These days, just about any job you can imagine can be performed by a freelancer, temp or contract worker. And, increasingly, individuals are turning to the freelance lifestyle to take charge of their own careers, freedom, time needs and financial situations.

No matter how seasoned you are in your particular field, there are some basic things you will still need to know if you plan to become a freelancer or take on freelance work. If you are a beginner, it might take a little more time to find your footing (you simply have less experience), but eventually your hard work will pay off. Once you understand the fundamentals of freelancing, you can cross-apply your knowledge to multiple interrelated occupational fields.

Maybe it's time to take the leap and leave your job to become a full-time freelancer, or tack a little freelancing on as a side gig. However you approach freelancing, you are sure to learn something new.