I have been freelancing for the past 4 years and have done so for 6 years in my programming life of 11 years. All said and done, I find doing a honest job in estimation, no over billing and writing code to the best of your ability is the key to success.
Documenting your own knowledge helps a lot. Knowing what is the latest and greatest, even if you have never tried it helps in keeping your client informed about their choices.
Not living in your comfort zone is the best thing you can do to yourself. What I mean is, don't give your clients what you know, give them what is good for them even if that means you have to learn a new tool/trick/language.
Maintain a healthy pipeline, it helps in keeping the stress down.
On a day to day basis freelancing is more stressful then a regular job, but on an average over a month or quarter you will find it to be more relaxing and it lets have more time for yourself.
I have been freelancing for the past 4 years and have done so for 6 years in my programming life of 11 years. All said and done, I find doing a honest job in estimation, no over billing and writing code to the best of your ability is the key to success.
Documenting your own knowledge helps a lot. Knowing what is the latest and greatest, even if you have never tried it helps in keeping your client informed about their choices.
Not living in your comfort zone is the best thing you can do to yourself. What I mean is, don't give your clients what you know, give them what is good for them even if that means you have to learn a new tool/trick/language.
Maintain a healthy pipeline, it helps in keeping the stress down.
On a day to day basis freelancing is more stressful then a regular job, but on an average over a month or quarter you will find it to be more relaxing and it lets have more time for yourself.
Best of luck.