My beginnings as a freelancer were not easy
Posted: Sat Dec 07, 2024 9:12 am
When we talk about the freelance life, it's always the great stories. We talk about those who were able to make a living from their small business in three months. We highlight those who found their way without difficulty. So inevitably, in the collective mind, becoming a freelancer is simple. That may be the case, but it's not mine.
In August, my small business will be celebrating its second birthday. Already two years. I have moved forward. I have evolved. I have grown. I am fulfilled. And yet, my beginnings as a freelancer were not easy .
It took me a while to get started
Nothing predestined me to become a business leader. I had never israel whatsapp number data thought about it. After my master's degree, I thought I would look for a permanent contract in a company. But life is full of opportunities and risks. At the end of my final-year internship, the start-up where I had spent six months made me an offer that would change everything. I had a choice: work freelance a few days a week for a project that excited me or sign on as unemployed. I had nothing to lose. So, I took the opportunity that was offered to me. I became a freelance in communications .
I don't regret my choice. I'm a little happier every day to have chosen this path and not another. But at that time I probably wasn't ready. I didn't know what I was getting into or what freelance status implied . For several months I did nothing. Really nothing. I let myself live. I had no goals or vision . I didn't know who my persona was. I hadn't thought about my offers. Artistic vagueness.
This lasted until the beginning of 2017. And I had a lightbulb moment. If I really wanted to make a living from my small business, I had to get moving. I bought my domain name and created my website. I laid out my desires. I sorted through my skills and what I could offer. I thought about my ideal client. But I still didn't have a vision.
Combating Imposter Syndrome
Days went by. I still had my little business in my head. All day long. I had hundreds of desires and ideas. But I also encountered imposter syndrome. You know, that moment when you feel like you're not up to par . Because of this damn syndrome, I couldn't evaluate what my work was worth. I didn't know how much I could charge my clients. This question was a big one for several weeks. I read a lot about it, looked at the prices charged by other communicators. But I wasn't comfortable with my rate . I didn't take responsibility.
Finally, starting a freelance business is not innate . There are many aspects that I had not imagined when I started. And to fill my gaps, I decided to train myself . After all, it is also an advantage when you are self-employed: you learn every day! I followed the introductory training "Starting as a Freelancer" from Livementor. In four courses, my horizons have cleared. I imagined my persona very concretely. And above all, I finally managed to define my daily rate . A fair, honest rate that I am comfortable with. It will most certainly evolve over time. But for the moment, I am no longer afraid to indicate my price to my clients. Because I have finally understood one thing: my work deserves to be paid its fair value .
My imposter syndrome has taken off. Well, when morale is low, it quickly comes back to haunt me. But I don't let it stay there for long. Because this imposter syndrome can be paralyzing. And when you're alone in your boat, you don't have time to be paralyzed .
In August, my small business will be celebrating its second birthday. Already two years. I have moved forward. I have evolved. I have grown. I am fulfilled. And yet, my beginnings as a freelancer were not easy .
It took me a while to get started
Nothing predestined me to become a business leader. I had never israel whatsapp number data thought about it. After my master's degree, I thought I would look for a permanent contract in a company. But life is full of opportunities and risks. At the end of my final-year internship, the start-up where I had spent six months made me an offer that would change everything. I had a choice: work freelance a few days a week for a project that excited me or sign on as unemployed. I had nothing to lose. So, I took the opportunity that was offered to me. I became a freelance in communications .
I don't regret my choice. I'm a little happier every day to have chosen this path and not another. But at that time I probably wasn't ready. I didn't know what I was getting into or what freelance status implied . For several months I did nothing. Really nothing. I let myself live. I had no goals or vision . I didn't know who my persona was. I hadn't thought about my offers. Artistic vagueness.
This lasted until the beginning of 2017. And I had a lightbulb moment. If I really wanted to make a living from my small business, I had to get moving. I bought my domain name and created my website. I laid out my desires. I sorted through my skills and what I could offer. I thought about my ideal client. But I still didn't have a vision.
Combating Imposter Syndrome
Days went by. I still had my little business in my head. All day long. I had hundreds of desires and ideas. But I also encountered imposter syndrome. You know, that moment when you feel like you're not up to par . Because of this damn syndrome, I couldn't evaluate what my work was worth. I didn't know how much I could charge my clients. This question was a big one for several weeks. I read a lot about it, looked at the prices charged by other communicators. But I wasn't comfortable with my rate . I didn't take responsibility.
Finally, starting a freelance business is not innate . There are many aspects that I had not imagined when I started. And to fill my gaps, I decided to train myself . After all, it is also an advantage when you are self-employed: you learn every day! I followed the introductory training "Starting as a Freelancer" from Livementor. In four courses, my horizons have cleared. I imagined my persona very concretely. And above all, I finally managed to define my daily rate . A fair, honest rate that I am comfortable with. It will most certainly evolve over time. But for the moment, I am no longer afraid to indicate my price to my clients. Because I have finally understood one thing: my work deserves to be paid its fair value .
My imposter syndrome has taken off. Well, when morale is low, it quickly comes back to haunt me. But I don't let it stay there for long. Because this imposter syndrome can be paralyzing. And when you're alone in your boat, you don't have time to be paralyzed .