I quit my corporate job three years ago and it was one of
the scariest, yet best decisions I have ever made in my life. I racked up a lot
of student loan debt attending college and graduate school and then landed what
at the time I thought was my dream job.
I was knee deep in the rat race. Hour commute in traffic to
work in the morning and then two hours back home. Imagine that. I wasted three
hours a day in my car. Looking back now it’s so insane to think that I
considered that an acceptable way to live.
I always had the dream of freelancing. I love graphics
design and I don’t want to brag, but I think I have some talent. I was just
always scared. What if I failed? Would I have to start all over again and try
to climb the corporate ladder?
Well one day I just went for it and quit. There was no
turning back for me. This is why I did it and why I would encourage anyone else
on the fence to go for it.
Freedom to Travel
Freelancing allows me to work from anywhere. If I want to take a week vacation anywhere I can. If I want to go visit my family or friends in other states I can. There are no limitations. I work from my laptop.
As long as you are disciplined and understand that it can’t
be all fun and games you can run your freelancing business from anywhere. As
long as I can grab a Wi-Fi signal I am open for business. This freedom is
amazing. You just simply cannot experience it working a traditional job. The
thought of one week off a year to travel is wild. Thankfully I know this
first-hand now.
Make My Own Schedule
I don’t have to start my day at 9:00 a.m. and I don’t have
to end it at 5:00 p.m.
Honestly, I can work whenever I want. If I am feeling
creative at 10:00 p.m. I will work and sometimes I won’t stop until 4:00 a.m.
If I am having a creative block then I will do something else and continue when
I am ready.
This is unbelievably empowering and it allows me to produce
my best work.
Weekends and Weekdays Blend Together
I used to live for the weekends. Friday at 5:00 p.m.
couldn’t come fast enough each week. Now, every day is limitless in terms of
what I can do. While there are still seven days in my weeks, I don’t define
them by weekdays and weekends.
I can do the same thing on a Wednesday afternoon that I used
to have to wait until Sunday afternoon to do. Little things like being able to
go grocery shopping in the middle of a random day rather than at night or on
the weekend is a major convenience.
The freelancer life is one that offers so many little
freedoms that directly impact the quality of your life.
Unlimited Earning Potential
Money shouldn’t be the number one motivation factor, but let’s be real. It’s important. I make more money now than I did before and I am able to take advantage of write-offs and business expenses being self-employed.
At the end of the day I bring in a significantly larger
income each month and also have total freedom. If that isn’t a major win I
don’t know what is!
I Prioritize Happiness
I never used to think about my happiness before. I just
assumed I was happy because I had a good job. But now I am able to see how my
quality of life improved and I really am much happier.
If I knew that this was possible I would have made the
switch years earlier. I’m just thankful I decided to take the leap and
experience what life can be like.
I encourage you to give it a shot and enjoy life
the way I do.
