Leaving Everything Behind to Start Something New
I got my first freelance client after I disconnected myself from everything for one month.
I left my job because I knew I wanted to do something different. I had no fixed plan, no guarantee, and no roadmap. What I did have was the courage to step away from a tiring routine and give myself space to explore something new.
During that time, I learned completely new skills — skills that had nothing to do with my previous profession. I focused only on effort. I kept working without expecting immediate results. Eventually, I received the reward for that effort.
Why I Am Sharing This Experience
Today, I am sharing my experience so that you can also understand how it is possible to leave a tiring job and start earning by prioritizing the work you truly want to do — as a freelancer.
Freelancing gave me freedom.
No pressure to wake up early.
No constant interference from others.
No unnecessary stress.
Just work I enjoy, done in my own way and on my own terms.
The One Rule I Strongly Believe In: Never Stop Learning
There is one rule I always follow: never stop learning.
On days when I feel I haven’t learned anything new, I feel uncomfortable. And whenever I notice that fewer clients are approaching me, I don’t blame the market or people — I blame myself.
The day we stop learning is the day our growth stops.
Learning is never wasted. Even if you feel something won’t work, learn it anyway. Even if something feels difficult or impossible, learn it. Every skill adds value and shapes you differently.
Results Don’t Show Immediately, But Change Is Visible
Learning does not always show results instantly. Sometimes, while learning, you don’t see progress — but others do.
People start noticing the difference between the old you and the new you. They can see the growth even before you fully realize it yourself.
The Importance of Books and Personal Time
Read books.
Take time for yourself.
After quitting my job, for the first 15 days, I had no idea what to do. I kept thinking that my salary had already been credited, and I would figure things out later.
During that phase, I attended multiple interviews. Even though I wasn’t selected, those interviews were never a waste. They increased my knowledge and gave me clarity. Interviews teach you a lot — whether you get selected or not.
Knowing What You Don’t Want Is Also Clarity
Despite giving interviews, I always felt one thing clearly:
this is not what I want to do.
That realization itself was important.
Books, Writing, and Starting Again
I ordered many books because I love reading. I spent time reading extensively.
I returned to writing — something I had always loved.
I started learning again, mostly through YouTube, and that is how I earned my first freelance client.
Do Not Wait for Money to Start Learning
Never wait for money to learn something new.
Today, we are surrounded by free resources, but we use them only for entertainment. Platforms like YouTube are powerful learning tools if used correctly.
I personally love YouTube. Whenever I want to learn something new, I search for it and find countless tutorials and explanations.
Do not let guilt control your life by thinking you can’t learn because of money. You can learn almost anything for free if you genuinely want to.
Books, YouTube, Udemy, Coursera — all are budget-friendly and valuable if used seriously.
Why Skills Matter More Than Degrees
Through interviews and real-world experience, I realized that degrees and certifications alone are not enough.
Skills are what matter.
I have seen people who spent lakhs on degrees but couldn’t even explain the basics. MBA, ITI, expensive design courses — but no practical knowledge.
Learning without application is meaningless.
Self-Belief Changes Everything
Believe in yourself.
I trust myself deeply. If I don’t know how to do something, I open my laptop, find tutorials, or ask ChatGPT. Everything becomes clear step by step.
It may take time the first two times. But by the third time, you will do it effortlessly.
My Slow Start on Medium
When I started, I didn’t know where to begin.
I learned about Medium from a book and started posting articles there. For 6–7 months, my articles received zero views.
It took time to understand how Medium works. At that time, I was managing my job along with writing, so my job remained my priority. Writing was something I kept postponing.
But the learning never stopped.
Platforms I Recommend for Beginner Writers
For anyone starting as a writer, I strongly recommend:
- Medium
- Substack
- Google Blogger
If you follow their guidelines properly, you will definitely see results.
Why LinkedIn Gave Me My First Client
The most important platform for me has been LinkedIn.
I downloaded LinkedIn only after quitting my job. Earlier, I believed that having a job meant I didn’t need anything else — which was a misconception.
Gradually, I learned how to use LinkedIn properly. There are countless opportunities available if you genuinely want to work.
LinkedIn gave me my first freelance client.
I recommend LinkedIn for all professions.
Selling E-Books as a Writer
If you have written an e-book, you can sell it for free or paid on Gumroad. It is a very useful platform for writers.
Why Fiverr and Upwork Didn’t Work for Me Initially
Fiverr and Upwork felt like a waste of time — not because they are bad, but because they are not beginner-friendly.
These platforms work better for people who already have ratings and reviews. Profile building itself is complicated and time-consuming. I created profiles and waited, hoping someone would reach out — but nothing happened.
I did learn how these platforms function, so nothing was wasted. But I don’t recommend depending on them in the beginning.
Create profiles, upload your work, but do not expect immediate results from them.
Focus on Real-Time Client Platforms
Instead, focus on platforms where clients can approach you in real time — like LinkedIn and content-driven platforms.
…
My Profession Today
By profession, I am a graphic designer and a writer.
Final Advice
If you ever feel that you are doing everything but still not getting results, don’t quit.
Change your approach.
You may be learning something incorrectly, or you may be working in the wrong direction — but it is impossible for honest effort to go unrewarded.
Be patient.
Trust the process.
Your effort will pay off.
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This post was previously published on medium.com.
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Photo credit: Zulfugar Karimov On Unsplash
