She Strengthens

Breaking Free from the Traditional 9-to-5

As I sit here, reflecting on my career path, I’m reminded that the road to success is rarely linear. At 28, I’ve never held a traditional full-time job, despite my best efforts. But that’s not to say I haven’t worked hard – I’ve just had to forge my own path.

The Struggle is Real

After college, I spent years waiting tables and chasing a creative lifestyle. But the harsh reality was that I was stuck in a cycle of stress and financial insecurity. I wanted a traditional job, but it seemed elusive. Factors outside my control, combined with the Great Recession and my lack of coding skills, made it tough to land a full-time gig.

Diversifying My Skills

Despite the setbacks, I refused to give up. I developed a diverse range of skills, from SEO optimization to fundraising and event planning. This forced flexibility has made me a more attractive candidate, even if it didn’t lead to a traditional job.

The Financial Consequences

Working part-time can be a financial nightmare, especially in your twenties. It’s a critical time to start investing, pay down debt, and build a savings cushion. But when you’re living on a part-time income, it’s tough to make progress. I know I didn’t start saving for retirement until I was 27 – late in the game, but better than never.

Freelancing: The Unconventional Path

In 2014, I started a blog to track my journey out of student loan debt. Little did I know, it would accidentally launch my freelance writing career. I wrote guest posts, built social media channels, and networked with others in my field. It was fun, and it paid off. By June 2016, I was ready to take the leap and freelance full-time.

Embracing the Gig Economy

Freelancing might not be for everyone, but it’s the way of the future. According to Forbes, 50% of the workforce will be freelancers in just four years. I’m proud to be part of this movement, creating my own job in a market that doesn’t always provide traditional opportunities.

Building My Own Career

I could have continued chasing a job that didn’t exist, or I could build my own. I chose the latter. As a freelancer, I can work in any direction I want – writing, marketing, speaking, or more. The sky’s the limit, and I’m in control of my career.

The Risks and Rewards

Freelancing isn’t easy, and the income stream can be unsteady. But the risk is worth it. I crunched the numbers before leaving my part-time job and realized that, with my existing client base, I could make a good living. And if I secure a few more clients, I can bypass my old income altogether.

Taking Control of My Career

For the first time in my career, I feel like I’m in control. Rather than waiting for another rejection letter, I’m taking charge of my own destiny. I haven’t found the magic solution to all my work issues, but I’ve finally found a path that works for me.