Until a few months ago, I never considered freelancing to be something for me. I doubted my ability to be able to go for long periods with possibly little money, if I didn’t have an ongoing project. It’s funny how things change.

I was speaking with a friend of mine who freelances in a completely different field than I am involved in, and he mentioned that when he started freelancing, he had started part time, while still holding a full time day job. He did so because he was in the same boat as me, not sure if the jump was one he could make… especially since he was freelancing in a different industry than what he worked in.

Freelancing part time gives you the opportunity to get in to the depth that you want to. Not everyone can just jump right in and start swimming, sometimes you have to learn how to swim first. Take a few small projects that can be done in a weekend, or do something simple for a friend, or an organization you are part of. Not only does that get you experience, it also starts generating a portfolio, which you can then show to prospective customers as you do more and more. Keeping in touch with clients you have done things for in the past will also maintain and expand your network of possibilities.

Some people even stop at freelancing part time. If you are freelancing in something that you consider a hobby, but don’t want to do it full time, don’t force yourself. Making the jump to full time self employment is not one to be taken lightly. If you do continue to work full time or part time and freelance on the side, you do have to be very careful to avoid conflicts of interest, and your employer’s intellectual property and things like that. You don’t want to get your freelance clients, and especially yourself, in any trouble with your daytime employer.

With today’s economy as it is, freelancing is becoming more of an option to many more people. Be prepared for it to take a while to break in, and be prepared for clients to shop around for price. You may be tempted to take the jump to full time freelancing before you are ready. Keep your head level and stick to the plans you have made for yourself. Pay attention to internal factors rather than external. Take your time and do things your way. That’s the only way.