After receiving an overwhelming response to my articles about Freelancing, a number of readers have commented that they are a freelancer or who wish to take up freelancing. I am not claiming to be well versed or knowledgeable in the line of freelancing. After all, I am a noob at this and I have only been freelancing for 6 months, of which the first 3 months are more of a half-hearted attempt as I concentrate on setting up MiddleMe. I did admit when I first started out as a freelancer, I did struggle a little but I always relish challenges and push myself on.
I signed up for a couple of freelancing websites, find a pretty photo and do up an impressive profile. And I waited. And waited. I would have thought I would have an influx of clients knocking on my ‘online’ door but after a week, nothing happens. Two weeks later, I started to doubt myself and my abilities, I can tell you it is not good for my bruised ego. Like I advise the readers here to evaluate your careers and what you want, I realize I did not evaluate myself as a freelancer.
I begin to dissect what is wrong with my profile, my rates, my skill sets, my offerings. I begin to look at sellers who has high success rates, how did they approach their clients, what is in their profiles, what are they selling. I even jumped in and volunteered an opportunity to help my friend who needs to look for a freelancer, to search for one so I can get to talk to some freelancers for real. After gathering the information and collecting my thoughts, I know what is wrong and I proceed to correct myself. It is never a single factor why clients don’t come to you. It is an overall effect. From the way, I position myself to the way I charge to the way I bid for projects to the way I talked to people. I realized unlike the corporate world, I just have to please my boss and my clients, now I have to please my clients who are my bosses! Shocking!
Between August and October, I would have a trickle of clients, mostly one-off projects that only could be completed within an hour or two. The influx came after I changed everything I did, and in November, I began to receive bigger projects, longer projects.
Clients who want me to work permanently with them. Clients who asked if I provide other services or even if I can try my hand at other areas that I have no experience in. (They are under no illusions that I am an expert in that area and willing to pay me to try a couple of sessions for them so I can grow my skills.) Returning customers who appreciate my work and tip me extra for my service.
By December, I have ongoing long term clients who I committed to and trust are mutual on both ends. I begin to build a steady stream of jobs coming in my way. Regular daily tasks that I have worked and get paid on a weekly basis. Without much choice, there are clients that I sometimes need to turn away because I believe in the quality of work and not quantity. That is one of the major reasons why my clients stick to me.
And right now, I am comfortable with where I am, I don’t have to worry about irregular income or not booking a job. However, I don’t take that for granted and I always constantly looking out for new freelancing opportunities to broaden my knowledge and profile. And of course, earn my keep.
Let’s be realistic. Freelancing will not make you rich (at least, not in the pockets). If you want a quicker way to get rich, try working in the oil industries. I have friends who are trading and broking oil, retire at the age of 30 with houses at prime locations, fast cars, and an enormous fat bank account to last their lifetime and their children’s. If I want to get rich quick, I wouldn’t have turned down the offer to join them 10 years ago. Why did I do so? That’s a story for another time.
Did you enjoy what you read? Are you a freelancer too? Or thinking to be one? Share with us at the below comments.
Coming up next week: My Review of Fiverr!
Join MiddleMe at Twitter (MiddleMe_net), FaceBook (MiddleMe.net) and WeChat! Best things in life are meant to be shared, start spreading MiddleMe around, after all, sharing is caring.
MiddleMe 
I am do proud of your ability to freelance write, Kally! You go, girl! 🙂
LikeLiked by 3 people
Awww!! You’re sweet!! Such encouragements will only to push me on!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Kally, you are a freelance writer? What types of things do clients ask you to write about? Do you enjoy it? Just curious. Wishing you the best in your Freelancing endeavor!
LikeLiked by 2 people
I enjoy writing and most of the time, I do enjoy writing for my clients. I get to pick and choose my genre because I must believe in what I am writing for. Usually I wrote travel articles, bridal articles and also advertorials. Thank you for your best wishes!!
LikeLiked by 3 people
Great stuff Kally.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks, Miriam. Have a wonderful weekend!
LikeLiked by 2 people
I hope you have a lovely weekend too Kally.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great post. I appreciate that you write your heart out and probably better than what I do. I like the way you said freelancing is not about becoming rich or enjoying the perks of life. In fact, life becomes a challenge after freelancing. Freelance writers have the freedom to choose work, but its not the way to achieve financial freedom. At least for a majority of the writing population.
LikeLiked by 4 people
Well, I think those writers who got rich in this century, their wealth don’t exactly comes from pure writing, it’s more of the movie franchise and what comes along after that, makes them rich.
LikeLike
Very interesting post on your early days. It gave me several things to think about. Congratulations on your success!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you! And thanks for leaving me a comment.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I am thinking the same thing now but lots to research first if possible here in UAE… different rules. I am proud of you to achieve so many things and still young 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Does UAE charges taxes for freelancing?
