[CreativeMe]

Over the past few years I've tried to get hired in some sort of part time retail position (I've never had a real job before), but never succeeded. I held myself back because I was nervous about what working meant: long shifts every other day, dealing with customers, etc.

However, recently I realized that part time retail isn't the only type of work, even for someone with no experience. I got really into the idea of freelancing, and was excited about the prospect of working from home on things I enjoyed, on my own time. I even created a Fiverr account and started an offer writing articles and blog posts.

Throughout the next few weeks I was paralyzed with fear. What happens if I get a customer? What happens if I can't finish the job on time? What happens if they don't like my work, and leave a negative review?

I realized I was having these feelings because I felt I wasn't good at the thing I was offering. I think I'm an okay writer, but to write for money? People will probably expect a lot from me, and if I don't live up to their expectations, then I failed and don't deserve the money. The worst part is, there's nothing else that I'm really good at, so what else can I offer?

I've paused the offer for now, but I would appreciate some opinions. I've basically accepted I can't work retail. How do I know if I'm good enough to charge money for a service? How do I figure out other things I might be good at? This is all quite frustrating, because I want to get better at doing the things I enjoy, and I want to make some sort of income, but my lack of confidence in my own skills is holding me back.

[Brooklyniebee]

Originally Posted by CreativeMe

Over the past few years I've tried to get hired in some sort of part time retail position (I've never had a real job before), but never succeeded. I held myself back because I was nervous about what working meant: long shifts every other day, dealing with customers, etc.

However, recently I realized that part time retail isn't the only type of work, even for someone with no experience. I got really into the idea of freelancing, and was excited about the prospect of working from home on things I enjoyed, on my own time. I even created a Fiverr account and started an offer writing articles and blog posts.

Throughout the next few weeks I was paralyzed with fear. What happens if I get a customer? What happens if I can't finish the job on time? What happens if they don't like my work, and leave a negative review?

I realized I was having these feelings because I felt I wasn't good at the thing I was offering. I think I'm an okay writer, but to write for money? People will probably expect a lot from me, and if I don't live up to their expectations, then I failed and don't deserve the money. The worst part is, there's nothing else that I'm really good at, so what else can I offer?

I've paused the offer for now, but I would appreciate some opinions. I've basically accepted I can't work retail. How do I know if I'm good enough to charge money for a service? How do I figure out other things I might be good at? This is all quite frustrating, because I want to get better at doing the things I enjoy, and I want to make some sort of income, but my lack of confidence in my own skills is holding me back.

Oh man! Self-doubt SUCKS. I'm dealing with a lot of that right now too. Maybe try practicing different types of writing to help yourself feel more comfortable? There are a lot of prompts out there, just tackle one each day and critically read your work and think, "Would I want to read this?" Focus less on whether or not someone should be paying for it and more on whether or not people will want to read it. If people will read it, it IS worth the money someone spends on it! Also, you could try starting a blog on the side, and see how people respond to your writing. It might help boost your confidence! You could also post in the creative space here to get feedback from others. There are free writing classes you can take through Coursera.org and EdX, if you'd like to learn some new techniques. Don't doubt yourself, you've got this!

[seesaw]

Oh man, as an experienced freelance writing consultant, let me tell you, it never goes away. Even when you're good, you ask yourself if you're worth the rate that you're charging.

Just put the self-doubt away and go for it. FYI, Fiverr is like the worst freelancing site out there. Everyone is bidding super cheap on projects, and it's a lot of overseas talent that can underbid US competitors. There are other freelance sites out there that offer a lot more support and better clients.

You just have to be clear with clients about what their expectations on deliverables should be. Establish when the project will be completed, and don't just bend to their will, tell them how long you need (but be reasonable. Along the way, share drafts of the article or whatever with the client and get their feedback. I often get on the phone and type as fast as I can while the client tells me what they want it to say, then I take those notes and turn them into something well-written. I find clients like being involved in the process, because it makes them feel up to date on what's happening, so don't be afraid to share the draft with the client or ask them for feedback or ask them plain questions if you aren't sure of an aspect of the project.

If you get bad feedback you can: offer to fix it for free. Offer a partial refund. Offer a full refund...Thank them for their feedback on how you can improve and take it just as that: feedback on how to be better. I get feedback all the time. Today I had a client tell me twice to make a certain edit. I was exhausted and not paying attention. It reminded me to slow down and make sure I read instructions fully, especially when I'm tired.

Tell the voice of self doubt to F*** off and you will be fine.

And yes, taking a grammar course is great.

If you want, write some samples to use when you apply for the jobs. Samples help a client see your style of writing and technique.

