[bartelby]

I used to change jobs a lot. But 4 months ago, in new years eve, I decided to start working as a freelance translator and blogger.


Everything's going smooth until now. But the last 2 gigs I've got, I failed to get the translation done on time so I used google translate I feel ashamed and if the person who gave me the job realize it, that might end my freelance career before it even began.


But even so, I believe this is a good start for me and I can build a nice income, nice way of living with this.

Do you have any experience related?

[Quarter life]

When one is highly skilled at what they do, the idea of Freelancing is very attractive for sure. The reality, however, is a little less romantic...dependant on what you are freelancing in of course.

Time management, insurance, administration(keeping good records) marketing your product...etc etc. Remembering that we also don't get paid for sick days nor are given holidays. Keeping a strict budget to recompense for dry spells, having someone you can sub contract out to should you have an overload of work...These are all things that can make or break your dream of working for yourself.

All this said, I did contractural freelance work for the later part of my working life. It certainly was a steep learning curve at the onset, most notably time management. I finally devised a workable system, where my working day was just like any other job. I woke with an alarm at 5.30 ate breakfast, took a shower and dressed for the business day. At 8.am I would handle emails, and process paperwork...then the remainder of the day was spent working on projects with a light lunch break somewhere in between. There were times when I would need to work after hours to meet deadlines, and several times work through the night. But meeting deadlines is paramount to being a successful freelancer.....we want those return clients.

I discovered early that having a 'day planner' is a most necessary tool when freelancing...helping me make the most of my working day...plus it is was an invaluable record to refer to whenever I encountered discrepancies or disputes.

Keeping records on absolutely everything really isn't practical...but creating files on each job, ensures projects run much more smoothly.

I wish you all the best on your working venture bartelby.....put your best foot forward.