Self-taught freelancers: starting from nothing and learning as you go
Photo by Ian Schneider on Unsplash
Contributor: Sophie Livingston writes website copy for freelancers.
She’s been working with Steve for two years to help bring the podcast to life each week, and she’s now contributing articles to help the Being Freelance community find the stories they’re looking for.
Are you familiar with the idea of self-limiting beliefs? A self-limiting belief is something you believe about yourself or the world that limits you or holds you back.
One of mine in relation to being freelance was that I didn’t have a strong enough career history to make it work.
When I started freelancing back in June 2016, I had no professional writing experience, no contacts in the industry, and no relevant training or qualifications.
(Unless we can count an A* GCSE in English Literature or a BTEC Diploma in Business Studies, but that feels like a bit of a stretch, doesn’t it? Isn’t it crazy how the things we learn in school rarely translate to the real world?)
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learnt from the Being Freelance podcast is that we’re all figuring it out as we go along. Through hearing other freelancers tell their stories, I’ve found real-life evidence that it doesn’t matter where you started.
I’ve faced my fair share of Imposter Syndrome along the way. At its worst, it was almost like I was seeking out people to compare myself to so I could prove the self-limiting beliefs I was holding on to.
I’d look at those freelancers with experience writing for big-name brands or well-regarded publications and tell myself “See, you’re just not going to be able to make it work because you haven’t done that.”
I’d scan LinkedIn profiles and see degree after degree in things like marketing, communications or something relating to digital media, and I’d feel full of regret about spending a year in Australia instead of going to university.
I didn’t learn my craft by studying at university or through working in the corporate world first. I taught myself everything I know using online content and resources, and by listening to other freelancers tell their stories.
What I know now is that there is room here for all of us. Where and when you start does not determine whether or not you belong. Some of us get started right out the gate, others take time to find the thing they love.
How boring would the world be if we all followed the same path? How boring would the Being Freelance podcast be if everyone told the same story?!
What matters, once you’ve found the right path, is that you keep moving forward. Don’t let those self-limiting beliefs stand in your way. If you believe in yourself, freelancing can be whatever you want it to be, whether you’re self-taught or not.
Listen to these stories from other self-taught freelancers for inspiration. And remember, you’re not alone Being Freelance.
Self-taught freelancers on the Being Freelance podcast
Building from scratch - Copywriter Gareth Hancock
When Gareth was made redundant from the building trade, he found himself out of work for months. A new dad at risk of losing his house, car, self-esteem... Until he found a freelance job site and started to wonder if he could make money online.
Career reboot - Illustrator Kirk Wallace
Having trained in computer science, Kirk came to realise it was the visual design of software and sites that he most enjoyed. So he rebooted his career and taught himself how to work as an illustrator, designer and businessman.
Launch and learn - Creative Xanthe Berkley
After walking away from a diverse career to have a family and live abroad, Xanthe was reluctant to return. She had a passion for taking pictures of her children and documenting her life, so she built a reputation for herself as a wedding and family photographer. Like many of us, Xanthe’s got to where she is now without much of a plan. It’s through diving in and giving things a try that she’s been able to explore so many of her creative interests.
Winning on freelance sites - Copywriter Danny Margulies
Danny Margulies quit his job. Next, he wrote 'how to make money writing' into Google. Two days later, he landed his first client through a freelance marketplace. It became his sole place for finding work, and it’s fair to say he's making more than enough money writing now.
Own your job title - Copywriter and Content Marketer Rose Crompton
Rose had been a writer at a magazine for years before ending up in retail, so when she found out her employers were launching a magazine and website, she put herself forward for the work and carved out a full-time writing role, learning the differences between journalism and writing as a marketer as she went along.
Know your personal value - Web Designer Dave Smyth
Dave’s always been freelance. First as a musician while he was studying, and more recently as a web designer working with independent business owners. After starting out designing websites for musician friends, he built a solid reputation for himself on Upwork, gaining clients in the UK and overseas.
Take the plunge - Photographer Matt Porteous
How does a builder from Jersey end up photographing a future King? Hear how Matt took the plunge, followed his passion, knocked on doors and took every job that came his way.
Walk the walk - Copywriter Emily Read
After moving from her small island town to the big city of Brisbane, Australia, Emily set her sights on a job as a copywriter. She interviewed for positions but the market was tough, so she took on some nannying work to tide her over. As luck would have it, the dad from the family Emily worked for was a web designer, and he just so happened to need a copywriter. Emily partnered with him on some projects, building her freelance business from there.
Self-care Wednesdays - Web Designer Diane Laidlaw
When Diane became a mum she decided to start an online shop. She needed a website, so taught herself how to make one.
Nobody really bought from her shop, but lots were asking who made her site… and she soon realised that’s where her future business lay.
“I’ve reached my goal, what’s next?” - Web Developer Jason Resnick
In the late nineties, you’d find Jason ditching economics class to take casual HTML lessons from a friend via email. When the time came to leave his job and build his own business, Jason had the skill-set to do the work, but none of the business and sales knowledge he needed to bring it in.
Invest in yourself - Blogger and E-book Writer Samar Owais
When Samar Owais arrived in Dubai, she knew her husband and she knew she could blog. What she didn't know, she's learned online, investing in courses to hone her writing and business skills.