You may have heard of freelance work, but why should you consider it as a work at home option?

Freelance work, also know as freelancing, means that you are hired for a specific project. You are not hired part-time or full-time, you are simply hired to work until the project is done.

Freelance work can be anything from writing to inside sales. The internet offers a number of sources for freelance work.

Web design and web writing are growing markets right now and prove to be very profitable if you have the right skills. But there are many forms of freelance work that you can do from home such as photography, animation, proofreading and translation, and data entry.

Most freelance jobs can last anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. However, it varies depending on the job or type of work.

Is freelance work right for you?

Ask yourself the following questions:

1. Am I comfortable in a leadership role? Along with being your own boss, you may have to guide or direct some clients when appropriate.

2. Am I decisive?

Being your own boss means it will be up to you to make the decision to ensure your business is a success. Nobody else is responsible for filling out important forms or chasing down a client when payment is overdue.

3. Have I thought through the financial implications of going it alone?

Because you do not have a steady stream of income you may have to develop your business part time while still working your full time job.

4. Am I willing to adapt to different areas

A freelance writer for example, may be asked to write on subjects outside his specialized field or take on jobs in other areas for example writing and editing.

5. Do I have the ability to get on with other people and make new working relationships easily?

Your success will depend heavily on your people skills. Successful freelance are able to network effectively to continue to gain more work for themselves.

6. Can I look for my own freelance work?

While there are agencies out there that provide freelance work, you can greatly increase your income if you can scout your own clients.

If you said yes to most of the above, freelance work may be the perfect career for you.

With freelancing you can find the jobs you want and do them on your schedule. As long as you can meet the deadline you can work whenever you choose.

Tips to get started

1. Research your market

What skills do you have and who would be interested in paying for them. What type of competition do you have?

2. Identify your business goals

What exactly do you want to achieve by being in business. Is it a certain lifestyle or a certain financial target within a specified time span?

3. Write a business plan
Every business, big or small needs a business plan. It will help to focus on the objectives and structure the financial side of your business

4. Set up your company

Since you will be working from home, set up a space in your home that you can use as your office. Keep it organized to maximize efficiency.