9 Things Every New Freelancer Should Have
/The classic 9-5 work grind is falling out of fashion more rapidly than ever, driving people toward less conventional career paths that offer more flexibility and a more attractive work-life balance. Making the switch can be extremely intimidating, especially if you’re giving up the security of a consistent paycheck and benefits, but in due time, the fruits of your freelance labor will show themselves in several lucrative ways.
As you venture into your journey as a new freelancer, you’ll need a few key items to ensure you’re building a portfolio that speaks to your strengths and abilities. You’ll need a robust arsenal of tech and gadgets to get your new career off the ground, and I’m here to give you the rundown on what exactly you’ll need.
1. Lightweight Laptop
Whether or not you plan on traveling for work, a lightweight laptop is an excellent investment if you plan on moving at all. This could be on international planes or simply to the coffee shop down the street. Today’s laptops are lighter than ever and make transporting your tech completely painless.
2. Bluetooth Headphones
Why be tied down and wired down when you could be weightless and free with a pair of Bluetooth headphones? Whether you prefer noise-canceling over-ear headphones or minimalist wireless earbuds, there are so many options available on the market that can match your needs.
3. Protective Cases
For all of the gear and tech you have, you’ll want to get the longest lifespan out of each—and in many cases, the only way to do this is by protecting each gadget with a protective cover. Be it a custom AirPod case, a Kevlar carry-all bag, or a decorative laptop sleeve, there are so many different ways you can safeguard your gear that look as good as they function.
4. Mobile Wi-Fi Hub
If you find yourself working on-the-go, one of the biggest difficulties you’ll face is being out of reach from a reliable Wi-Fi connection. If you’re in and out of hotels, airports, or coffee shops you can count on the Wi-Fi being spotty. Avoid the stress and frustration of an in-and-out connection by equipping yourself with a mobile Wi-Fi hub. These super useful gadgets function as mobile hotspots that allow you to connect wherever you need to.
5. External Hard Drive
Owning a lightweight laptop is all fun and games until you realize the trade-off needed to maintain the slim design you adore. Minimalist, paper-thin laptops often forgo mighty internal hard drives. To make up for that, an external hard-drive serves as a second home for all of your data, files, documents, and more.
6. Smartphone
While the age of the flip-phone may be long-gone, it’s not uncommon for people to opt for simpler phones that allow them to disconnect. For freelancers, your entire world revolves around being connected to the web and readily available to take care of business whenever duty calls. A top-rate smartphone will serve as the mobile gateway into your online career even when you’re miles away from your computer.
7. Anti-theft Backpack
Traveling as a freelancer can be a bit nerve-wracking when you’ve got some pretty expensive gear in tow. Grant yourself the peace of mind you deserve by protecting all of your essentials inside of an anti-theft backpack. Intelligent integrated features like anti-slash material, RFID pockets, waterproofing, YKK zippers, and shock-proofing keep you and your tech safe from any potential outside threats.
8. Battery Pack
There are few things more frustrating than running out of juice when you’re far away from an accessible power outlet. Rather than panicking at 1% and scouring the lay of the land for a wall with a plug, add an external battery to your tech arsenal. You may even consider opting for a battery pack that can charge devices as large as your laptop. Figure out what devices are most important to you and find a juice pack that can power all of them.
9. VPN
A virtual private network (VPN) is an excellent way to keep your internet connection safe when using a public Wi-Fi connection. There’s no such thing as being too careful, especially when it comes to your data and career. A VPN is a smart investment if cybersecurity is at the top of your priority list.
Congratulations on joining the ranks of freelancers carving out their own career pathways. With these 9 gadgets, you’ve already kickstarted your career. Did I miss anything? Let me know in the comments below!
About Money & Mimosas: Money & Mimosas was started as a passion project by Danetha, a former NFL cheerleader turned entrepreneur and financial journalist. After a brunch conversation with girlfriends, Danetha was inspired to launch a blog about becoming rich and sexy.
