Posts

Invest In Success: Why Upwork Fees are a Freelancer’s Stepping Stone

Image
In the early days of my freelancing journey, I too saw Upwork fees as a bitter pill to swallow. The deduction from my hard-earned income seemed more like a penalty than anything else. However, as I delved deeper into the freelancing world, my views began to evolve. This article unfolds a new perspective, aiming to shift the lens through which you might see Upwork fees. It's not about an expense that nibbles on your earnings, but an investment that lays down a pathway for a flourishing freelancing career. I aim to unravel how Upwork, with its structured platform, paves the way for showcasing your skills, building a robust work history, and accumulating reviews that become your freelance reputation's cornerstone. Setting the Stage: Upwork's Platform Imagine stepping into a bustling global marketplace, where opportunities to showcase your talent are aplenty. That’s Upwork for you. It’s not just a platform; it's a community where freelancers and clients come together to cre

Why Common Sense Is Often Overlooked but Essential in Freelancing

Image
Have you ever wondered why some freelancers handle projects like pros while others fumble? You’d think it’s all technical skill, but often, it’s just common sense. This idea hit me during a chat with a fellow freelancer. He was puzzled by the lack of common sense he saw in new freelancers—evident from the questions they posted on Facebook groups. Why does this matter? Because common sense is more uncommon than you’d think, but it’s a cornerstone for freelancing success. This blog won’t just be me talking; we’ll include thoughts from Jamie, JC, Nilan, and Jay. So, stick around, and let’s crack the code on why common sense is your freelancing superpower! Audience Insights: What Do People Think? I threw a question on Facebook to spice things up and bring more viewpoints into the mix. I was curious to hear from my friends and former colleagues, who bring various experiences. So, what did they have to say? Jamie’s Perspective : Jamie leans toward the idea that teaching common sense is diffi

Can You Still 'Fake It Till You Make It' in 2023's Cutthroat Freelance Market? Truth Revealed!

Image
" Fake it till you make it. "  We've all heard the saying, usually thrown around in self-help circles or perhaps as some whispered career advice from a well-meaning relative. Once upon a time, the unwritten code saw many freelancers ascend from humble beginnings to towering heights of professional glory. But the question that looms as we navigate the trenches hyper-competitive freelance market is: Can you still pull it off in 2023? Gone are the days when you could merely put together a portfolio overnight and count on landing a few naive clients willing to give you a shot. Today, clients are savvier than ever, equipped with tools and metrics to scrutinize every claim you make. In a world awash with options, they can afford to be choosy—and they are. So, is the age-old tactic of faking your way to success a relic of the past, or does it still hold water in today's cutthroat freelance arena? Strap in. We're diving deep to unravel the truth in a landscape where impos

How to Evade Freelancer Burnout in 2023: Unplugging in an Always-Online World

Image
I get it. The typical advice for freelancers to avoid burnout is as stale as last week's bread. You've heard it all—set boundaries, take breaks, find work-life balance. But let's face it, that doesn't scratch the surface of what's really going on, does it? We're in 2023, a more online and interconnected world than ever before. Old strategies may not cut it. You see, this piece isn't your average run-of-the-mill advice column. Here, I'm taking you on an exploration into the hidden triggers and subtle life changes that can lead us, freelancers, straight into burnout territory. And I promise, it's unlike anything you've read before. I'm talking about digging into the nitty-gritty—daily routines, digital obsessions, even the little voice in your head whispering, " I can't take this anymore! " So go ahead, and grab a cup of your favorite coffee, tea, or whatever tickles your fancy. Get comfy. I’m about to give you a roadmap for navig

Don't Get Fooled: The Dark Side of Freelancing in Facebook Groups

Image
No time to read? Listen to this article on Spotify . Welcome to a topic that needs some serious attention—finding freelance gigs. If you're a freelancer, you know the struggle of client hunting. It's like a never-ending game of cat and mouse, but the prize isn't just cheese; it's your livelihood. Many freelancers have turned to Facebook groups, lured by the promise of a community-driven, easy-to-navigate job board. But here's the kicker: Facebook groups are rapidly becoming a jungle of scams, fake job posts, and, let's be frank, a waste of your valuable time. Why? Well, it's not just the scammers who are to blame. Even Mark Zuckerberg and his team aren't really stepping up to the plate. They let these scams slide under the radar, leaving you to fend for yourself. And if you think group admins will be your knights in shining armor, think again. Most are simply too lazy to facilitate proper post approvals. So, let's dive in. We'll explore why Faceb

Breaking the Illusion: What No One Tells You About Becoming a Freelancer

Image
No time to read? Listen to this article on Spotify .  I recently found myself chatting with a new acquaintance, a young man on the brink of a life-altering decision: leaving his stable job to dive into freelancing. As he enthusiastically shared his plans, dreams of flexibility and rapid success shining in his eyes, I couldn't help but recognize the myths he was buying into. The glamorous picture he painted was filled with misconceptions I knew all too well, and I felt a strong urge to set things right. In this blog post, we will unravel the attractive yet misleading world of freelancing. We'll uncover the myths of easy wealth and the illusion of freelancing as a mere escape from the daily grind. Along the way, we'll explore crucial but often overlooked aspects like self-marketing, business strategies, and negotiation that are key to success. If you're considering freelancing or want to understand what it takes to succeed, join me on this journey to set the record straig