3 Ways to Be a Better Freelancer By Sucking At Your Day Job

One week before the most important day of my life, my wedding in 2012, I was out of a job.

It seems surreal that less than two years later I’d find myself building a freelancing business and connected to a host of influential writing and blogging mentors.

At the time, I just didn’t think I had it in me.

Back then, I had been tinkering with a business blog and website. I wanted to try my hand at freelancing. It was a side hustle that I hadn’t done in years. I found myself staring at this site knowing, out of desperation and necessity, it would have to become my primary source of income.

It was at that moment I realized after more than 10 years of failures and false starts, I kind of sucked at working for other people.

Whether it was mindless errors on my part or in-office politics, I always found myself in an unhappy situation at many of my previous jobs – even ones that involved my calling as a writer.

Here’s how sucking in the corporate world made me a better solopreneur:

1. Stop Worrying About Failure, so You Can Learn From It

I don’t know what it is about certain office environments, but when I was reprimanded, suddenly my work life was encased in pressure and fear of recreating those mistakes. Even if I changed jobs, my failures would haunt me.

This pressure is gone now that I am entering my second year as a freelancer. I use my flubs as a means to encourage my growth as an administrative consultant and writer.

Suddenly, I can look at my current work and think, “Five years ago, I would have gotten X, Y, and Z issues messed up. Now I’ve mastered this.”

My clients (unlike some supervisors) give me positive feedback and criticism to bolster this mastery. The world doesn’t fall apart if I get something wrong.

Now my mistakes can be used as they were intended: to adjust and track my progress. The issues that haunted me in other jobs now transform into goals for my freelancing business.

2. Find Clients (Not Bosses) Who Are a Great Fit

Most of the time, I’d end up leaving a job because of personality conflicts with other people.

Because of my negative experiences with co-workers and supervisors, I changed my focus. I wanted to find the right people to work with. Now that I have my own business, I focus on standing out to the clients I want through my website, social media, and a strong portfolio.

To find clients you want, take a moment to focus on you.

Answer these questions honestly:

Who do you want to work with?
Have you ever been asked about the kind of supervisory style you prefer; only to realize that ideal never comes to fruition?

Instead of preparing yourself to be vetted by potential clients, vet them. -@WillieshaMorris
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3. Embrace Change; Don’t Miss What You Leave Behind

Though I’m occasionally saddened about my bumpy job history, I stay pumped about new successes.

Of course, I’m scared. I still don’t know what to expect or if I am even really prepared for this journey.

But one thing I don’t do is look back and “remember when” with fondness. The transition was much simpler and more exciting, because other than the skills and knowledge I gained, I wasn’t going to miss what I left behind.

With these new changes come benefits (some of which are priceless and intangible) I did not expect:

Less stress means higher quality work.
Increased self-esteem means more confidence to approach projects and potential clients I wouldn’t have ordinarily pursued. In fact, I was able to (slightly) overcome my fear of public speaking by doing a presentation at WordCamp Birmingham last year, aptly named, “Feel Like A Failure? Try Freelancing!”
Self-acceptance came rushing down during this transition. I realized I wasn’t a terrible employee or not smart enough to handle the jobs I took on. I just wasn’t in the right environment to use my abilities.

And, best of all, I have a roster of satisfied clients, because I decided who I would work with. And since I’m even more confident, I’m the best at what I do, and I only work with the best people.