My First Steps in the Freelance World: Freelancer Life

Hey there! I’m Naomi, a freelance digital marketer and founder of New Marketing Ideas. If you’ve ever thought about starting your own freelance business or wondered what it’s really like to make that jump and life that life, you’re in the right place. Today, I want to take you behind the scenes of one of the most exhilarating (and nerve-wracking) decisions I’ve ever made—the moment I decided to become my own boss. Buckle up, because the Freelancer life... it’s a ride!

From Corporate Comfort to Freelance Freedom

Imagine this: you've got a steady paycheck, predictable hours, and a clear career path. Sounds pretty nice, right? Well, it was—until it wasn’t. As much as I loved the security of a 9-to-5, I couldn’t shake this growing feeling that I wanted more control over my work, my time, and my life. The corporate world began to feel... limiting. I craved flexibility and creativity, a chance to choose projects that excited me, and the freedom to work from anywhere.

But making the leap from employee to freelancer? That was a whole new level of scary. The moment I decided to step away from the safety net of a steady job, I felt a rush of excitement—and fear. Could I really make it on my own? Would I be able to find clients? What if I failed? All valid questions, and trust me, I didn’t have all the answers back then.

Having a plan really helps

The day I handed in my resignation was surreal. My hands were shaking, my heart was racing, but deep down, I knew this was the right move. If you're like me, you've probably had that feeling when you're standing on the edge of something huge—where you're equally terrified and exhilarated. That's exactly what it felt like.

Suddenly, I wasn’t just a digital marketer anymore; I was an entrepreneur. I had to wear all the hats: marketing, sales, finance, client relations—you name it. The stakes were higher, but so were the rewards. The freedom to manage my time, to decide which projects I wanted to work on, and to have ownership over my success (or failure) was an intoxicating feeling.

Finding clients: harder than it looks

Now, I’m going to be real with you. I didn’t have a grand plan when I first started freelancing. In fact, I thought, “I’ll just figure it out as I go.” Spoiler: that’s not a strategy—it’s a recipe for stress! After a couple of months of trying to be everything to everyone, I quickly realized that I needed a clear direction. Who did I want to work with? What did I want to be known for?

Once I narrowed my focus to helping small businesses with their digital marketing, things started to click. I stopped wasting time chasing every opportunity and started attracting the right kind of clients—businesses that valued my expertise and trusted me to help them grow.

Finding Clients: It’s a Hustle

Speaking of clients, let me tell you—getting those first few clients was harder than I expected. I thought I could set up a website, post a couple of things on social media, and the inquiries would roll in. Yeah, that didn’t happen.

I had to dig into my network and start small. My first clients came from personal referrals—friends, family, former coworkers—and slowly but surely, the ball started rolling. One of the most important lessons I learned? Relationships are everything. Your network is gold, in Freelancer life especially in the beginning, so don’t be shy about reaching out. Do great work, and word-of-mouth will become your best marketing tool.

Finding Balance: It’s Harder Than You Think

Now, Freelancer let’s talk about balance in life. When you’re freelancing, the line between work and personal life can get blurry fast. In the beginning, I was guilty of answering emails at all hours, working late into the night, and saying “yes” to every project that came my way.

It wasn’t long before I realized that this hustle mindset, while necessary at times, wasn’t sustainable. Burnout is real, and it sneaks up on you. So, I started setting boundaries—scheduling time for breaks, being selective about the projects I took on, and learning to say “no” when necessary. Because here’s the thing: if you don’t take care of yourself, your Freelancer life will suffer. And when you’re running a one-person business, your energy is one of your most important assets.

The Biggest Lesson I’ve Learned: Freelancer life

If there’s one piece of advice I could give to anyone thinking about freelancing, it’s this: embrace the learning curve. You are going to make mistakes. You’re going to have tough days where things don’t go as planned. But that’s okay. In fact, that’s the beauty of freelancing—you’re constantly growing, learning, and evolving.

Every misstep is an opportunity to adjust, to refine your approach, and to get better. You don’t need to have it all figured out from day one. Just start, be open to learning, and trust that you’ll get where you’re meant to be, even if the path is a little bumpy.

What About You?

So, are you a freelancer or thinking about becoming one? I’d love to hear about your journey! Whether you’re just starting out or have been freelancing for years, let’s connect. Share your story in the comments or reach out to me directly. I’m always happy to chat, offer advice, or simply cheer you on from the sidelines.

Talk soon!

– Naomi