Whether you are longing to ditch daily deadlines or have just been  made redundant, there are a number of reasons to go freelance as a  journalist.

Start where you are

“There are a hundred million ways to get experience,” says freelance writer and editor  Norris .  Norris recommends working for free if necessary, starting a blog and  pitching people. If you’re already a staff journalist, Norris says consider  moonlighting before going full-time with freelancing.  “Pick up some clients while you’re still employed and work in the  evenings – you’ll be super busy for a few months but it’ll make it that  much less jarring when you finally make the leap.”

Get some basic gear, skills

The more skills and equipment you have, the more you can become a “one-man army,” says  multimedia journalist Sherwin Coelho .  “If you can write fluent copy but can’t take a decent photograph, it’s  no good. Similarly, if you can shoot but can’t edit, your work might as  well be given to someone else…”

Prove to clients you can do the work

Potential clients need to see real proof that you’re up to the job, says web designer and filmmaker Danny Fontaine .  That means constantly updating your portfolio and creating work better  than your competitors  – he adds.

Find a niche, or two

[Successful freelancing] is all about having a niche to exploit,” says freelance communications consultant Sebastian Clarke , who works mainly for insurance and financial services companies.Freelancing is, to all but the most devout, another job  and like any job, challenging yourself to do other things is really  important.”

Get away from your computer

Too much time spent at the home office can damage your freelance  career. The two main reasons: personal sanity and vital networking. “Networking is the best way to get work. You don’t have to be a super salesman, just get yourself out and about,” notes Clarke.