Owning a business can be intimidating. If the prospect of diving head first into owning a business fills you with a sense of dread, you may not be entirely ready for such a huge undertaking.
And that’s OK. It may take months, even years, to find the confidence to start your business. In this case, the phrase, “don’t quit your day job” is well intentioned.
Instead of quitting your 9-to-5 job on a whim, there are other ways to truly explore the concept of entrepreneurship before commitment.
Freelancing may be your best option for bringing in significant income without the pressure that comes with full-on entrepreneurship. Luckily, there is an ever-growing array of websites to help you on your path to freelance success, though not all are created equal. Upwork.com has proven inexplicably valuable in helping me establish my growing business. Here’s a breakdown of the internet’s most valuable website for freelancers.
The largest of its kind on the web, Upwork.com is where a lot of freelancers go to jumpstart their careers. Born from a merger between freelance heavy-hitters Elance.com and Odesk.com, Upwork.com attracts millions of clients and freelancers, utilizing a comprehensive interview process to provide a perfect match.
With an almost-overwhelming amount of job prospects, the Upwork job board is easy to navigate. Whether you’re a graphic designer, a writer, photographer or accountant, Upwork may be just the avenue you need to gain the confidence to venture out on your own. There is absolutely no cost to set up and get started. Simply create your user profile, upload your resume, then begin bidding on projects based on your desired income and experience. A growing number of large companies are joining by the day, many recognizing the convenience that comes from employing remote workers on a contract basis.
The Upwork interview process showcases the very best of the internet’s potential. Skype calls with people from all over the world are not uncommon. I’ve encountered dozens of international clients throughout my time on Upwork.
While there is a fee to utilize Upwork’s services, they pale in comparison to the perks. Upwork guarantees payment on contract gigs, meaning if the client decides not to pay up, the website will have your back. As someone who has lost over $2,000 to unpaid invoices, the security that comes with Upwork is invaluable, and can save major headaches and heartaches along the way.
Like most things in life, true effort is your best bet for success. Whether it’s starting your own business, jumpstarting your freelance career, or even maintaining personal relationships, you’ll most likely get what you put in. Before you rule out launching your own business, experiment with Upwork.com to see if working on your own accord is right for you.
Editor’s Note: The above guest column is presented in association with Grindstone Coworking, a shared office community in Edinburg, Texas, for mobile workers, small businesses, and corporate refugees. The Rio Grande Guardian will be featuring small businesses and entrepreneurs associated with Grindstone’s Hive Effect project in the coming weeks and months.
