Freelancing

School’s out, I’ve had a few clients, started a few projects, and so far I’m really enjoying being a freelancer. Each day is different and I never know what I’ll be doing the next day. A client might be ready to move along or they might not, I might have a new client, I might finish a project, my computer might explode. Ya never know. Things can happen kind of sporadically so you have to stay on your toes.

I’ve never had a “real job” according to my friends. A constant paycheck would be nice but working for myself is a lot more fun! I don’t think I’d do well if I had a job doing something I’m not passionate about. Most of the teens around here work at restaurants, grocery stores, or this water park that’s close by and I seriously doubt any of them are passionate about their jobs. Some teens work at banks or office buildings and they seem to enjoy their jobs but I still think I’ve got the best job a teen can have.

I work from home. I sit about 10 feet from the refrigerator. It’s air conditioned (although in Arizona it’s still hot sometimes). I work whenever I want for as long or as little as I want. I work in a tshirt and shorts everyday and I really enjoy what I do. What’s not to like about that?

In my first month as a freelancer I’ve learned some of the things it takes to work for yourself. Some of them I expected and some of them I wasn’t ready for at all.

Probably the most important thing I’ve learned is to talk with everyone. You never know who might be looking for a website and a good introduction might be all it takes to get hired. Referrals can be just as powerful as a good portfolio. A friend of a friend learned that I built websites and hired me to design a website for his company without even looking at my portfolio or a resume. All of my work is from referrals

Each day is a little different and brings unexpected opportunities to learn.