The purpose of starting Barefoot: Mainly to convey an insider’s perspective on freelancing. As I complete two-plus years of freelancing, I wish to share two key learnings from my journey today.
In this time, I’ve had the chance to explore writing for various industries from EdTech to the Kids Space, Hospitality, Lifestyle, and more. Side note, I still choose to run away from Finance; it began in grade 6 and is still a fear.
It’s a blank canvas for me, and I’m here to splash it with words. While you might be able to focus your energies on finding clients in spaces you enjoy writing for most, I like this little freedom that comes with freelancing and choosing to explore my skills continually.
Now, about the two lessons that I’ve most enjoyed learning:
#1: If you don’t ask, you don’t get: Most in this industry would’ve found finding clients the most confusing element – it can be. Here are my two cents on it, if you think your skills are unparalleled, don’t be on marketplaces unless you want to bid for projects with freelancers across the globe.
Stop selling yourself short. Constantly comparing your income to someone’s at a stable job is not good enough; why not use it as a stimulus to charge enough?
You can either choose to send a high bid or match and surpass your stable income. Think about it; you could get a full-time position whenever you wanted, might as well get the perks of one while you’re working for yourself.
Give it a shot.
#2 The discipline to show up:
It will go a long, long way. Show up. On the days you feel like it, especially the days you don’t. More than any skill and course, the consistency of showing up every day, sticking to your routine, and sitting at that desk every morning will carry you further.
Since freelancing doesn’t always mean you’ll land recurring clients or retainers, there might be days you don’t have anything to write about still, write. Start a blog, write a Linkedin post but get those words out there.
I share these nuggets as they encourage me further, and I hope they provide you some solace on a formidable day, believe me, I know there are a few.
Keep going; you’ve got this.