How did I start my freelancing career?

Every time I look back on the year 2020, I remember how wide-eyed I was and how ideal my freelancing goals were. Hello, I am Kwin and I am a soon-to-be mother of 2 kids this year while hustling in the freelancing world. I have been working in the corporate office for more than 4 years now and I've had my fair share of challenges at work that made me ask myself "Is there any other way for me to earn a decent amount while taking care of my growing family?"

I'm glad I asked myself that question because I realized that it is indeed possible.

Starting freelance takes a lot of determination, good habit building, consistency, and prayers sent to heaven. I am not yet at the top of my career in freelancing but I believe with the help of the Lord, I am on my way.

So how did I start?

I researched. I did a lot of research and watched many tutorials as many as I could absorb. I watched how other freelancers were able to overcome the challenges by sharing their stories which made me say that they are no different from any of us, in fact, they are humans with different reasons why they are doing what they are doing.

I contemplated and finally discovered my "Why". Most of us who are young professionals oftentimes forget to look inward. What is our why? what pushes us to explore this uncertain yet fulfilling path? Once you know the reason why you are pursuing such a thing gives you that mental direction to where you want to go. So whenever life throws discouragement, distraction, and negative emotions along the way, you will always be able to swerve going in that direction.

I imposed timelines/deadlines. This is the tricky part. Sometimes, when we know what we want to become or achieve, we often forget to set the deadline. In my case, I could be lazy any day of the week and just push myself to believe that it's fine to just do it whenever I wanted to because I have a kid to take care of. In the book "Atomic Habits" it said, missing once is an accident but missing twice is the start of a habit. In this case, our habits would tell us that maybe we are not really serious about this.

Now that I know my "Why" and I have set the timeline and deadlines, the question is how do I get there? or what tools do I need in order for me to reach that destination?

I listed down the most important tools I need to have. Personally, the list below are the things I bought in 2020 one by one.

1. Personal Computer

2. Noise-canceling headset

3. A good web camera

4. A stable internet

Luckily, our house has an extra space which we converted into our working area to avoid distractions and to keep our meetings straight.

I preferred to have these things complete before sending applications to companies but don't get me wrong, you can always start with what you have and upgrade to a fully functional unit once you get to save from your freelancing income.

My first job was as an ESL tutor with a rate of $2 per hour but it gave me the flexibility of time and allowed me to pursue and attend other jobs according to my schedule.

Then I got a job as a Remote Political Interviewer for an American Research Company at $10 per hour.

And then I got another job as a VA Customer Service at Php $5 per hour for 5 hours per day and 5 times a week.

I know things can be overwhelming but that is the case with every new beginning. When you figured out your why and with God's blessing, He will give it to you in His time. Pray unceasingly.

I hope it inspired you to do better every day.