Why Freelancing Is Terrifying, But Doesn’t HAVE to Be

I talk a lot about freelancing.

And, I still think that every developer should freelance, at some point. What you learn about working with clients will give you a leg up no matter what you end up doing with your development career.

But, what if you’re not sure if you’re capable of freelancing?

I get this a lot.

Just got it, in fact, in a YouTube comment.

“not sure if I’m capable to do a freelance work, how’s that?”

And, I get it.

You’re out there on your own.

Your success is 100% on you.

That can be terrifying.

And, you can begin to wonder if YOU’re even capable of that kind of thing.

But, I think a lot of developers make a mistake when thinking about this… that CAUSES that insecurity. You’re probably taking a generalist’s view of freelancing and “what if I get asked to do something I can’t do?”

Doesn’t have to be that way.

Here’s what I wrote back to that YouTube commenter:

Well, you’re a smart person.

I’m sure you have some sense of the kinds of things other freelancers are building for clients. And, if not, you can take a little bit and research it. Then, look at those things and ask yourself:

“Can I build even just one of those things?”

You don’t have to be able to do all of them.

Just one.

If you can, then you’re ready to freelance and build clients that ONE thing. My freelance career has consisted 95% of building membership sites for people. I fell into that, got a lot of work doing it and just stuck with it.

So, you don’t need to know 1000 things.

Just one.

And, if you can’t do one thing, yet… then okay. But, then, pick one and focus on learning how to build it and THEN start freelancing. And, if you approach it that way… you’ll probably get there a lot faster than you might think.

It really is (or can be) that simple.

IF you take that approach to it.

Then, once you’re ready to start getting clients, let me show you how to use the largest freelancing platform on the planet, Upwork, to do just that. I’ll teach you everything I know about getting and working with clients.

Plus, a bunch of freelance marketing fundamentals…

That’ll serve you no matter what you do.

You can get started with that course, Upwork 101, over on SkillShare here: https://skl.sh/2hfGS0s. Get two months for no-cost. Take all my courses, including Upwork 101 in that 2 months.

Cancel anytime before the 2 months is up…

And, never pay a penny.

Who knows?

Could just be the confidence boost you need to put yourself out there.

Here’s the link: https://skl.sh/2hfGS0s

Later,

John

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John Morris

JOHN MORRIS

I’m a 15-year veteran of freelance web development. I’ve worked with bestselling authors and average Joe’s next door. These days, I focus on helping other freelancers build their freelance business and their lifestyles.

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Sukh Plaha

John is a fantastic and patient tutor, who is not just able to share knowledge and communicate it very effectively – but able to support one in applying it. However, I believe that John has a very rare ability to go further than just imparting knowledge and showing one how to apply it. He is able to innately provoke one’s curiosity when explaining and demonstrating concepts, to the extent that one can explore and unravel their own learning journey. Thanks very much John!

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