Some axioms resonate with you on another level. You connect so much that you adjust the existing version and make it yours. Mine was, “Information is power, connection is key”. I never knew that this would eventually become the tenet of my belief and work ethic, steadily leading me to the path of becoming a freelancer.
I graduated as one of the best in my class from one of the finest schools in my country. As expected, job offers were rolling in and I had access to confidential information, handed to me by my mentors in the industry on how to ace any interview. I landed my first and only Job with one of the reputable IT firms in Nigeria with bonuses and perks amounting to almost TWO HUNDRED THOUSAND NAIRA.
My mom screamed! Dad looked me in the eye, and, for the first time in my entire life, shook my hand as though we were equals. My status had changed. My plan was to purchase a brand new car within 4 months and build a mansion after a year. Fast forward to the second year, I still found myself standing outside my dad’s apartment, calling an Uber to work.
Slowly, work was becoming monotonous. I arrive at the office, attend boring meetings, work with the same client, address the same issues, pitching my ideas to the board, and getting no’s and maybe later. It was getting frustrating. I spent my most productive hours in traffic with strangers and it was slowly becoming a routine. A bad one.
After three years, I quit. I was going to be like Mike, a former colleague who left to become a freelancer. If Mike could make it, then, I can too. Actually, Mike was not my only motivation for considering freelancing. I carried out research and came to the conclusion that Freelancing was better for three reasons.
You Earn More as a Freelancer
According to research by Bloomberg, Time, and data from Payoneer (a payment servicing company which is widely used by many freelancers globally), freelancers earn more than the average worker. A survey which included over 26000 freelancers from almost 200 countries revealed an annual salary of more than $39,000 (on the average), higher than the non-freelance average income in several countries.
You Save More as a Freelancer
There’s a considerable difference between earning more and saving more. With freelancing, I can eliminate the amount spent on Uber daily; #2000 per day. Apart from saving money, my time has become my most valuable commodity and I spend it wisely.
Unlike before when I was still working on weekends, sleeping in the office, getting called while on leave, etc. No more sleeping in traffic, no more sucking up to bosses, I now have time for my family. I also invest my free time in other sources of passive income.
You Execute Various Exciting Tasks Simultaneously as a Freelancer
I was bored to death at my office. Working on one particular project for six months at least was driving me to my wit’s end. When I was interviewed to join the company, my diverse skill set was one of the major reasons why I was hired. However, ever since I got the job, I was restricted to just working on software development.
I really looked forward to working on IoT cloud systems, FRONTEND development, Database management, Artificial Intelligence, Mobile application development, etc. I’m a programmer! An IT guy, not an office, boring guy. I knew that freelancing was going to help me unleash my creative freedom.
The Road to Freelancing
When I actually began freelancing, my life revolved around social media (reading funny tweets and consoling myself that I was advertising my brand). I got the word out that I was a freelancer now, however, people only saw the free part. I was doing consistent charity work for neighbours and so-called friends.
It took several months of hustling, literally hustling, begging for jobs just to make ends meet. Trying to convince people that I was a perfect fit for their project. Basically, I had trouble with making my publicity effective and getting the trust of clients. Finally, I approached Mike (same ol’ Mike) who was evidently doing far better and begged him to show me the ropes.
Mike then told me about a freelancing platform he was on. The platform did the job of publicity- sending out massive ads to clients in need of my services. The platform also ensured that I get paid, unlike working with neighbours and church members… SMH. Basically, this platform promised to make my freelancing life better.
The best part is that they take less than a fraction of my earnings! I keep the bulk of my income for myself, a truly beneficial arrangement.
Epilogue
It’s been 6 months of freelancing, and the experience has been totally worth it. I don’t mind staying up all night to meet up with deadlines. Having to learn new programming languages to execute projects for clients. Sometimes, having to deal with rude and doubtful clients. It’s all part of what makes it worthwhile.
I find it extremely rewarding. I have an impressive list of clients who adore me, challenge me, and most importantly, appreciate me. Before I forget, they also pay me. They pay me well.
Like me, are you in need of something bigger? A better way to use your skills in a productive environment while earning more than you ever imagined is right here. You can join the revolution and partake in the freelancing economy today.
