Freelance After 50 Summit is April 15-17! Considering a Freelance Career? Don't Miss This!

Before you read the article, please take a minute and use this handy affiliate link to open the information and enrollment page for the Freelance After 50 Summit. If you are at any stage of freelancing, from just thinking about it to having years of freelance experience, there will be something of exceptional value for you to find in this event. At a minimum, you'll be introduced to the resources and community offered by the fantastic folks at Freelance University. You can attend for free, or you can spring for the bonus features included in the advanced tier. You'll be able to determine your schedule ahead of time and choose those presentations that are of particular interest to you. 

There is so much change going on in the job market right now. Layoffs in many industries and in government are pushing people into the employment scramble, and many are wondering if they'll ever be able to find secure employment again. While hiring discrimination based on age is illegal, HR biases against hiring older workers are still widely reported, and recruiting practices tend to favor younger candidates. 

If you are a worker approaching or past fifty, I'd like to suggest at least doing a bit of research in the area of freelance careers. I've been a freelancer in some shape or form since the last half of the twentieth century. Even during the times I had full-time employment, I was still engaged in what has since become known as the side hustle, offering my skills to paying clients as a freelance contractor. When I left my last full-time job in 1997, I carved out a career path that has allowed me the flexibility and freedom I've needed to pursue some creative dreams. When I was faced with health challenges and other extreme situations, freelancing allowed me to continue to work in meaningful ways and contribute to supporting my family while finding the time I needed to take care of the more pressing personal needs I had.

Some people imagine that freelancing is reserved just for creative people - artists, writers, designers, illustrators - but I'm of the idea that the word freelancer applies to anyone who is offering their knowledge and skill as an independent contractor. Coaches, consultants, mentors, private instructors, and experts in almost every field can start a freelance business. This can be an especially lucrative opportunity for people who have many years of experience in their field. 

My freelance experience includes music performance, teaching music lessons, voiceover, video and audio production, business and marketing consulting, personal coaching, and several other areas of interest. I've helped other freelancers start successful businesses in areas like writing, speaking, coaching, graphic design, and videography, to name just a few. I enjoy the flexibility and freedom that comes with the freelance lifestyle. I can work at my own pace, in my own time, and I can be as selective as I want to be about the people I work for and the things I do for them. 

Yes, there have been many challenges, especially in the area of health. One of the important benefits of freelancing in my life has been the ability to work with drastic changes in physical energy and stamina. I've been able to establish a schedule and routine that takes my ongoing need for rest and rejuvenation into consideration. Another challenge has been the somewhat constant need to be marketing my services. Creating an effective marketing system has been essential. Another challenge has been in the area of planning and working with fluctuations in cash flow. Being a freelancer hasn't always been an easy path, but it has still been a more viable way for me to work than the rigid demands of 9-5 employment. 

I had the pleasure of talking with Craig Cannings, the founder of Freelance University and the catalyst behind the Freelance After 50 Summit. We talked about both of our experiences in the world of freelance work, and he shared some of the incredible resources on offer from Freelance University. FreelanceU is a platform that every freelance worker needs to know about. I'd like you to hear what Craig has to say in the interview. I'm a huge fan. 

Finally, if you are even remotely thinking about shifting to a freelance career path, don't hesitate to enroll in the Freelance After 50 Summit happening next week, April 15-17. This online event will feature 15 speakers, including me, who will be covering all the questions you might have about freelance work and business. There will also be panel discussions with speakers each day, and you'll hear from some of the FreelanceU students about their paths to freelance success. 

Again, don't hesitate to use this affiliate link to enroll now, and I will see you at the summit.