How I’ve Worked Online Full Time For Almost a Decade

I’ve been working online full time for eight years now. 

I’ve been able to see different industries change, become overly saturated, and die out altogether. 

Recently, I’ve seen a ton of veteran online workers decide to go back to traditional jobs and many believe that it’s too hard to start working online. 

While I’m not saying quit your day job right now and hope that you transition smoothly to the online job world; I will say that if you’re sick of your current job or want to increase your income working online could work for you. 

When I first started I was making a full-time income online within 6 months. These are the things I do to make sure my income stays consistent each month. 

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I Never Get Too Comfortable

Never keep all of your eggs in one basket. 

The biggest mistake I have seen people make over the years is getting too comfortable with ONE client. 

If you happen to land your “dream” job, as a freelancer or independent contractor, this doesn’t mean you have any type of JOB SECURITY. 

Even when you’re booked with work, you should always be marketing yourself or looking for something better. 

I have clients I have worked with for 2-8 years and I still market myself weekly. 

You never know when a client is going to send that dreaded email that says:

•  They can no longer afford you
• Your services are no longer needed
• They are going out of business
• They found someone cheaper

Or any of the other excuses that clients send. 

Plus, marketing yourself while you’re booked solid allows you to increase your prices and let go of clients that aren’t paying you what you are worth. 

HOWEVER, with that being said, keep in mind that if you do have 1-2 clients that you absolutely love working for and that have been steady with providing work for years, you don’t want to overbook yourself as to where the quality of your work decreases. 

Read Also: Ways to Make Money When You’re Inbetween Clients 

I Stay on Top of My Taxes

When you first start working online (especially if you’re successful in your first year) you’ll find your tax bill to be a surprise. 

You no longer have taxes withheld from your check automatically AND the increase in income can have you going crazy with paying off debt or bills. 

Make sure that you pay your estimated quarterly taxes to avoid a penalty and pay your taxes in full by the tax deadline each year. 

Furthermore, make sure you’re actually filing your taxes. Once you become self-employed, your tax returns are the key to renting a house, getting a mortgage, getting a loan, and much more. 

Read Also: Tips For Filing Taxes When Self Employed

I’m Always Networking

You can never know too many people in the online world. 

Networking in any way that you can is beneficial. 

I’ve had referrals sent to me for my services from people I’ve met in parenting Facebook groups to folks I’ve met on LinkedIn.

Just because you’re working online, it doesn’t mean that you can’t have a social life (even if it is just in the online world). 

Get out there and make those connections in different places that you frequent as you never know who’s going to be a client or referral for your business. 

Read Also: Unique Ways to Promote Your Online Business

I’m Always Eager to Expand My Skillset

I started working online when I was 20 and I was young and eager to learn how to become an overnight success online. 

While I didn’t become an online entrepreneur overnight success story, I have been able to adapt to all of the changes over the years by always being eager to learn with any client that I’ve worked with. 

AND what I’ve found out is the more skills that you have the more likely you are able to gain retainer (long term), clients. 

Too many people these days in the online world think “that’s not in my job description” when they’re asking to tackle a task that they’re not familiar with. Instead, you have to think that this could be my new job description. 

By always being open to expanding your skillset you’ll be able to climb up the ladder quickly and have a variety of options at your disposal in the online world. 

I Do Video and Voice Calls

Why are so may online workers freaked out by doing video or voice calls?

When you worked a traditional job you weren’t just hired and met your manager the first day on the job. You had to do an in-person interview, which requires much more work than a video or voice call by the way. 

When I first started working online in 2011, video and even voice calls weren’t common. Since you’re working with someone virtually they figured that an email agreement was more than enough.

However, now with all of the scam artists mixed into the online work industry, it’s important to know that you’re working with someone who is legit on both the client and freelancer end of things. 

Video and/or voice calls are going to be required for the clients who will pay you what you’re worth…Get over it. 

Conclusion: You Can Successfully Work Online

Working online isn’t easy. 

However, it is still a lucrative income source. 

To successfully work online you’ll have to be dedicated and determined to make it work or don’t waste your time. 

Keep these tips at the core of your endeavors and you’ll do just fine. 

Are you successfully working online full time? Or maybe you want to work online full time and aren’t having any luck. Either way, leave your questions or feedback in the comments and I’ll provide my best advice/feedback.