Charlotte, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today? I started freelancing in late after quitting my job at an environmental consulting company.
Over two years into the job, I found myself struggling to keep up with the massive workload, long hours, and competitive culture. I was completely burnt out. I decided to quit without a backup plan and took a few months off to recover and do some soul-searching. I began picking up odd gigs on Craigslist, part-time temp work, and freelance projects to make ends meet.
Eventually, more client referrals came in, and I was able to freelance on a full-time basis. I love the freedom, flexibility, and authenticity in my work — I choose who I work with, the hours I put in, and I have fun while doing it!
Has it been a smooth road? Have you ever wanted to stop doing what you do and just start over? When the large unexpected expense happens or a project falls through, it can bring up a lot of fear and scarcity mentality. I have to remind myself that these encounters are giving me the opportunity to define myself.
Instead, I can choose to trust my knowledge that I can make this work. This shift in perception allows me to align with opportunities and solutions instead of making decisions out of fear. What would you tell someone who is just starting out? Make sure you have a contract and payment plan in place before starting a project, especially with early-stage start-ups. Also, prioritize your self-care!
