Chapter 1: Introduction to My Freelancing Journey

Hello, Medium community! It's me, your friend.

I realize I haven’t been as active here lately, primarily sharing album reviews. However, I’ve been busy elsewhere online, including my daily album review site. But let’s save that for later.

It’s now been seven months since I embarked on my freelancing career. Although the title mentions six months, I opted for that for a catchy flair. I actually had this idea when I hit the six-month mark.

So, what insights have I gained? What experiences have shaped my journey? What tips would I offer to newcomers? Read on to find out!

Section 1.1: Client Experiences – Did I Just Get Fired?

Over the past months, I've juggled various clients. Some engagements were one-off projects, while others blossomed into long-term collaborations.

What was the experience like? How much did I earn? What types of projects occupied my time? Let’s break it down.

#### Client #1: My First Gig My initial client was an SEO content ghostwriting agency, which essentially hires freelancers to produce content for businesses. This role provided me with a steady stream of work, which was fantastic. I was on this gig for about five months.

Initially, I earned $10 CAD for every 1000 words. It wasn’t much, but I managed to write around 3000 words daily. As I took on more projects, my rate eventually increased to $15 USD per 1000 words, approximately $20 CAD. This rate change motivated me to return after a brief hiatus.

I churned out numerous articles, which significantly enhanced my understanding of SEO. Although I was eventually let go from this job, I’ll share more about that later.

#### Client #2: Another Opportunity Next, I worked with an Australian client who needed long-form informational articles, such as “How to Fix Your Samsung TV” or “Troubleshooting TV Volume Issues.” I authored a handful of pieces for them, earning around $27 CAD or $19 USD per 1000 words. Unfortunately, I couldn’t continue as they went silent on me.

I also took on several clients who needed YouTube scripts, earning between $30 to $50 per script. Most of these were one-off contracts that didn’t develop into ongoing relationships. However, writing scripts soon became my favorite type of content to create!

In the months from December to February, I faced a significant dry spell. After being let go (more on that later), securing a new project proved difficult. I submitted multiple test articles and scripts before landing what I consider my dream job (details coming soon).

Overall, my average rate transitioned from $10 CAD per 1000 words to an impressive $40–45 CAD, which I consider quite an achievement.

The Firing: A Humbling Experience

Yes, I did get fired, and it’s quite a humorous story.

This particular client managed a team of writers and communicated via a group chat on Skype, where daily tasks were shared, and we could chat freely. About a month before my termination, the client warned that submissions flagged as AI-generated would not be compensated and could lead to dismissal. I didn’t think much of it since I never used AI.

However, when I submitted a piece a month later, I received a message claiming it was AI-generated. I was shocked! I hadn’t used any AI tools, so why was it flagged?

Section 1.2: Understanding AI Content

My work was mistakenly identified as AI-generated by a tool that assesses text for human-like qualities. The algorithm suggested that 40–80% of my content appeared AI-written, despite my efforts.

Why did this happen? The quality of my writing was lacking. Short sentences, repetitive punctuation, and generic phrasing can trigger such flags. Realizing this, I've dedicated time to improve my writing style.

#### Subsection 1.2.1: Handling Rejection Naturally, I was devastated after the firing. This gig had become a significant source of income for me, and losing it impacted my savings for school.

After wallowing for a few hours, I decided it was time to lift myself up. I took a break, applied for new gigs on Upwork, and determined to move forward.

When facing rejection or termination, remember: it’s not a personal failure. You are still a valuable writer. Keep pushing onward.

Chapter 2: Embracing Personal Projects

At the start of my freelancing journey, I maintained a WordPress blog called “eth's world,” which helped build my portfolio and skills. I highly recommend using platforms like Medium and WordPress to showcase your abilities, especially when starting out.

However, I abandoned my blog in October due to overwhelming freelance work. Eventually, I lost interest and wanted to create something new.

#### Starting a New Blog My first blog was chaotic—no custom domain, lack of SEO tools, and inconsistent content. This time, I aimed for a polished site that reflected my style. I used Bluehost and optimized my site with SEO techniques I learned.

Now, I’m reviving my Medium presence and expanding my social media content, particularly music reviews on Instagram, which has been a great learning experience.

What’s Next: A New Job and YouTube Channel

Currently, I feel more confident than ever. I’ve been searching for a full-time position to fund my education. I recently applied for an incredible opportunity to write YouTube scripts at $50 USD each, with the potential for 3–5 scripts daily.

This could be life-changing!

After submitting a test script, I anxiously awaited their response. Finally, they offered me the job! I couldn’t believe it.

Now, I’m preparing to start this dream role. With my blogging and social media commitments, I’m excited about the opportunities ahead.

Moreover, I’m launching a YouTube channel! I’ve always wanted to create videos, and I noticed a gap in lifestyle content from freelancers. I plan to share insights about my job, blogging, music, books, and more.

I’ve never felt happier or more fulfilled. It seems like I’m finally living the life I envisioned. If you're a writer thinking, "This could never be me," keep your chin up! There’s a place for you in this world; just keep writing.

That’s all for now! Catch you on my other platforms.

Until next time, Ethan

Video Title: I spent $40,000 hiring freelancers, here's what I learned Description: Discover the valuable insights gained from investing $40,000 in freelance hires and the lessons learned along the way.

Video Title: What I've learned in my first 6 months as a full-time freelancer (+ what you should know, too) Description: Join me as I share the lessons learned during my first six months in full-time freelancing and important advice for aspiring freelancers.