Freelance Career Advice

I have a question for my freelance friends out there: What’s something you wish more people understood about freelancing or running your own business? Ya know, over the past few weeks, I’ve had some really honest conversations with friends who freelance...the kind of conversations you don’t always see in public. And it made me realize…there’s a lot about the life of being a freelancer that we don’t talk about in the open. So, I want to talk about it. Because here’s the truth: Freelancing isn’t just a different kind of job. It’s running a business. Full stop. But I think a lot of people oversimplify what that actually means. I’ve heard things like, “Just quit your job and become a freelancer,” or “I’m burned out, so I’m thinking I’ll quit and try freelancing instead.” As if freelancing is something you can just casually fall into. As if it’s the easier path. As if all it takes is making a Canva logo and updating your LinkedIn headline to “Freelancer.” But the reality? Freelancing isn’t some carefree alternative to a 9–5. It’s a commitment. A risk. A full-time job plus a dozen other roles you didn’t ask for. And I get it! I really do. On the surface, freelancing sounds like freedom. No boss. No 9–5. Work from wherever. Take on the projects you want. But what most people don’t see is everything that sits underneath that. The mental weight. The financial risk. The constant self-promotion. The dry spells when no one’s hiring and you’re still trying to make rent. The hustle that doesn’t stop just because you’re busy...in fact, it doubles when you’re busy, because you’re already preparing for when things slow down. Freelancing means being your own sales team, your own finance department, your own legal team, your own IT, and your own project manager. You have to market yourself, pitch yourself, sell yourself..over and over and over again. You have to know what you’re good at, price your work accordingly, write your own contracts, handle your own taxes, buy your own software, drive your own professional development, and figure out your own health insurance. You don’t get to coast for a few days between projects. You don’t get paid time off. You don’t get to turn your brain off at 5pm. And even if you have savings and experience and a good reputation...it can still be scary AF. Now don’t get me wrong...I love freelancing. I chose this. I’ve worked hard to make it work. But I also spent almost a decade preparing for it. And I’ve learned the hard way that it’s not something you casually fall into. At least, not if you want to stay in it. Let’s make the conversation more honest for those who are considering this path...and a little more vulnerable for those already on it. Because if you’re out here building something on your own, you shouldn’t have to feel like you’re doing it alone. #eLearning #InstructionalDesign #LearningAndDevelopment

I have had the hardest time dealing with criticism. Initially, I used to get defensive but then I started to ignore it. But while growing, I have also realise that if you really want to grow then criticism is the only component that can help you. It shows the gaps and blind spots and draws your attention to areas that need improvement. This is what I have learned the hard way: → Earlier, I used to misinterpret criticism as a question of my abilities. When I started taking feedback positively, I saw improvement in my work, leading to more client satisfaction. → Growth happens when you are open to improvement in the areas where you’re lacking. The moment you accept your mistakes and work on them, that’s when the real growth begins. → Whether the criticism you receive is genuine or rude, I always make a point of saying “Thank you.” Expressing gratitude to your most negative critics can leave a lasting impact and maintain your humility. I have also started to ask “How can I improve?” much more often. This is not a plot or a random question to me. I genuinely believe in asking this. Nobody is perfect and we all have room to improve, so always ask this to your clients. This has helped me convert people who were jealous of me into people who like what I do. If you want to be in the top 1% of people, then learn to take feedback gracefully. Have you ever faced criticism? How did you deal with them? #graphicdesigner