Seesaw

[CreativeMe]

Originally Posted by Brooklyniebee

Oh man! Self-doubt SUCKS. I'm dealing with a lot of that right now too. Maybe try practicing different types of writing to help yourself feel more comfortable? There are a lot of prompts out there, just tackle one each day and critically read your work and think, "Would I want to read this?" Focus less on whether or not someone should be paying for it and more on whether or not people will want to read it. If people will read it, it IS worth the money someone spends on it! Also, you could try starting a blog on the side, and see how people respond to your writing. It might help boost your confidence! You could also post in the creative space here to get feedback from others. There are free writing classes you can take through Coursera.org and EdX, if you'd like to learn some new techniques. Don't doubt yourself, you've got this!

Thanks for the suggestions! To be honest, I'm also dealing with motivation and procrastination issues in regards to improving myself, so doing things like practicing every day will be difficult. One step at a time, I suppose.

Originally Posted by seesaw

Oh man, as an experienced freelance writing consultant, let me tell you, it never goes away. Even when you're good, you ask yourself if you're worth the rate that you're charging.

Just put the self-doubt away and go for it. FYI, Fiverr is like the worst freelancing site out there. Everyone is bidding super cheap on projects, and it's a lot of overseas talent that can underbid US competitors. There are other freelance sites out there that offer a lot more support and better clients.

You just have to be clear with clients about what their expectations on deliverables should be. Establish when the project will be completed, and don't just bend to their will, tell them how long you need (but be reasonable. Along the way, share drafts of the article or whatever with the client and get their feedback. I often get on the phone and type as fast as I can while the client tells me what they want it to say, then I take those notes and turn them into something well-written. I find clients like being involved in the process, because it makes them feel up to date on what's happening, so don't be afraid to share the draft with the client or ask them for feedback or ask them plain questions if you aren't sure of an aspect of the project.

If you get bad feedback you can: offer to fix it for free. Offer a partial refund. Offer a full refund...Thank them for their feedback on how you can improve and take it just as that: feedback on how to be better. I get feedback all the time. Today I had a client tell me twice to make a certain edit. I was exhausted and not paying attention. It reminded me to slow down and make sure I read instructions fully, especially when I'm tired.

Tell the voice of self doubt to F*** off and you will be fine.

And yes, taking a grammar course is great.

If you want, write some samples to use when you apply for the jobs. Samples help a client see your style of writing and technique.

Seesaw

Thanks! I appreciate the advice. Out of curiosity, what other freelancing sites are better than Fiverr for beginners? I picked Fiverr because of how well known it is, and it doesn't seem too bad. I'm not looking to make a specific amount of money in a certain amount of time, as I just would like some sort of income, so I think it fits what I'm doing right now.

[matt07]

@OP Do you have a college or high school education?

[CreativeMe]

Originally Posted by matt07

@OP Do you have a college or high school education?

I am currently in high school, and plan to go to college when I finish.

[seesaw]

Originally Posted by CreativeMe

Thanks for the suggestions! To be honest, I'm also dealing with motivation and procrastination issues in regards to improving myself, so doing things like practicing every day will be difficult. One step at a time, I suppose.


Thanks! I appreciate the advice. Out of curiosity, what other freelancing sites are better than Fiverr for beginners? I picked Fiverr because of how well known it is, and it doesn't seem too bad. I'm not looking to make a specific amount of money in a certain amount of time, as I just would like some sort of income, so I think it fits what I'm doing right now.

If you feel Fiverr works for you then stick with it. You can Google other freelance sites. From all I've read and seen though, Fiverr is the worst.

I would personally never hire a current high school student to do freelance work, unless their skills were absolutely stellar. You may find it hard to compete with other freelance workers who have college or university degrees, but if this is what you are passionate about then I would encourage you to try your best. At the very least, you may get some good work experience out of it. All the best to you!

[seesaw]

Originally Posted by CreativeMe

I am currently in high school, and plan to go to college when I finish.

I think that's fantastic. Getting some professional writing experience while you are in high school will look awesome on a college application. I am sure you are a great writer. When I was in HS, I tested out of all pre-reqs for English in college. I haven't taken a writing class since high school and I am a successful professional writer. It absolutely can be done.

Just make sure to pay attention to some technical things like citations and references, which you can easily Google the latest style guides to do correctly. If you are writing online for a media outlet or blog, typically that stuff doesn't matter.

Some colleges offer one-time, like 90 minute classes that are for "business" writing. They cost like maybe $50, pretty inexpensive. I would look into one of those just so you learn the things to look out for.

I'm sure you will be successful if you want to be.

Good luck! (My up and coming competitor!)

Seesaw