Freelancers Are Happier - It’s a Fact!

Freelance Switch recently released the results of their freelancer survey, in which over 3700 freelancers took part. While there were a number of interesting findings, the statistic that really stood out to me was that 95% of freelance writers are happier now then they were before they started freelancing.

When I quit my full time job in sales, I did it because I wasn’t happy. I was being paid fairly, producing well, and developing strong relationships with my clients…but I wasn’t happy. I would come home at the end of each day worn out by my work. I disliked dressing up in the morning and having a tie wrapped around my neck throughout the day. I just wanted to be myself.

So I quit my job and started freelancing.

I had already graduated from Canadian University College with my English degree and had always hoped to make a career with my writing, but I wasn’t sure how. Even when I made the jump to a freelancing career I never knew what I was going to do, I just knew that I was going to do it.

I started out with enough money set aside to live comfortably for three months. In my mind, the worst case scenario was that I’d return to the miserable life three months later with less money in my bank. Best case scenario? I could build a career around my writing that could set me free. It was a risky move to some people, but it was a necessary one in my mind.

If I never started freelancing then I would still be doing the 9-5 and most likely be miserable while doing it.

My first month as a freelancer I made a measly $450. While I wasn’t too impressed with my income, I did notice one thing…I was happier. A huge weight was lifted off of my shoulders and everybody around me noticed that I was more outgoing and energetic. I might not have been making the big bucks yet, but I was having the time of my life.

Now, six months later, I’m making more money than I ever was in my full-time sales position and enjoying what I do. The more I learn about this business the more potential I see for my future. I’m finding the niches that work the best for me and improving my skills in those areas. Aside from that, I’m getting more interested in internet marketing as I help my clients take their sales numbers to new levels.

Quite simply, I love what I do and I can see myself doing it for a long, long time.

If you’re not sure whether you want to start your freelancing career, I encourage you to check out the following blog articles: