the subject is what is important for a freelancer, and age already has the very last relation to this.

Communication Skills

Due to your experience, you most likely already know about many of the intricacies of business communication, but even the most experienced negotiators should remember the basic rules that help to successfully find orders and establish contacts with customers:

1. Be flexible with your customer. It may sometimes be worth making certain concessions in order to gain a foothold and prove yourself for the future. Well, and add more information to your portfolio at the same time. Of course, you don’t need to work “for food”, but you can always find a compromise.
2. Be proactive with potential customers. Offer them new ideas, various options for solving their problem, tell them about your vision of the issue. Show how you can be useful in each case.
3. Knowledge of foreign languages will open more opportunities for you when looking for a job. It’s good if you already have a certain language base that you can update. If not, do not waste time and start with online courses or hire a tutor via Skype.

Getting Started Is Easier Than It Sounds

How can you decide on drastic changes in your life? Here are some steps to help you move in the right direction and feel confident while doing it:

1. Determine for yourself the area in which you want to succeed. This can be related both to your main specialty and to any other area that is like-minded.
2. Make a portfolio of the most worthy jobs, because this is the face of a freelancer. It is not necessary to include all projects completed in the last 20 years. Focus on the most informative examples that show your strengths at your best.
3. Be positive. Respond to customer requests, offer your services and do not give up if you do not immediately find a response. Believe in yourself and set yourself that everything will definitely work out sooner or later. It can not be in any other way!
4. Patience and patience again. Everything will be but not immediately. After a few months of hard work, you will have formed a circle of regular customers and you will be able to complete higher-paying tasks. If you want your professional reputation to be at a high level, do your job in good faith and with high quality.

We hope that we have succeeded in giving you confidence in our abilities, because in this life, nothing is impossible, and you must always strive for the best. If you are ready to try yourself as a freelancer, you can start working with us. Get started at Talent Powered Team! We have everything on our platform to help you become a successful freelancer.