How I Went from Overworked Employee to Overbooked Freelancer

A year ago, I was stuck in a job that drained the life out of me.
Meetings all day. Emails all night. No time to breathe.
I was exhausted, burned out, and constantly on edge.

I kept telling myself, “This is just how it is. Work is supposed to be hard.”
But deep down, I knew something had to change.

So I took the leap.
I left my job — not for another one, but for myself.

At first, freelancing was scary.
I didn’t know if I’d make enough money. I didn’t know where to find clients.
But I gave it my all.

I built a simple website.
I shared my story online.
I started taking small gigs — and made sure every client felt taken care of.

And slowly… I filled my calendar.
Then I had to start turning people away.
Now? I’m an overbooked freelancer.
And I choose who I work with. I choose when I work. And best of all — I feel alive again.

Here’s what worked for me:

  • I focused on one skill I was really good at.
  • I didn’t wait to be “perfect” — I just started.
  • I treated every gig like gold.
  • I built real relationships, not just invoices.

If you’re dreaming of freelancing, know this: You don’t need to be the best. You just need to start.