Why Freelancing Isn’t for Everyone — And How You Can Still Win

Online Freelancing is Not for Everyone… They Say

I’ve been an online freelancer since 2008, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned—it’s not that freelancing is hard. It’s that most people don’t know how to begin.

Let’s talk about why freelancing might not work for you, and how to overcome that.

1. You Don’t Have Time to Learn

Freelancing isn’t just a side hustle you jump into overnight. It requires time, focus, and a long-term mindset. You need to invest time learning new skills, understanding your niche, and finding where the demand is.

Back in college, I didn’t even finish my degree. I was in my second year when I discovered programming—and I fell in love. I stopped attending classes and practically lived in the library, teaching myself what I couldn't absorb in a classroom.

I didn’t wait to graduate to get hired. I posted my services on Craigslist and Sulit.com.ph, showing sample projects like basic student systems to get small gigs. That was my entry point.

2. You Think It’s Too Late or Too Crowded

Fast forward to 2025—things have changed. The freelancing space is now crowded, especially on platforms like Upwork (formerly oDesk). Getting clients isn’t easy. But that’s not a reason to quit—it’s a reason to get better.

And that starts with communication.

When I began, I could barely form a complete sentence in English. What helped me wasn’t an expensive course—it was learning C++, reading code and documentation, which unexpectedly improved my grammar and logic. From there, I consumed English content regularly and slowly built confidence.

Now, there are tools like AI that can help you polish your writing, build portfolios, even simulate interviews. You have a major advantage today—use it.

3. You Don’t Know How to Market Yourself

Marketing isn’t about being loud; it’s about being clear and credible. Can you follow simple instructions? Can you deliver a small task with excellence?

Your first goal isn’t to land a $1,000 client. Your first goal is to prove you can solve a problem, no matter how small. That starts with basic communication skills—understanding and being understood.

So read at least a page of English every day. Build your vocabulary. Learn how to describe what you do. No need to sound like a native speaker—just be clear and confident.

4. You’re Not Yet Equipped to Deliver

Many job boards are shared online, but being on the platform isn’t enough. Ask yourself: “Am I really ready to serve clients?”

When my wife started her freelancing journey, she took a whole year before landing her first job. She studied different courses—even unrelated ones. But she didn’t stop. I supported her by giving her her own laptop and time to learn.

That’s the real secret: Consistency.

• 6 months to learn
• 6 months to hunt
• Every failed interview is a lesson

Today, she’s a full-time recruitment specialist working from home. It was a slow grind—but it worked.

5. You Quit Too Early

If you have a job, don’t quit just yet. Build your freelancing skills and portfolio while still earning. Have a fallback plan before you dive in full-time. Freelancing is freedom, yes—but only after preparation.

Final Thoughts

Online freelancing may not be for everyone, but maybe it’s exactly for you—if you're ready to commit, grow, and try again after every rejection.

In this blog, I’ll continue sharing stories, tips, and resources from my own journey as a full-time WordPress engineer and freelancer.

Stay tuned for more.