How to get started with freelance?

[ayn]

The websites given by advid, whivh are the GetAFreeLancer, RentACoder, and eLance are one of the most popular wesites I think for freelance. The eLance is one of my favorite websites among those three that I've mentioned.

[salton]

It is very hard to be successful at freelancing..You have to handle everything..your work, promotion, getting work..you need to be an all-rounder inorder to succeed. And there are no benefits. It's tough. I have tried to set up a business on web hosting..the problem was that i didn't know anything about how to market it..it failed.

[akathatoneguy]

There are definitely pros and cons with freelancing. Flexibility and making many new contacts are among the pros, but the cons definitely include the lack of consistency in regards to workload. I'm a freelance writer, and I find that I spend just as much time hunting down jobs as I do working on projects! It's good supplemental income if you're a college student or already have a steady job, however.

[chikigal]

Freelancing is a very competitive field. You really need to prove your worth and credibility to find clients. You can start with working with a company or create some portfolios.

[neha]

If you've held creative job profiles in the past, like that of writers,freelancing could be a cakewalk for you. But freelance jobs are not confined to creative fields alone. Freelancers can be consultants, draftsmen, architects, educationalists, speculators, brokers, etc. Only administrative and managerial jobs don't fit a freelancer's profile.So if you're consistent, patient and responsible, freelancing is for you.

[serene]

David- thanks for posting those sites. I will definitely check them out. But I too wouldn't quit my full time job unless I am able to commit the time and dedication to a free lance job and I know that it will be able to provide for all my expenses.

[Serenity]

If you approach freelancing with the right attitude and business plan, you can succeed very well and very quickly. It is very rewarding to be your own boss, but the stress that comes with it can be hard on you.
Before anyone decides to quit their normal full time paying job with beneifts to freelance, I beg you to think again and be sure you want this.