Do you ever feel like you need an extra bit of cash? Becoming a freelancer is the perfect side business because you get to choose your schedule, set your own pay, and the amount of work you can do is unlimited. Sure, it takes a bit of time to build up your client base and learn some new skills, but anyone can freelance.

Three years ago, I was a stay at home mom wishing there was a way I could make a few extra dollars each month. I figured, I’m already staying at home, isn’t there something I can do? And as it would turn out, there was! Someone in a Facebook group posted about Upwork, and I decided to join that day. Instead of trying to sell multi-level marketing products or applying for endless new jobs, freelancing may be the best thing you ever do. Here’s why:

You Make Your Schedule

Have five minutes? Okay. Have five hours? Great! Whatever it is that you have, you get to choose how much you work. Freelancing doesn’t require you to work until you’re dead tired (although, sometimes I do that anyway), all it requires is for you to show up.

I often hear excuses that people can’t freelance because they don’t know any skills. Well, learn some! There are customer service jobs, writing positions, voiceover needs, and more. If you don’t think you have any skills, you’re lying, but also, you can check out sites like Udemy to learn something new.

You Set Your Own Pay

I do about half of my freelancing on Upwork, and I’m often told that people on Upwork are too cheap. And while it’s true that many of the jobs on Upwork are lower-paying jobs, you don’t have to accept them. Just accept the ones that pay more! I’ve never had a client that I felt like was taking advantage of me, and in all three years, my clients have been wonderful.

However, I am picky with who I choose to take on. In the beginning, you may need to take on a few lower-paying clients, but in the end, you’re the one who sets your own pay. Put what you believe you’re worth and wait for those that will pay that.

There’s Unlimited Work

Seriously, there are millions of jobs posted on Upwork and other freelancing sites. There is never a shortage of who you can work for, and if you have the time and dedication, you can find unlimited work. Hey, it may even become a full-time job for you! The money and jobs are out there—you just have to apply.

Anyone Can Do It

Seriously, anyone can become a freelancer. There are so many people waiting to hand out work to you. You don’t need to have a fancy education (although, I do believe it can help!), you just have to put yourself out there. Find what you’re good at and work for it.

The Perfect Side Business

Working as a freelancer is the perfect side business, and it can even become a full-time gig once you get established. There’s no need to keep working at a job you hate or wishing you could make extra money at home through MLM sales. Freelancing is a steady, legit way to make money that keeps your resume current and your skills sharpened! For more tips on being a freelancer (and living a crazy life as a work-from-home mom!) follow me on Instagram and Twitter