I work from home. I also work on the road. I work when it is convenient for me. The things that I do range from social media updates to researching my next writing piece. Most importantly, I enjoy what I do.
I'm not usually the first person to try new things, but as I talk about transitioning to freelancing and writing as a career, I have found myself advising friends and family about what I have discovered. Now, this is usually the time in social media postings that bloggers, writers, and other freelancers hook interested parties to promote their workshop, webinar, and the like. I'm not there yet, and I don't know if I want to be. What I will do is share what I have learned about two platforms that I have used.
Upwork
Since 2011, I have been a freelancer with Upwork when it was known as oDesk. It is a platform where clients connect with freelancers in a variety of areas from writing to translation to customer service. You can submit proposals to a job posting or wait for the jobs to come to you based on your profile.
It has worked for me because I have discovered how much I can do that I never thought of before. Some of my clients have communicated so well that they have continued my education while I provide them suggestions and advice from my own experience. Currently 60% of my clients are long-term and my client feedback has been 100%.
Upwork is good for supporting both clients and freelancers. Their Facebook page keeps followers abreast on the freelance and self-employed population from around the world. You can read advice from others and sometimes they have contests. My coffee mug is one of my small wins.
If you wanted to become a digital nomad or just someone who can still make money from home during a polar vortex, it is a possibility. It may feel overwhelming at first, but you may discover that you have something to offer. You can see more about Upwork and even customer service options from this link.
Fiverr
I found out about Fiverr in one of my husband's men's magazines. (What can I say? You read what is available sometimes. 😏). Anyway, I was intrigued by the opportunity to do any gig for $5. I was already volunteering my services as a children's book quiz writer, so why not make money off of that? Cheap for teachers, administrators, and such, right?
Well, it worked for a long time. I had steady work for quizzes, and it opened doors to other work. I connected with SmartKidzClub. After working with them on their quizzes for their-books, we are working independently from Fiverr. Now I have my children's book series with quizzes. Fiverr has a variety of categories that can fit your skills. You can sell products and services. With an account, you can purchase them as well. There are even ways to promote passive income. Remember what I said about freelancers who promote their work with pre-made webcasts and handouts for clicking through? My mother and I worked together for her ultimate guide to Paris. Just send the PDF upon request and payment is confirmed.
I don't work through Fiverr anymore, but it was a good start for me. It can also be more appropriate for someone else with a different set of skills. You can find out more about Fiverr at this link.
Freelance work can be primary or supplemental income depending on how much time and energy you want to put into it. It does get easier, especially when you discover what is out there. However, there are some important tips to heed:
Always communicate with your clients
Never undersell yourself
If it is vague or sketchy, you don't have to sign up for it
Enjoy what you do
Do you work as a freelancer yet? Do you have any platforms or sites that have worked for you? Please share your experience!
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