How I Started Freelancing (And What You Can Learn From My Mistakes)
When I first heard about freelancing, I honestly thought money would start flowing in from day one. My mindset was simple: “Create an account, upload skills, and clients will come rushing in.” 😅 Reality, of course, was very different.
I created my profile on Upwork, uploaded a nice photo, listed down all the skills I thought I had… and waited. For my first proposal, I spent almost two hours just staring at the screen, rewriting the same sentences again and again. I was nervous, overthinking every line.
What is Freelancing in Simple Words?
Freelancing means working for clients on a project basis instead of having a fixed monthly salary. You get paid for your work, your skills, and the value you deliver.
-
A graphic designer can earn money by designing logos.
-
A writer can get paid to create blog posts or website content.
-
A video editor or social media manager can find plenty of clients online.
Basically, if you have a skill that solves a problem, there’s a freelancing market for it.
Mistakes I Made in the Beginning
-
Listed too many skills – I wrote “writer, designer, SEO expert, marketer” all in one profile. Instead of looking like an expert, I looked confused.
-
Copy-pasted proposals – I used templates from the internet. Clients ignored me because it didn’t feel personal.
-
Lost patience quickly – After two weeks with no job, I almost gave up and thought freelancing was fake.
 |
| freelancing |
Tips for Beginners (Learn From Me)
-
Focus on one skill first – Become good at one thing before adding more.
-
Make your profile personal – Use your real photo, write a short but honest introduction.
-
Write proposals like a human – Show the client you understand their problem. Don’t just sell yourself; connect with them.
-
Start with small projects – Even $5–10 jobs build reviews and trust.
-
Be patient and consistent – Freelancing is not a lottery, it’s a long-term journey.
Final Thoughts
Freelancing is full of opportunities – money, freedom, and growth. But it’s not magic. In the beginning, you’ll struggle (just like I did), but every mistake teaches you something.
If you stick to learning, improving, and staying patient, one day you won’t chase clients — clients will chase you.
👉 Have you tried freelancing before? Share your first experience in the comments, maybe your story can inspire someone else.
Post a Comment