Always had difficulty saying no? I used to be the same. I was so afraid of closing doors that I left every single door open and was so overwhelmed with options I wound up stuck and never walked through a single door But that’s changed. I’ve been saying NO to some interesting media opportunities - like Business Insider and TODAY! 🚫 Fertility rates in Asia. 🚫 Internships as a coloured student. Although if those opportunities had come knocking 3 years ago, I would’ve said YES (due to the brand name!). In a heartbeat. So what’s changed? For one, I’ve spent several years on the battlefield of entrepreneurship. Those years have opened my eyes to the true value and impact that I can and have been bringing to my clients. I no longer question whether I have any ‘right’ to be a career coach or feel the need to be validated by media opportunities. More importantly, I have also learned the importance of maintaining a clear personal brand. And not trying to be a jack of all trades. I am not a career coach that helps:  ❌ People climb the corporate ladder.   ❌ People get into finance.   ❌ Fresh graduates get their first full time job. I could help you with that, they are not my raison d’etre. And while younger me used to be afraid of saying no to these clients (how can we pass up on potential revenue?!) By removing the #FOMO mindset and niching down, it has helped me: Stand out from competitors Be a top of mind career coach for high achievers unhappy with their job  Build a super strong product offering that really solves my client’s pain point  Say goodbye to my imposter syndrome (because I’m not trying to be an expert at everything!) Land high quality clients that I LOVE working with Because I am now so clear about who I am and what I want to stand for. When new opportunities come that I see do not align with my personal brand, I no longer struggle to say NO. But make no mistake - this awareness of who I am and strength to say NO to things took years for me to learn. So if you struggle with saying NO, here’s my advice: 1. Put together a vision board of who you want to be Identify your skills, values, interests and what you want to be known for. 2. Do an audit on how you’re spending your time   If you’re in the finance industry but love cooking and make sure you're saying yes only to things that are food-related. 3. Always ask yourself: Is the best version of you going to say yes to this? 4. Practice, practice, practice It’s going to hurt at first, but  you’ll learn that NO isn’t the end of the road. You’re just saying YES to future opportunities that will align with what you truly want. * Still struggling to say no because you’re not sure who you are and what you stand for? DM me “YES” and we'll figure it out together!

Sunday night anxiety isn’t just a bad habit. It’s a warning signal and most professionals ignore it until it’s too late. It starts quietly: A sinking feeling as the weekend ends. Short tempers at home. Every Monday feels heavier than the last. I’ve spoken with countless ambitious professionals who try to “tough it out.” They blame themselves, call it a rough patch, and hope things will magically improve. But here’s what really happens: Sleep gets lighter. Work drains more than it gives. The spark that drove your career? It’s running on fumes. Let’s not dress it up: If you’re dreading Monday while it’s still Friday, you don’t belong there anymore. The red flags are clear: • You’re coasting, not growing. • Your voice goes unheard. • You nod along in meetings but feel like a stranger to yourself. • Work is taking more than you signed up for and every week, you feel smaller. If you recognize yourself here, it doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It means your current environment no longer deserves your best. And yes, the market is challenging. Companies ghost. Rejection happens. But people still land meaningful roles because they stop relying on the old playbook. Here’s how: • Stop flooding job boards. • Decide who you want to work for. • Start conversations with decision makers, not just HR. • Show exactly how you solve their pain, not just where you’ve worked. • Be sharp, clear, and personal. While you search: • Track your wins, big and small. • Network with intention. • Share your thinking, your expertise is your signal. Most importantly: Protect your energy as if it’s precious because it is. Carve out time, even in a draining role, for things that rebuild you. Reach out for help. Remind yourself: this is a stage, not your story. You didn’t get here by settling for the bare minimum. Don’t start now. A good night’s sleep, the kind where you wake up ready, not dreading, isn’t a fantasy. It’s what comes after a brave choice. So ask yourself: How long will you keep handing your best self to a place that doesn’t deserve it? Take the next step, however small. Your future self is waiting. If someone you know is stuck in the Sunday-night trap, send this their way. As last: If your job costs you your peace, the price is too high...

Criticism Builds Character... and a Stronger Personal Brand. Online negativity can feel like a knock to your confidence. I get it – I’ve been there. The first time I faced it, it hurt. Someone said I wasn’t "very smart" because of my degree, and a person I knew wrote a post and publicly called my online presence "boring". But here’s the truth: showing up online means facing criticism – it’s part of the deal. The good news? You can flip the script. Criticism is a chance to show resilience, reinforce your values, and grow your personal brand. 9 Ways You Can Turn Criticism Into Personal Brand Growth 1️⃣ Choose Your Battles ↳ Not every comment deserves a reply. ↳ Trolls thrive on attention – don’t give it. ↳ Engage only with comments that add value. 2️⃣ Know When to Delete ↳ Hate speech or personal attacks? Delete them. ↳ Constructive criticism? Leave it – it shows you’re open to learning. 3️⃣ Practise Empathy ↳ Negativity often reflects the critic’s struggles. ↳ Ask yourself: "What’s going on in their world?" 4️⃣ Feed the Algorithm ↳ Controversial comments can boost visibility. ↳ Reply strategically to keep the focus on your values. 5️⃣ Turn Criticism Into Content ↳ Use criticism as inspiration for your next post. ↳ Address common misconceptions and demonstrate thought leadership. 6️⃣ Welcome New Perspectives ↳ Disagreement doesn’t mean disrespect. ↳ Engaging with different views shows maturity and builds credibility. 7️⃣ Own Your Mistakes ↳ Admitting errors makes you relatable. ↳ When I corrected a factual error publicly, it earned trust. 8️⃣ Set Boundaries ↳ Respectful dialogue is welcome. ↳ Personal attacks are not – protect your energy. 9️⃣ Reframe Negativity ↳ Criticism means you’re making waves. ↳ Take it as a sign that you’re standing out and having an impact. Criticism isn’t a roadblock – it’s a stepping stone. Every negative comment is a chance to showcase your resilience, professionalism, and values, building a stronger personal brand in the process. 👉 How do you handle online negativity? I'd love to hear your go-to tips. ♻️ Repost this to inspire someone who needs to show up more online and stop fearing criticism. 🔔 Follow me, Jen Blandos, for actionable insights on business, entrepreneurship, and workplace wellbeing.

