I still remember the day I got my first job as a content writer. And I was jumping around like a kangaroo!
It was a big deal for me. I had been applying for jobs for around 2 months and couldn’t get any responses.
Nothing, nada.
My inbox was filled with cricket noises.
But then, 2 months and 10 days later, I received a reply!
The client scheduled a short call, and we started with the project. Things were going well, and I loved working with that client every second.
Fast forward to today, they are one of my longest client. But along the way, I made 3 MAJOR mistakes and regret doing those.
So, this is a heartfelt confession of a naïve writer!
#1 Not Writing Everyday
When I was starting, I would write samples now and then. I wanted to make sure that I had enough samples in my portfolio to show prospects.
But the moment I landed the first gig, that practice went downhill.
I was stupid enough not to realize that this is what keeps me going. Churning a few 100 words daily was the exercise I needed to do to stay on top of my game!
Anyway, I relied more on writing the content for my client, and I fooled myself into thinking that this was more than enough.
Thankfully, I got back to my senses a few months later, and now I write every day, no matter what.
#2 Not Having a Community
Being a freelancer can be scary sometimes. You’re on your own path, and chances are you might feel lost or lonely.
This is what I faced during the first year of my career. Sometimes, I would feel overwhelmed with negative thoughts.
On other days, I would be confused thinking about what’s next.
But thanks to social media, I overcame all of that. We often tend to ignore how we can use such sites, including networking with like-minded people!
When I started connecting with the right people, I got over the self-doubt and learned tons of value, too!
Social media is a blessing in disguise if you have the right community. And speaking of community, I took a leap of faith and started on LinkedIn!
I just love the way people are ready to help you out there. It’s going good, and I will be posting there soon. You can check out my profile if you’d like.😊
#3 Not Applying to Enough Jobs
When I would get a response and onboard a client, I would feel relaxed. I thought that was it; now I no longer have to worry about anything.
However, I was wrong; I miscalculated the whole thing.
Applying to enough jobs has more advantages than just having a constant income stream. It gives you a chance to measure career growth.
The more you experiment with niches, the more ideas you get about the one that suits you best.
Plus, when you’re onboard with more than one client, it helps you to develop and diversify your skills in terms of adopting a tone or a writing style.
Once I started doing that, I saw an improvement in my overall work.
And that’s a wrap.
Final Word
So what’s the takeaway? Well, nothing fancy; I’d just like to say that be smart and don’t make the same mistakes I did.
And if you’re a beginner and you’re feeling lost, I’m just an email away.
Adios!
