The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly About Freelancing
HAPPY FALL FRIENDS!
The weather right now is perfect- cool with a crisp breeze, but not so cold you need a big coat. I'm trying to take advantage of it, because in a few days it'll be snowing and miserable! (I hate the cold.)
It's been almost 10 months since I left my 9-5 job and jumped into freelance full-time. (To read about that decision, click here.) And I've loved it, but it's not been easy, and as much as I wish I could say I've had tremendous success, I'm going to be real transparent with you guys as I list it out:
THE GOOD
NO MORE STRESS!! Okay, so the stress isn't completely gone, but it's a world of difference. As soon as I stepped into freelancing full-time, I felt this huge weight lift off my shoulders. It was incredibly relieving! In the multiple full-time jobs I've held in the past, many of them have been very stressful- I think because of my work ethic and wanting to do the best that I can, plus trying to meet employer's expectations, and trying not to let anyone down... it was a lot to carry and worry about. Sometimes I worked so hard, I started to forget about my own well-being and even the well-being of my marriage. I actually didn't realize until I started freelancing, that I had been unknowingly neglecting my marriage. Now I get to spend TONS of time with Frank, it's it's SO. GOOD.
CHOOSING MY WORK. This makes me super happy!! I get to pick who I work with, what projects I work on, and how much I will charge for it. One of the most fulfilling things in life is "working" on what your PASSIONATE about! It doesn't feel like working at all- I'm spending time doing things I love and that are purposeful. I spend a lot of time working on projects for non-profits that make a difference in people's lives. It's so rewarding to know my work is affecting real change in the world- I want to do this type of work the rest of my life!! :D
WORKING FROM HOME- OR WHEREVER! I love being able to sit on my couch and work while I watch Netflix (exactly what I'm doing now, haha.) It's really nice to work on your own time, sleep in when you want to, take breaks when you want to, or work in to the wee hours of the night! This was essential when we had our foster kiddo- there was no way I would've been able to work at an office and be a foster momma for him. Many people do that, and they're amazing! I'm just so glad I can make my schedule around the family that needs me- because family is ALWAYS before work.
RELYING ON THE LORD. Living on the edge, and not knowing when you're going to get your next job definitely makes you pray a lot harder! This might seem like a negative, but it strengthened my relationship and trust in God- to put absolutely everything in His hands, because we had no control at all. And it has been SO FREAKING COOL to see how He has provided for every single need, every single month. I'm so thankful that this new season in life makes me rely on the Lord more than ever.
THE BAD
THE ROLLERCOASTER OF INCOME. This is by far, the most difficult thing. Just a few weeks after I went freelance, Frank lost his full-time job. So for weeks we're living off of my income, a NEWBIE freelancer with NO equipment, and 1 small contract job. Ah! It was scary, but as I said earlier, it forced us to rely on God, and He's been so good to us! But it's definitely hard trying to budget for things, or save, etc.
FEELING SELF-DOUBT. I struggle with this a lot, actually. When you work for yourself, you don't really have people telling you if you're doing well or improving or doing a good job. I'm a pretty competitive person, and I have a lot of talented friends who are freelancing- and they all seem to be doing amazing and being successful. So I battle with the thoughts of not being better, or not being good enough, or not making enough connections... It's definitely difficult to overcome.
LACKING SELF-MOTIVATION. Usually happens when I'm feeling that self-doubt- it leads to procrastination and putting things aside until I "feel up to it," because no one's going to force me to work! I also seem to lack motivation to keep my online presence; partly because I don't see the results or the return on it right away... and partly because I'm just bad about posting things online, especially about myself. ;)
ALL-IN-ALL, I know that know that I know, God called me to this. And in that, I have faith, and I trust Him. Without His favor, I know this freelance thing wouldn't be going well at all- but He continues to open up doors. :D And whenever I do feel that doubt, I go to Him in prayer and say,
"Lord, this is not MY business, it is not about me, it's ALL about YOU. YOU direct me, YOU open the doors, YOU lead my every step."
And then I stop worrying, because I'm not trying to be "successful" or get to a certain place in my career, I want to go where the Lord wants me, and it's so thrilling to see Him reveal it to me one step at a time.
Love you all!