I have been a “contracted worker” for my fair share of years, since 2003 to be exact. Over that time I have figured out both the easy way and the hard way a few good tips to pass to others who might do freelance work – no matter what industry you might call home.

1. Don’t be afraid to speak up and pass your suggestions about the business you work for to the business you work for.

2. If it feels strange to you to get out of bed and get to work, then make yourself think you are going somewhere else. Get dressed, comb your hair and have some downtime before you get started. You have to get yourself in the mind that when you sit down at that computer you are in “work mode” and can not be bothered.

3. Don’t under sell yourself. If the company that hired you isn’t living up to their end of the deal or they are forgetting about you, let them know. Sometimes with freelance workers or contacted positions little things get overlooked. Don’t let it happen.

4. Want to read more about freelancing and the world around it? One cool source I just found the other day is at the Freelance Blog at FreelanceSwitch.com. Highly suggested reading if you are in the freelance business or your looking to get started.

I guess those would be my biggest ‘bits of advice for anybody wanting to “work for themselves” out there. If you know of any more good nuggets of advice, don’t be shy – pass them my way.