I have been freelancing for nearly six years now. Whenever I meet a fellow freelancer, I am always excited to exchange tips with them because I have so much to learn from others, whether their way of handling potential business or managing their time to be at their most productive state. So I am honoured to have this opportunity to chat with Stephen and gain some insights into his view of the freelancing world.
Thank you, Stephen, for accepting this interview. It is my honour to have this opportunity to understand what your job entails and provide others with a peek into your working world, so maybe someone can learn something from your experience. Please introduce yourself, and where are you from?
My name is Stephen. I am from Germany.
What is it you do in freelancing? What are your skills/speciality?
I specialise in consulting and providing services to ecommerce sellers on amazon. My skills consist of fluently speaking 5 European languages and reading and writing another 2, an extensive vocabulary, highly developed analytical skills.
Why do you freelance?
After successful endeavours in North and South America, I ran into a paradox situation when I returned to Europe. Not possessing a university degree disqualified me for managerial positions. But my management experience in international environments made my applications for entry positions appear non-credible.
What are the freelancing platforms you use?
Upwork, People per Hour, Guru, Freelancer are the my go-to platforms to find clients.
What were you doing before you venture into freelancing? Did you enjoy your last job?
Before I started freelancing for the last time, I sold basic grocery packages to habitats in rural areas of the Northeast of Brazil. I loved it.
How long have you been a freelancer? Can you survive on what you earn from freelancing?
I first freelanced from 2005 to 2007, then from 2009 until today. I am capable of accomplishing more than surviving on my freelancing earnings. I support a family of 4, mainly spending our life in the US, Brazil, and Europe, travelling to any place and any time that we like.
Please share with us any interesting stories or people you have encounter at freelancing.
I am afraid that I do not have any interesting story to tell. Freelancing was easy to start. There is no low job availability for my skills and performance level. However, I perceived ignorance and arrogance in many people procuring freelancers on the internet. They are either unaware of the cost of living or believe that everyone on a freelancing platform must be a day-taler desperate to make a dollar.
What is the prospect of freelancing? And what do you see yourself doing five years down the path?
Freelancing and home office work will increase, considering a change in attitude toward work/life balance and the available technologies. I hope that in 5 years, I will not be freelancing anymore, but having a business established that I can pass on to my children. If that does not work out, I will be continuing freelancing.
How do you find satisfaction in your work?
My results are measurable. My satisfaction is being found in achievements.
Building a track record of achievements, receiving recognition from my clients, adding to my reputation, being able to pay my bills
What does passion mean to you?
Passion means love for what I do. Passion means no compromises in quality. I am not an aggressive person at all. My passion is naturally stimulated by pursuing the highest levels of excellence.
Please do share one tip of yours in making freelancing a success.
Do not advertise skills that would not secure you a regular job.
Would you advise anyone to quit their job and go into freelancing full-time?
No, not everyone has the discipline, the positivism, the skills, or can advertise himself and his skills.
Any last words for someone who aspires to be a freelancer?
Don’t try to accommodate everyone. Specialise and train your considerable skills. Do not undersell yourself unless there are other substantial benefits.
About Stephen
I am a seasoned professional with international business development, marketing & sales experience, and a customer service background. I was born and raised in Europe and spent the past 20 years living and working in North and South America and Europe. I am married with two children. I speak five languages on a professional level and am highly computer literate. I specialised in amazon in 2009, and have become a leading amazon expert for Europe and North America, consulting and providing services to amazon sellers.
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MiddleMe 
Thanks for sharing.
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I’m glad you enjoy it.
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Mine pleasure dear.
Have a great day.
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Awesome interview with Stephen, Kally. He is quite right – never undersell yourself, which includes never undercharging for your services either 😎
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Absolutely solid advice!
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A wonderful read of a great very disciplined and passionate freelancer who has the know how. Thanks for posting this great interview.
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I hope this will motivate all the freelancers out there.
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Interviewing functions as a wonderful technique to observe the reality of a prospective occupation.
I like your idea to use this format in your blog.
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Thank you so much! love your comment.
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Reblogged this on OPENED HERE >> https:/BOOKS.ESLARN-NET.DE.
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Thank you for sharing this very interesting interview, Kally! As its showing the situation for freelancers in my own country, i can agree with Stephen. In Germany it is not only very popular that people work from nine to five. It is even more important to pay taxes regularly and in a way that can be planned for the administration over the years. Your own life has to step back from paying taxes. Have a nice weekend! xx Michael
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Good insights from you, Michael. Different countries treat work differently. Many think work or jobs are just means to an end while others believe jobs should be an important part integrated into our lives.
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Hi, Kally! Thats so true. Working for Life, or living for work. 😉 Thank you for mentioning, and have a beautiful week. xx Michael
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What an interesting lifestyle, and a great post to see on WordPress. Do keep more posts like this coming!
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Thank you so much for your encouragement, fellow Malaysian!
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Dang I’ve seen you on WordPress for so long now and only today I’ve learned that you’re a Malaysian. Nice meeting you!
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Lol. Actually, I’m not a Malaysian but I’m a Singaporean living in KL for the past 6 years. Nice meeting you too!!
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Buona settimana 🙂
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Thank you so much!
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Wow! So great it really is helping
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Thank you so much!
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Thank you so much for sharing! Good job
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Your comment made my day! Thank you.
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Hi
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Nice to know about freelancer Stephen.Its highly inspiring and motivating.Have a nice day Kally.
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I’m glad you enjoy the interview. Stay safe and smiling 😊
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Ok
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i love it
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Thank you so much!
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Very good idea
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Thank you so much!
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Stay safe kally.
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You too, Prakaash. Stay safe and smiling 😊
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Business life
want success
and the profit
of which the inheritance
for the kids
and grandchildren
the wealth
of the inner workings
is therefore not guaranteed
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Quite an interesting story! It’s nice to know that freelancing can create a space for people who have great skills but aren’t being considered for company positions due to technicalities.
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Glad you find the interview interesting!
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