Chapter 1: The Freelance Journey Unfolds

The journey continues as I reflect on my experiences in freelancing...

Photo by Hannah Olinger on Unsplash

Since embarking on my freelancing career, I have explored various fields, including SEO, academic writing, affiliate writing, admission assistance, ghostwriting, and now blogging. Last year, I faced a pivotal choice regarding the direction of my freelance endeavors.

As I wrestled with ethical concerns surrounding academic writing, I sought advice from trusted colleagues and ultimately made a significant decision. I chose to step away from writing for college students and shifted my focus to helping them with their admission documents. While this had always been part of my work, I now aimed to specialize fully in this area.

A vital part of succeeding in this niche was finding ways to connect with reliable international clients who would value my freelance services. Admission essays require a high level of personalization and care, as they are based on students' unique experiences and academic journeys. Thus, clients typically prefer working with established providers.

I registered on platforms such as Upwork and Fiverr to attract potential clients. Simultaneously, I secured admission essay projects through Writerbay.com and local clients to maintain my connection with this craft. However, I was unaware that I was about to encounter significant disappointment, a setback that would be crucial for my future path.

Chapter 2: Facing Challenges in the Freelance Marketplace

Photo by Alexander Andrews on Unsplash

Just months into the freelance market, I found myself feeling disillusioned by the overwhelming hype. The platforms were so saturated that newcomers struggled to secure jobs. It was astonishing to see individuals bidding 50 connects for a project that was only worth 8 connects.

Despite optimizing my profile, crafting compelling cover letters, and attaching well-prepared samples, my efforts yielded little success. Out of hundreds of proposals, only a handful of clients responded, and even fewer offered reasonable opportunities. Coming from a background of substantial academic work, this idle time felt like a squandered opportunity.

One day, while expressing my frustrations to my cousin about the slow pace of work, he suggested that unless I launched my own publishing venture, I would remain at the mercy of unyielding buyers and unfavorable platform policies. Though he had been advocating this for a while, I had not taken it seriously due to the steady flow of work I experienced at Writerbay.

However, as the lull continued, his suggestion began to resonate more deeply. The idea of starting my own publishing project seemed not only appealing but also a viable solution to escape the confines of unreliable clients and restrictive platform regulations.

In the video titled "What is it like to be a freelancer? My 4 year journey, plus 4 pro tips for you!", I share insights from my four-year freelancing experience and provide essential tips for aspiring freelancers.

Chapter 3: Embracing Self-Publishing

What better platform exists for self-publishing than Medium.com? Joining Medium has been an excellent decision for me. It has afforded me the freedom to establish my own pace, the flexibility to choose my niche, and countless opportunities for both personal and professional growth.

I joined Medium in May 2023, and by August, I had achieved the Medium Partner Program (MPP). So far, this choice has proven to be a successful realization of my writing aspirations, and I remain optimistic about my future endeavors on the platform.

In the video "Becoming a Freelancer: Launching My Website & Business | Ep 2," I discuss the steps I took to launch my freelance business and share valuable lessons along the way.

As I continue this journey, the future remains uncertain. Thank you for taking the time to read my reflections.