Disclaimer: In Real Life is a platform for everyday people to share their experiences and voices. All articles are personal stories and do not necessarily echo In Real Life’s sentiments.
This story is shared by Farah, a former engineer who transitioned to a full-time career as a remote-working content writer within only 2 months. Here’s how she did it:
Hi, I’m Farah! Remember 2020? It was a tough year, and like many, I lost my job. With everything locked down and job vacancies as rare as a durian in the off-season, I had to find another way.
So, I started freelancing. That’s when I realised a side gig isn’t just about boosting income; it’s about being resilient and flexible in these unexpected times.
Now, in 2023, we’re all feeling the pinch with the cost of living skyrocketing and the economy being as unpredictable as our weather.
Let me share with you a few tips and tricks on how you can start your freelancing journey today.
Step 1: Recognize What You’re Good At
Jumping into a side gig, you must start with what you’re best at, right?
As an ex-engineer, I played to my strengths. So, I started listing down gigs that fit the bill: tutoring maths (since I’m pretty good with numbers), doing some technical writing for engineering blogs (yep, that’s my jam), and even general content creation like blogging and article writing (why not, right?).
And hey, being bilingual, I thought, why not add translating between English and Malay to the list?
This step was super important to figure out where I could fit into the wide world of freelancing.
Step 2: Picking the Right Freelancing Platform
Alright, moving on to the next part of my side gig saga. Finding remote work on local job sites like Jobstreet is like looking for a needle in a haystack, right?
So, I decided to go global and check out these international freelancing platforms – Upwork, Fiverr, We Work Remotely, and No Desk. These places are like the Jalan Alor of freelancing – offering a wide variety of gigs worldwide.
Upwork hit the sweet spot for me. It’s like that user-friendly delivery app where everything works. The payment system is solid, which is a big deal when dealing with clients from different time zones and continents.
It’s been awesome using my mix of engineering skills and Malay-English bilingual superpowers to connect with clients globally.
Step 3: Do Your Market Homework
Now, let’s talk about market research. Some folks might reckon this should come earlier, but hear me out – I find it makes more sense right after picking your platform. You can only figure out what’s hot and what’s not after you choose your market, right?
So, once I got myself sorted on Upwork, I started using my skills as search keywords. It’s similar to seeing what’s popular on our local TikTok platform. This helped me see the demand for stuff I’m good at, like technical writing and translating.
I also got a good idea of the going rates. It’s all about finding that sweet spot where what you offer lines up with what people need and then setting a price that makes sense – competitive, but still kira okay for your pocket.
Here are some typical remote writing jobs you can find online and how much you can earn from each one:
Image via IRL author.
Step 4: Apply for Jobs
Okay, here’s where the rubber meets the road – applying for jobs. Now, don’t expect miracles overnight. It’s like fishing: sometimes you get a big catch quickly, and sometimes you must wait.
Being new to the scene, especially without a bunch of reviews or a fancy portfolio, means you have to be patient. Some people snag a gig in just a week; others might wait a few months – it’s all variable.
On Upwork, it took me about three weeks of constantly sending out applications before I finally got a hit. The key here? Patience and a little bit of trust.
Keep on applying; don’t lose heart. Your hard work will eventually pay off. Keep at it and stay upbeat!
Step 5: Show Your Best Side to Clients
Alright, next up: making a good impression on potential clients. It doesn’t matter if you’re chatting on Zoom or just shooting messages on Upwork; it’s your time to really shine, you know?
Think of it like going for a job interview or meeting your in-laws for the first time. You want to put your best foot forward. A little bit of over-the-top talking about yourself? Totally fine! It’s all about selling your skills – like telling them why you’re the boss of technical writing or the sifu master of translating.
Lay out what you’re good at, your rates, and how you like to get. This step is all about showing off your sparkle and making sure they understand just how much value you bring to their table.
Step 6: Juggling Time and Quality Work
Let’s talk about managing time and doing top-notch work. As a freelancer, your work quality is your ticket to getting regular clients and, who knows, a bonus or a pay bump!
But here’s the real challenge: balancing your work with your life at home, especially when you’ve got kiddos running around. I’ve got three little energetic kids myself, so I’ve learned to grab those quiet moments – when they’re napping or after my hubby comes back from work. Big shoutout to my husband for being a super ayah and tag-teaming with me on this.
Nighttime is when I really get into my work groove. Once everything’s settled down and the house is as quiet as a library, that’s when I get cracking. Working into the wee hours is a sacrifice, but that’s the price for hitting those targets while also being there for your family.
Remember, what works for me might not work for you. So, figure out your rhythm and roll with it. You got this!
Step 7: Keeping Up With Market Changes
So, here’s the thing about freelancing – you’ve got to keep up with the times, especially with tech like AI and ChatGPT shaking things up in Malaysia. As a writer, I could be competing with AI that churns out content at twice my speed. Now is the time to change direction, right?
Switching to digital marketing felt like jumping into a whole new world. I won’t lie: it was tough at first. I was no expert in marketing, and all that data looked like a big plate of rojak to me. But guess what? My remote work colleagues were absolute lifesavers. With their help, I started getting the hang of it. Big thanks to my team!
My advice? Don’t be scared to try something new. You’ll feel like picking up a new hobby – you never know what skills you’ll end up mastering. Plus, it keeps your work fresh and exciting.
Step 8: The Magic of Networking
Image: Remote Work Malaysia FB Group
Networking is like the sambal belacan of freelancing: it adds that extra kick. You can’t just stick to one platform and hope for the best. I jumped into a Facebook group called Remote Work Malaysia, and boy, was it a game-changer. This bustling community lets you meet other freelancers, share job leads, and exchange tips.
And hey, don’t forget about the clients you’ve already worked with. Keep that rapport strong because a happy client is a returning client. Sometimes, one good chat can open up opportunities you never thought about. Keep those lines open, and watch how networking can work wonders for you.
Extra: Having a Strong Support System
Let’s talk about something super important in the freelancing world here in Malaysia – having a solid support system, especially when you’re juggling family life, too.
Balancing work and family is like doing a tightrope walk at times. And here’s where my partner has been my superhero. He’s absolutely amazing with our kids, stepping up big time, especially during those hectic weekends. It gives me the breathing space to focus on my projects and meet those deadlines.
It’s this kind of tag-team effort that makes the freelance grind manageable. I’m super grateful for this support.
Let’s Do This Together!
The whole story I’ve shared about jumping into the world of freelancing isn’t just about me. It’s a bit like a roadmap for anyone in Malaysia or beyond thinking of starting their freelance or side gig journey.
Look, times are challenging – no doubt about it. But hey, kita orang Malaysia, we’re tough too. You can pick up a thing or two from my journey.
The main thing is, we’re all in this together. Whether you’re in KL, Penang, or JB or chilling in a kampung somewhere, we’re part of the same community. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and tackle this head-on. We’ve got this!
Share this story with a friend who’s looking for work.
Looking for freelance work? In Real Life is hiring now!
Send your CV and resume to hello@inreallife.my and let’s get in touch.
Read also: 5 Malaysians Share How They Plan to Overcome The Weakening Ringgit in 2024
5 Malaysians Share How They Plan to Overcome The Weakening Ringgit in 2024
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