The number of freelancers in the United States is rising. There are now 59 million Americans working as freelancers in the country. These workers are experiencing the various benefits of freelancing, such as setting their schedules, being their boss, and having a more excellent work-life balance.
However, freelancing also has some challenges that workers must be aware of. One of the biggest challenges is finding work that is both interesting and pays well. Another challenge is managing time and keeping on top of deadlines. The biggest challenge that many freelancers have to face has the right equipment. Here is some essential equipment for every aspiring freelancer.
Good Computer
The first and most important piece of equipment for freelancers is a good computer. It’s the tool that will be used to do the majority of work. It should be able to handle multiple tasks at once and have a large storage capacity. A laptop is often the best option for freelancers since it can be taken with them when working from coffee shops or other locations outside the home office.
If you’re planning to build a computer, you can never go wrong with an Intel Core i7 processor, at least 8GB of RAM, and a solid-state drive. A 2-in-1 laptop with a touchscreen and a stylus is also an excellent option for many freelancers since it can be used as both a traditional laptop and a tablet.
If you’re looking for a computer that’s already built, the MacBook Pro from Apple is one of the best options on the market. It’s lightweight yet powerful, and it has a large storage capacity. The cost of a MacBook Pro is around $2,000.
The Microsoft Surface Pro is another excellent option for freelancers. It’s a 2-in-1 laptop that can be used as both a traditional laptop and a tablet. It has a high-resolution touchscreen display and comes with a stylus. The cost of the Microsoft Surface Pro is around $1,000.
3D Printer
If you’re a freelancer in the manufacturing industry, you need a 3D printer. 3D printers are becoming more and more popular as they become more affordable. In addition, a 3D printer can be used to create prototypes of products, models, and even art. So regardless of your build, a 3D printer will always be a good choice if you’re a freelancer.
There are many different types of 3D printers on the market, but the best one for freelancers is the MakerBot Replicator+. It’s an affordable 3D printer that’s easy to use. It has a large build volume and is compatible with a wide range of materials. The cost of the MakerBot Replicator+ is around $2,500.
Laser Engraver
Do you want to market yourself, or are you working in the marketing industry? If this is the case, you will need a reliable laser and engraving machine. Such a machine can engrave materials like wood, glass, and metal. It’s essential if you’re looking to create marketing materials like business cards, flyers, or even signs. Much like 3D printers, a laser engraver is suitable for all sorts of work, making it a flexible investment.
CNC Router
If you’re a freelancer in the woodworking or carpentry industry, you need a CNC router. A CNC router is a computer-controlled cutting machine that can be used to create intricate designs in wood, metal, and other materials. It’s essential for creating customized furniture, cabinets, and other woodworking projects. When combined 3D printers and a laser engraver, a CNC router can shine in creating the best kinds of products.
The best CNC router for freelancers is the ShopBot Desktop MAX. It’s a powerful machine that’s easy to use. It has a large work area and is capable of cutting through a variety of materials. The cost of the ShopBot Desktop MAX is around $7,000.
Another good option for a CNC router is the K2CNC Shark HD4. It’s a bit more expensive than the ShopBot Desktop MAX, but it has a larger work area and can cut even thicker materials. The cost of the K2CNC Shark HD4 is around $10,000.
Fast Internet Connection
None of these tools will be handy if you don’t have a fast and reliable internet connection. A fast internet connection is essential for freelancers since they often need to upload and download large files. It’s also necessary for video conferencing, which freelancers often use to communicate with clients.
There are many internet service providers, but Google Fiber is the best one for freelancers. Google Fiber offers speeds up to 1,000 Mbps, which is incredibly fast. The cost of Google Fiber is around $70 per month.
Final Thoughts
As a freelancer, it’s crucial to have the right tools for the job. The listed tools above are great for all sorts of projects. You can cover a variety of work by getting these kinds of tools. First, however, ensure that you get the proper training for using them. It’ll make you a lot more efficient in the long run.