So, you have a really good job working for a large corporation that pays you lots of lovely moolah.
You work with fun, easy-going people.
Your boss isn't even one of those crazy, mean bosses that shouts all day. He's actually a pretty cool dude!
But despite how 'good' your job is, it's not what you've dreamed of doing. What you reeeeally want to do is be your own boss. Control your own income. Get to work from home all day and be able to spend LOTS of time with your kids and your husband. You really want to do creative, fulfilling work. But you know that you'll have to start at the bottom... and you think that means a crappy wage.
If you freelanced full-time, how would you save enough money to afford luxuries like vacations?
How would you pay those pesky student loans?
How could you selfishly leave your husband to earn most of the money while you pursue this wild, crazy dream?
I know that many of you have asked yourself those questions at some point.
Here's your problem:
Your reliable paycheck is holding you back from freelancing full-time because you're scared of the unknown. You're scared you'll have no money. Scared you'll let your family down. You hear the word 'freelance' and instantly think of broke students travelling around Europe, designing from second-hand Macbooks in grubby hotels.
Here's the myth that is in your way:
You think freelancers don't earn much money. Therefore, you think YOU won't earn much money. But you're wrong.
Sure, when you first start freelancing it can be tough. Most people don't earn as much money as they did at their corporate job in their first year of freelancing. But you have to think past that year.
Last year, I earned triple what I did at my old day job!
That is not my way of giving you permission to abandon your day job, but I am trying to give you hope.
When I quit my day job, it felt 100% right. The morning I went into work I didn't have a clue that I was going to quit. I just did it it.
When the time is right, you'll feel it in your bones (as cheesy as that sounds) and you'll follow your dream of freelancing full-time. But don't rush into it without preparing!
Here's 3 things you can start doing now to PREPARE for freelancing full-time.
- Save as much money as you can. When you quit, use this money to help you maintain the lifestyle you've become accustomed to.
- Start building your portfolio. No one wants to hire someone who doesn't have an online portfolio, so make sure you get on this! Your website doesn't have to be amazing- you'll probably change it in your first year anyway. Just buy a Wordpress template and fill it with your work. (And don't forget to add some testimonials!)
- Start making connections. Referrals is still the best way to get clients, so make friends with others in your niche and politely ask them to send work your way when they can! It can feel rude asking for referrals, but people won't mind as much as you think.
Tell me in a comment- what is holding you back from chasing your dreams and freelancing full-time?
