A Gen Z Perspective on Freelancing: My Journey and Insights
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Understanding the Gen Z Viewpoint on Freelancing
As a member of Generation Z, I often hear critiques labeling us as “lazy” compared to earlier generations. I believe this perception stems from our reliance on technology, which can make us appear dependent and drawn to online shortcuts for wealth. In my previous article, I touched on this topic, but today I want to delve into my thoughts on freelancing and share a story that might inspire you.
The Reality of Freelancing
Freelancing, as I've mentioned before, isn't suited for everyone. It's concerning to see many my age engaging in it simply because it seems “easy.” In truth, it's not! If you’re searching for a quick path to riches without the effort, freelancing is not for you. It requires dedication and is essentially a small business where you are the one in charge.
My Freelancing Journey
When I embarked on my freelancing journey three years ago, I was under the impression that it would be straightforward and relatively untapped. I quickly discovered how mistaken I was! However, I didn’t give up; instead, I rolled up my sleeves and got to work.
Being a college student added to the pressure, as I struggled with a lack of credibility and experience. How could a 20-year-old gain respect in the freelance world? Yet, I pushed through. For six months, I immersed myself in learning, creating an unofficial online school for myself. While it sounds impressive, it was simply a matter of utilizing the wealth of information available to me.
During my first year, I turned to Upwork, tackling several low-paying gigs that didn’t significantly enhance my skills. Nonetheless, I valued the opportunities I received. After sending out 50 personalized proposals to various companies (a strategy I highly recommend), I realized that success in freelancing often boils down to numbers and persistence. If you reach out to enough companies with genuine proposals and a polished portfolio, someone will eventually respond!
The majority of my proposals went unnoticed, even after follow-ups. However, after three months, a company called Game Rant finally replied, stating:
“We appreciate your work and see potential, but unfortunately, we don’t have openings at the moment. We'll keep your resume and portfolio for future opportunities.”
This was a turning point for me. Even though I didn't secure a gig, the fact that they acknowledged my efforts meant my hard work was beginning to pay off. It showed that I was now on their radar for when opportunities arose.
The Takeaway
What can you learn from my experience? The key takeaway is to be patient and persistent. Choose a path, commit to it long enough to see results, and don’t be discouraged by rejections. Many of us in Gen Z often feel like we’re falling behind or not accomplishing enough, but we must resist the urge to compare ourselves to others.
As always, these newsletters aim to support your growth and help you realize your potential.
Current Updates on FreelanceHQ
Recently, I penned an article responding to a Medium staff email titled, "Work-life balance: The best lie ever told?" I appreciate all the feedback and want to encourage an open discussion. If you haven’t read it yet and want to share your thoughts, feel free to do so.
I also want to express gratitude to ShqairCom for his insightful articles. Be sure to check out his main blog, as his content is both informative and worthwhile!
Stay tuned for next month’s newsletter, where I’ll recommend a mentor on this platform and provide useful freelancing tips to help you stay focused and avoid getting lost in the process. Here’s to your success—let’s make 2024 your year!
In this video titled "More than half of Gen Z is freelancing. Is it the right move?", the discussion revolves around the motivations and implications for Gen Z entering the freelancing world.
The second video, "Does Freelancing Suit All Generations?", explores whether freelancing is a suitable option across different age groups, shedding light on its universal challenges and benefits.