Small Claims Saves the Day.. As professionals, it’s disheartening to chase down unpaid invoices. It’s not only unprofessional but also unethical for clients to go quiet when it's time to clear these dues. Job satisfaction and financial compensation are two distinct aspects, and managing both is crucial. This post is dedicated to all social media freelancers who've faced similar challenges. Here’s what I've learned from my experience that could save you time, effort, and unwanted stress: 👉Always Sign a Contract: No matter how large or reputable the brand might seem, their intentions can still be misguided. A contract protects you. 👉Specify Deliverables Clearly: Your contract should detail exactly what you will and will not deliver, clearly and quantifiably. 👉Resource Requirements: Mention the specific resources you need from the client to deliver the expected results. 👉Set Clear Timelines: Establish firm timelines for reviews or approvals to keep projects on track. 👉Consequences for Missing Deadlines: Include stipulations for what happens if deadlines are missed, protecting your time and effort. If issues arise, consider filing a claim through small claims court. Check their website to understand the norms and process.https://https://lnkd.in/deqtGGne We all respect our work deeply, and no one has the right to withhold your payments. Work is important, but so is protecting ourselves and setting clear boundaries. Don't tolerate any form of injustice, regardless of the source. P.S - If you’ve had similar experiences or additional advice, please share in the comments to help enlighten our community! #justice #smallcliams #freelancers #lbfalumni #skyhightower

I'm not everywhere all the time. I'm only in some places some of the time. And that's on purpose. Marketing can easily become completely exhausting. Especially on social. Cross-border collaboration is fantastic, and something we should all embrace if we want to advance the global economy -- but it means time-zones no longer restrict your working hours. Computers never sleep, and someone, somewhere is digesting your campaign. I’ve set clear boundaries for myself for survival. Burnout is not an option when building a resilient business. I've learned to acknowledge and dismiss FOMO when: - There's an awesome event I can't attend - There’s something that I have to delegate because I don’t have capacity - There’s a fun new project, idea or development within the business that needs to be put on hold until we have the bandwidth to give it the attention it deserves It's hard, but as a solo parent and business owner, I've had to accept I can't do it all. Or maybe what's more accurate to say is, I can do it all, just not all at once. No one can be everywhere all the time and still keep their sanity. And though it might feel unnatural to those of us that have perfectionist traits 😅 you have to learn to let some things go. How do you make sure you’re sticking to the boundaries you set for yourself?

What’s the toughest skill to master in our professional journey? It’s not public speaking. It’s not resume writing. It’s not even networking. It’s the art of asking for and receiving feedback gracefully. Most of us love appreciation but struggle when it comes to criticism. Why? Because the ego jumps in. Defensiveness takes over. And instead of learning, we start protecting. But here’s a truth I’ve witnessed while coaching 8000+ professionals and entrepreneurs: Feedback, when received with openness, Is the fastest route to building self-awareness and accelerating growth. The next time you receive feedback:  🔹 Pause before reacting.  🔹 Ask yourself, “What truth does this hold for me?”  🔹 Use it as a mirror to reflect, not as a sword to fight. Remember, feedback is not an attack, it’s an investment in your improvement. And those who embrace it with humility; rise faster, shine brighter, and earn deeper respect in every room they walk into. The spotlight doesn’t come from perfection.   It comes from your willingness to evolve, adapt, and grow without defensiveness. Want to learn how to receive and use feedback as fuel for growth? DM me here on LinkedIn #Feedback #CareerGrowth #SelfAwareness

