It’s been five years since The Freelance Bible was published, and in that time, many of freelancers have used it to take control of their careers. But the big questions about freelancing haven’t changed—

  • How do I find work?
  • How much should I charge?  
  • Can I really make this work long-term?

Can freelancing really be a career?

Yes! But freelancing isn’t just about doing what you love—it’s about turning your skills into a business. That means thinking beyond the work itself and focusing on finding clients, managing money, and building a sustainable career. Those who succeed treat freelancing as a business, not an interim period between proper jobs.

How do freelancers find work?

The short answer? By being visible and valuable. Freelancing isn’t about waiting for jobs to come to you—it’s about putting yourself where the work is. That could be through networking, referrals, online platforms, or direct outreach. The more people know what you do, the more likely they are to hire you.

How do you know what to charge?

Freelancers often undersell themselves. The key is to price based on value, as opposed to trading time for money. Instead of thinking, What will people pay me?, ask What is my work worth to my client? Confidence in pricing comes from knowing your skills, your industry rates, and the value you bring.

What’s the biggest freelancing mistake?

Relying on one client. Freelancers need multiple income streams. If one client leaves, your business shouldn’t collapse. Keep looking for new opportunities even when you’re busy. And consider, freelancers can be more resilient to change than a permanent employee, since permanent employees only have one client!

So, what’s next?

Freelancing is always evolving, but one thing remains the same: the best freelancers take control of their careers. They are the CEOs of their careers. Whether you’re just starting or highly experienced, the lessons in The Freelance Bible still apply—build strong foundations, stay adaptable, and always be ready for the next opportunity.

Here’s to five years of freelancing success—and many more to come! 🎉