How I Went from 9-5 to Freelancing and Traveling Full-Time (With No Experience)

How I Went from 9-5 to Freelancing and Traveling Full-Time (With No Experience)

The journey into freelancing is a mixture of challenges, opportunities, and self-discovery. The journey started with a simple idea: becoming a podcast editor. Starting out, I kept things clean with a name like "I Am A Podcast Editor," ensuring it was simple and searchable for potential clients. I gained my first few clients by leveraging platforms like Upwork and Instagram, which proved successful due to the podcast boom around 2018-2019. I made it clear that I could meet clients’ needs through strong proposals, even without fancy edits.

Networking also played a key role. I reached out to family, friends, and even strangers through social media, offering services in exchange for word-of-mouth referrals. However, freelancing came with its downsides—no job security and the constant need for new clients. This meant working hard to maintain a steady stream of opportunities.

Eventually, after some tough times, I reached a low point in Alamogordo, New Mexico, where I decided to take action. I sent out numerous proposals on Upwork and landed a client. This one job led to more opportunities, including filming coursework for a hunting brand, which paid well and allowed me to live and work with them for several months. This was the start of my career in videography, a field I never expected to dive into, but I took the opportunity to learn quickly and figure things out.

A major turning point came when I worked for a large YouTube channel called Tiny Home Tours. A video I filmed, despite being imperfect, gained a million views and led to further opportunities. Through these experiences, I learned the value of taking risks, offering help even when unsure, and building a network through the people you meet.

Along the way, I encountered periods of financial struggle, but the key was to stay persistent and keep a positive mindset. I adjusted to the peaks and valleys of freelancing, learning to manage finances and taxes on my own. Tools like QuickBooks and TurboTax became essential for keeping track of income and expenses.

While freelancing can be unpredictable, it offers flexibility and freedom that’s hard to find in a 9-to-5 job. The journey continues, but the most important takeaway is to put yourself out there, say "yes" to opportunities—even if you’re not fully prepared—and never stop growing through self-development.