Freelancing — Is this for everyone’s cup of tea?

4 min readMar 8, 2024

I want to share my journey into freelancing with you. If you’re thinking about starting but don’t know how, you’re not alone. Seeing all those success stories on LinkedIn might make you feel left behind or worried that you can’t do it. But let me tell you, I’ve been there too. Now, I’m a top freelancer on Upwork and doing well on Fiverr, even though I haven’t been doing this for very long.

First, let’s talk about mindset. Lots of people want to work online and make money. It seems like it should be easy, right? But the truth is, it’s not that simple. Sure, you’ll hear about people making lots of money on sites like Upwork or Fiverr. But what you don’t see is all the hard work they put in behind the scenes.

So, if you’re thinking about freelancing, it’s important to know it’s not easy money. It takes hard work, learning, and patience. But if you’re up for the challenge, it could be a great choice for you. Let’s find out together if freelancing is your cup of tea.

Simple Steps to Begin Your Freelancing Journey

Embarking on a freelancing career might feel like standing at the edge of a cliff, ready to dive into unknown waters. But with the right mindset and a few practical steps, you can make that leap less daunting and more exhilarating. Here’s how you can start your freelancing journey on a solid footing:

1. Identify Your Skills

Think about what you’re good at. Are you a wizard with words, a design dynamo, a tech whiz? Your skills are your freelancing foundation, so it’s important to know what you can offer to potential clients.

2. Create a Portfolio

Showcase your best work in a simple, accessible way. It doesn’t have to be fancy — even a well-organized Google Drive folder or a basic website can do the trick. Your portfolio is proof of your skills and can help win clients’ trust.

3. Join Freelancing Platforms

Sites like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer are great places to start. They connect you with clients from all over the world and offer a variety of projects. Create a profile that highlights your skills and experience, and start browsing for jobs that match your expertise.

4. Set Realistic Goals

In the beginning, focus on achievable goals. Maybe it’s landing your first client or completing a certain number of projects. Small victories will keep you motivated and help build momentum.

5. Learn to Pitch

Crafting a good pitch can set you apart from other freelancers. Tailor each proposal to the job you’re applying for, highlighting how your specific skills can solve the client’s problem.

6. Embrace Feedback

Feedback is a valuable tool for growth. Use it to improve your work and your approach to clients. Positive reviews can also enhance your profile and attract more business.

7. Stay Organized

Freelancing involves juggling multiple projects and clients. Tools like Trello, Asana, or even a simple spreadsheet can help you keep track of deadlines and deliverables.

8. Network and Connect

Join online forums, social media groups, and local meetups related to freelancing. Networking can lead to new opportunities and valuable friendships with people on a similar journey.

9. Keep Learning

The freelancing world is always changing. Stay ahead by continuously improving your skills and learning about new tools and trends in your field.

10. Believe in Yourself

Confidence is key. Believe in your skills and your worth. Don’t be afraid to negotiate fair prices for your work, and always strive to deliver quality.

Taking the leap into freelancing is indeed a bold move, but it’s also an exciting one. With these steps, you’ll be better prepared to navigate the challenges and reap the rewards of a freelancing career. Remember, every big journey begins with a small step. Are you ready to take yours?