Seven months ago, when I was starting, I thought:
I need to work with as many companies and people as possible, even if they don’t appreciate my work, and take on any job that comes my way, even if it doesn’t help me improve or advance in my freelancing career because I need the money. Just pay me.
Now that I’ve been doing this for seven months and have a few clients and more opportunities than I have time on the horizon, I’m shifting my perspective from trying to work for anyone and everyone to focusing on a smaller but sustainable market. I’m asking myself, How do I become a “meaningful specific” rather than a “wandering generality?” Rather than striving for the largest possible customer base, I see smaller markets that can support me with work that I view as more beneficial.
For instance, now I think it’s doable to be working with, say, six companies and a few people at each who appreciate my work and allow me to develop the skills I’m striving to improve. And the business from each can keep me busy with meaningful work that aligns with my personal and professional growth goals. This approach allows me to level up even if, in the short term, it feels like growth will slow down. I know that in the long run it will deliver me where I want to be.
