People think freelancing is an end game and it’s not. As a freelancer, you’re selling services, which means YOU are the product. This is mentally unsustainable because you’re a human being not a product.

A product can be sold while you’re asleep or depressed or tired or on vacation. You can’t sell yourself under those conditions…aka everyday life.

Also, you can’t control clients. No matter how well you scope your projects, people will find a way to screw you over.

Write a book, build a course, or start a community, but don’t waste time trying to sell yourself for a living. You’re worth much more.

p.s. Totally identified with the portfolio bit. After running a web design business for five years, I had maybe one or two projects survive the client meat grinder. Thanks for sharing your story, Tiffiny! 👏