What I Learned My First Year Freelancing

I didn’t originally set out to be a freelancer, certainly not full-time. I’ve freelanced on and off over the years to supplement my income as a student. When people found out I was a writer, I was then tasked with editing something they had written.

I signed my first instructional design contract because I loved the project. I was to design a course for a nonprofit about the effects of white supremacy. The nonprofit was an indirect client; I was contracted through a local consulting agency. I loved the project so much, I didn't care that it wasn't full-time.

I’ve written about some of the lessons I learned my first year as an instructional designer here. Here’s a continuation of some of those lessons:

Money will ebb and flow. This is something I feel entrepreneurs don’t really talk about. It takes time to get used to how much or how little money can flow. As a freelancer, sometimes you make a lot of money, sometimes you don’t.

Business is work. I am still learning to divide my time. I have to make sure I carve out time not only to get better as an instructional designer and writer, but also to work on the business. Business tasks include: marketing (mostly social media, but promoting my services), invoicing clients, professional development (This one bridges both categories–ID and business. On the business side, budgeting for these.), networking, and maybe some subcontracting (which is me, a contractor, hiring a contractor).

I love thinking big picture. I like the freedom being in business for myself gives me. I love being able to envision where I want to go and make concrete plans to get there. I love being in the driver's seat, the one who can determine what path I will follow.

I am pretty good at job hunting. I spend a lot of time applying for jobs. I spend a lot of time telling my career story. I spend a good deal of time writing sample assessments and doing interview assignments. I don’t mind it because it has given me the opportunity to get good at it. And it gives me additional portfolio pieces and more experience.

You will find your way. When contracts end and you are plunged into the contract hunt once more, it can feel like a really long, dark tunnel. It’s not unlike looking for full-time employment. Sometimes, you feel desperate. But trust the process. Your opportunity will come. And it will come when you need it.