Let’s face it — starting a freelance business is scary. Whether it’s your side hustle or your full-time grind, being responsible for the success of an entire business with nobody to fall back on for help is a terrifying prospect.

 

I get it because I’ve been there.

 

In January 2017, I was suddenly let go from my full-time job. I had just turned 24. I had no savings whatsoever and I’d just bought a new car with a hefty loan payment. To say I was unprepared to start a business was an understatement.

 

I couldn’t stand the thought of going back to work for another startup. I didn’t want to be around humans, much less in an open-floorplan office with them. I wanted to puke at the thought of chasing interview after interview only to get rejected again.

 

I needed time and space to lick my wounds. But I also needed an income, stat.

 

So many freelancers join the gig economy because they think it will be an easy way to make money at home in their pajamas. And while there certainly are perks of working for yourself, there’s also a LOT to learn. And for most of us, that learning has to happen on the fly while juggling client work, marketing ourselves, and struggling to maintain some semblance of work-life balance.

 

So if you want my advice, here it is: Get yourself a freelance coach or mentor ASAP.

 

I’m happy to answer a question or two over email, but if you’re looking for more in-depth help — like the nitty-gritty details of where to find clients, how to pitch them, and what tools to use to manage your workload — I’ve put together a coaching package just for you.