As a work-from-anywhere writer, I'm always on the hunt for cool new cafes and work-friendly spaces to haul my laptop to. If I head somewhere new, though, I'm always plagued by the same questions: Are there outlets? Is the Wi-Fi reliable and is it free? Is there food or just old, crusty bear claws?

As a freelancer, one of the hardest things to do is to tell potential clients what you're about and why they should hire you, AKA your elevator pitch. It isn't just about what's in your spiel, but it's also about the why that can really make people care.

The gig economy is offering Australians jobs, but it comes at a cost. These are often temporary positions, where workers are independent and have to take on more risks. More and more freelance workers are entering the jobs market and their workspace requirements can be very different from full-time workers.

It's not easy saving for retirement when you work a full-time job that provides a steady income every month. But if you work as a freelancer, small business owner or independent contractor? Saving enough for retirement can be even more challenging because your income can vary so much each month.

In the last 14 months, I've been home for only two. The other 12 were spent vagabonding around the planet, working on my laptop in Tokyo, Hong Kong, Paris, Barcelona, and more. It sounds wonderful, and I was certainly privileged to do so, but I learned quickly that while rewarding, it also brought real, serious mental and physical health challenges.

You deserve to charge employers and clients what you're worth. If your self-image makes it hard to accept that sentence, then consider an alternative: If you charge less than what you're worth, people might think that the services you offer aren't that good.

Small business owners and freelancers often have the flexibility to work from home. The problem is, the home provides many distractions. Here are some of the biggest culprits and how to steer clear of them so you can stay productive.

It's hard enough to manage your money on a steady, regular income. When your income varies from month to month as someone who's freelancing or self-employed, keeping your finances organised is even more of a pain. From my experience, you need a system. Set it up once, and it protects you forever. Here's the system I use.

If you could deliver even better work than you promised a client, wouldn't it make sense to do so? While it's tempting to deliver even better than you agreed on to impress someone, there can be a downside to going above and beyond.

We hear about sophisticated attacks using ransomware and other viruses, but cybercriminals often use relatively low-tech social engineering methods to do their dirty work as well. Kasperky Lab discussed a rise in attackers targeting freelance workers by posing as a potential client and then tricking them into surrendering control of their mobile devices through legitimate remote access apps. Here's what you need to know.

Freelancers have to learn a ton of skills like how to find clients, determine what to charge, and make sure they get paid. With all the hot tips freelancers are given, there's one that's more important than all of them: be good at what you do.

When you're setting priced as a freelancer, you might think about it in terms of how much time it takes you or what your costs are. You should also consider a less common factor: how much value does your client receive from the work you do?

When you finally get around to that book you're planning to write, you're going to need help. Reedsy helps you find editors, cover designers and publicists that can help you get the job done.

Especially when you're just starting out, self-employment can be unsteady. You're not sure when the next client will come or how long the gig will last. For this reason, one financial planner suggests doubling down on your emergency fund.

Selling stuff doesn't always come naturally to everyone. This is doubly true for freelancers or people who have to sell their own work. If you're having trouble, keep in mind: selling isn't about you.

It's easy to get stiffed on payments when you're a freelancer. You often have to do the work first before the person who hires you hands over their cash. However, you can still maintain some leverage to make sure you get paid.

If you're looking for a way to earn extra cash on the side, there are plenty of options out there, from starting a blog to renting out your stuff. Whatever your gig or "side hustle," these five questions will help ensure it's one that fits your lifestyle and goals.

When you're negotiating your salary, vague ideas like what you're "worth" can seem overwhelming. This briefcase technique can help quantify your value and get a better salary.

If you're a freelancer, or just self-employed, you may be tempted to only use client-requested projects in your portfolio. After all, that's work you were paid to do. However, personal projects reflect your own passions and work sensibilities, and may showcase your skills better to potential clients.