#TipsForNewbieTranslators – Episode 3: Admin As a freelance translator, you want to… translate. But you'll have other things to do. And to do on time and in an organised way. Otherwise, this may weaken your business. This includes: 💶 Accounting & returns Each country has its requirements. French ones are rather light. But they seem to be stricter in Portugal, Italy or the UK; some colleagues even have an accountant. Two key points: 1️⃣ Learn your obligations. Check on the Internet and, if needed, directly with the relevant authority. I have found it helpful to have them on the phone. Some obligations aren't well-known. For instance, if you're trading inside the EU, you may have to declare it to the customs. 2️⃣ Do it ASAP. You never know what can happen. If something unexpected happens on the 31st and you haven't declared your income, that's too bad! 💸 Invoicing & invoice tracking You may have your terms, but some clients have their own processes. After a few near-misses, I now try to get all the invoicing info (contact included) before starting business with a new client. I then add it to my client recap sheet. Track every invoice sent with its due date. A simple chart may be fine, if you check it regularly. If a payment is late, a polite follow-up after 5-7 days might be enough. Some countries have a more relaxed culture. Your contact might tell you: "You don't need to invoice us". Well, you probably do, for legal reasons. 📅 Deadline tracking Many of your clients won't speak your language. They may never notice a spelling mistake or inelegant phrase. However, if you often deliver late, your (ex-)clients will know! Each person needs a system that suits them. In my case, a mix of paper to-do lists and flags on e-mails works perfectly. But some colleagues are Notion fans, and special software exists. 📂 Project management An agency PM wisely told me: "Once freelance, you'll be your own project manager". Again, you need a system that works for you. Here is how I manage each task: I have a "typical project" folder that I copy-paste and rename. It has 6 sub-folders: A Info: Briefing, style guide, etc. B Source: The source file(s). C Admin: At least, the PO (purchase order). D CAT: My project in my computer-assisted translation tool. E Delivery: The files to be delivered. I also include the delivery e-mail. In case I have multiple deliveries (like today!), it serves as a safety net: I might wrongly mark a project as complete. F Potential aftermath: Feedback, subsequent edits. 🔚 As a conclusion: some colleagues block one day per week for non-translation tasks. Experienced translators, has admin been a challenge? Beginners, does this help you envision these side tasks? #Freelance #Translation -- This post has been written in English. If you are reading it in another language, it means LinkedIn has machine-converted it. I am not responsible for this version. I am a French translator. Need language help or want to talk? My door is open 🔓

"If you want peace, prepare for war," they say. And when it comes to your career, the same applies. You don't wait for the ship to sink before learning how to swim. Yet this is what so many professionals do. They hate their job. They feel drained. And their first move? Start sending CVs… blindly. → They don't know what they really want. → Their LinkedIn is outdated. → Their personal brand? A desert. → And when the rejection emails pile up, so does the self-doubt. By the time they leave or get laid off, it's too late. No income. No plan. No clarity. Just panic and a ton of rejection. 👉 Here's how to prepare your exit WHILE you're still on payroll. (Your future self will thank you.) 1️⃣ Get clear on what you actually want ↳ Not just "a better job." ↳ Which environment? What impact? What role lights you up? 2️⃣ Audit your strengths ↳ Take time to reflect. Use tools like CliftonStrengths or ask peers for feedback. ↳ Your next move should align with who you are, not who you were trained to be. 3️⃣ Start building your personal brand ↳ One 'micro-win' post each week (took me 15 mins each Sunday) ↳ Comment on 3 industry leaders' posts daily (5-minute morning routine) ↳ Share your story. Be visible for the right reasons. 4️⃣ Update your CV + LinkedIn strategically ↳ Not just bullet points, but results, impact, personality. ↳ Tailor it to where you're going, not just where you've been. 5️⃣ Grow your network ↳ Connect with people in roles you admire. ↳ Don't wait until you need help to reach out. 6️⃣ Create a learning roadmap ↳ Identify 1-2 key skills for your target role. ↳ Take a course, shadow someone, volunteer. Even one hour a week adds up. 7️⃣ Save up for support ↳ Career coaching, branding help, interview prep. It's an investment. ↳ And easier to make when you still have income. 8️⃣ Reclaim your confidence ↳ Don't let your current job define your worth. ↳ Start showing up as the future version of you — now. ➡️The best time to start? ↳ 6-9 months before you want to move ↳ 2-3 months minimum if you're in a hurry ↳ Today if you're feeling stuck If you're still in a job you don't like, you're in the most powerful position to prepare your exit. The question is: will you use this time wisely? 💬 Let me hear your thoughts. Comment below! 💡 Save this post for when you're ready to move 🔄 Share it with someone who needs this blueprint ➕ Follow me for weekly career transition strategies that work