Freedom is Priceless
There is something I always fought for, since an early age… to be free. The majority of people chase money, luxury, fast cars, success and all kinds of ego fuelling material that in reality has no value but only a temporary state that will wear off eventually. I chased freedom, each project I do, funds my freedom and each €1 I have gives me €1 worth of time doing what I love and when I want.
The biggest success one can have is to be a free person. Free from your ‘boss’, free from the rat race, free from materialistic objects that make you their slave. When I became a graphic designer, I never looked at money but always perfected my skill set until I became good enough that money chased me instead of me looking for projects. You wonder and say “I wish to work from home” or travel the world while working in your own time. It’s the result of hard work and persistence, it wasn’t easy but I can give you some tips to help you get going. :)
What do you love doing and can it be your bread winner?
Ask yourself, what do you love to do? Can you turn that into a career? When I was a kid, I didn’t follow my family suggestions and loved to design, draw and paint. It’s what I did everyday for 12 hours then I said, how do I turn it into a ‘career’… The best part is, that everyday doesn’t feel like work because I love what I do and never get bored of it.
Practice, Practice, Practice
The truth is… It’s a lonely road sadly. I spent a whole number of years not going out with friends, having no friends and just practiced, practiced and practiced while perfecting my skills. I only began going out and socialising only in the past 3 years. It’s a sacrifice you have to take to become better at what you do because the competition is fierce out there.
Location, Location, Location
Don’t stay local… See where your services, products are mostly in demand. I hardly have local clients to be honest and this is the reason, I fit better elsewhere and also contributes to my remote life. ;) Don’t give up if you don’t see yourself locally, keep searching. You got this!
Change your mindset
Stop looking for jobs and start looking for clients. This is the key to freedom or you’ll always be under a boss, enslaved. This is why you must become good at what you do so you create demand for yourself. Do the leap (Yup it’s scary) and start now, act on your dream.
Give it time
You are saying, it’s easier said than done… I agree… It took me 15 years to be where I am today and most of my career really took off just 3 years ago. In my first year doing it professionally as a freelancer, I only made 703 euro in my first year… nowadays enough to live off my freelance work. It takes time, patience and it’s going to be one heck of a bumpy road.
Questions?
If you would like to know anything or got any questions, ask below and I’ll be happy to respond and help if I can.