LikeLiked by 1 person
As far as I know there is no tax here in UAE but it’s a matter of formality docs I am thinking about so not sure where to start as not enough info to go by. 😦
LikeLiked by 1 person
Formality docs? Is it require by the government? I don’t think you need one just to start as a freelancer.
LikeLike
It’s a bold and brave move to follow your heart. You’ve shown determination and resilience. All the very best for your future.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks. Well, you only live once.. Passion is why kept me going.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I have been thinking of doing somethings on Fiverr so I am waiting for your review! My skill set revolves around general writing but I write manuals for work (Standard Operating Procedures). So I have some avenues to explore to make a few extra dollars on the side.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Hi – just curious…I used to format procedure manuals – they provided the copy, and I input and formatted – does that need still exist?
LikeLiked by 2 people
I really have to delve into the site. I would imagine it would if the owner did not have the experience in creating one.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I did come across requests like what you mention but not that many. Copywriting is one of the more common requests.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Oh, I already did a review on Fiverr, did you catch it? https://middleme.net/2016/02/16/review-of-freelancer-websites-fiverr-com/
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oil industry, hmm!!
Thanks for the tip, Kally!! 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hahaha!! Most welcome, Hammad!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great, Kally!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks!!
LikeLike
Thanks for describing that it takes time, and that clients don’t knock on your door immediately. Good to remember.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Many gave up just after one month of trying. It is definitely not easy being a freelancer, it takes time to build up your network.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful read! I am wanting to become a freelance writer in the near future. My dream job includes things of the arts (like writing and graphic design)
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks!! I wish you all the success! Perhaps you can start doing now.. Tiny steps first.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Exactly! Thank you for the encouragement
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m always around if you have any questions. Feel free to ask.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Kally, if I have not had a very bad 2 weeks I would be more aggressive but I am happy that i was aggressive enough to get 4 gigs and look forward to getting more. Though I have hurting me here.
LikeLike
You’ll have to balance your time between your gigs and WordPress.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have some unforeseen issues that may keep me from both. I am having a daily struggle that may hurt me in a lot of ways.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Not your sleeping problem again?
LikeLiked by 1 person
A lot worse.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Big hugs
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Dear
LikeLiked by 1 person
You like cats kally
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m a recent cat converted dog lover. Haha!
LikeLike
I appreciate so much your time and willingness to offer these insights into freelance work. I’ve not had the chance to really sit down and learn more but am definitely interested and your posts really help with a place to get started!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you for letting me know my advice are useful. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I do want to be a freelancer too . …I’ve made a half hearted attempt….if that. Giving it my all as of yesterday!
LikeLiked by 2 people
You can do it if you set your mind to it!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on Still Another Writer's Blog.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sadly, even if I did start work in the oil industry, I’ll never be able to retire at 30. Sniff. 😦
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s alright.. Well, add on another 10 years then!
LikeLike
Thanks a lot Kally, for liking one of my comments in common network, in turn connecting me to your world. Indeed, your ‘middleme’ is about the ‘wholeme’, going by the comprehensive range of your weekly posts. Keep at it….best wishes.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much and welcome to MiddleMe!! I do hope you enjoy your time here and perhaps my articles provoke thoughts in you. 🙂
LikeLike
If you make it another 20, I could retire next year! Yay! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha! I’ll be generous and throw in 30 so you are retire now!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yipee! Thanks, Kally! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Freelancing is tough. It can be very difficult, in fact. It can wear people down, making them lose sight of what they used to love because they have to do everything else just to get by. But of course we can improve our skills.
Nice article.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you. And yes, freelancing is tough but of course, it has it’s perks too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Its so nice to read your post…so much zest for life and getting what you set out to do for yourself…and then you share how you do it…love it,,,,your a special woman…nice to follow your journey if life…keep up the wonderful work ethics …kat
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much for your motivating words, Kat! Means a lot to me.
LikeLike
Wow, what kinda work you like the most Kally?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Actually I am doing those tasks that I am enjoying now. Whether it is editing, writing or consulting, it’s very rewarding.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s cool. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I enjoy blogging. Freelance work would work only if I liked the themes. I can speak about teaching, rearing children and writing. My work life is finished when I retired last September. Over the years, I have been asked to present workshops and write a few journal articles. I am glad it works for you and wish you much success at the task.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much for your best wishes, Dr Mary Ann.. Passion is something that can carry you in the long run.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Agree with that and passion. It’s a necessary ingredient for many things in life. Thanks for the comment.
LikeLiked by 1 person
A great post!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happy that you like it!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great article! I would like to be a freelance too someday, but I don’t think I have the skills/confidence yet. Can you take a look at my blog when you have some time, it’s about Travel destinations within SD.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lovely blog you have there! I have a travel website too! You can pop by http://www.ladyredot.com for a peep.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great post Kally. Meaningful informations and insights into freelance work.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! I’m glad you find the information helpful.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your hole blog is meaningful, Kally!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your support!
LikeLiked by 1 person
My pleasure! Have a beautiful weekend.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You have an awesome weekend too! Enjoy!
LikeLiked by 1 person