Introduction: A Call That Changed Everything
Something very peculiar happened to me in 2020. I received a call from my bank and the lady on the other end was saying:
“Why do you have so much money in your account when your status is listed as a student? What is the source of your income?” 😳
The amount of money I had as a student was something almost surreal to even think of, and while I considered it an accomplishment at that age, It also had me feeling nervous. To top that off, this was the time in my life when I had started becoming financially independent due to the freelance jobs I picked up off the side.
This moment signified the amount of money I had really accomplished in the journey toward financial independence. I never thought a simple call from the bank could be life changing reminder how far I’ve come and how much I’ve truly learned.
The Journey: Starting Freelancing as a Student
Initially, I undertook freelancing in 2020 to earn some money on the side. Little did I know it would culminate in me adopting an entirely different lifestyle, starting with my student life. We all have fond memories of teenage years, don’t we? For students, life revolves around studying, gaming, binge-watching shows and travelling.
Well, my childhood was slightly different. Instead of doing any of that, I desperately wanted to find a way to earn additional income on the side. I didn’t want to wait until after graduation to start earning and wanted to use my time in pursuit of something more constructive. This is where my introduction to freelancing came in.
It was refreshing to learn about freelancing due to the unique value proposition it offers to designate your own hours, pace and workload. The learning aspects went far beyond issuing a monetary reward. With every task I set out to do through different freelance platforms, I found that every step I took, culminated in adding incremental value toward building my experience, skills and more importantly, boosting my confidence.
The Call from the Bank: A Moment of Nervousness and Pride
A certain day came when I received none of my expectations and turned out to be that call bank. The staff asked what all the money in my account was and where it was coming from.
What I had thought to be the least of the problems turned out to be far more enable enough for hands free me to sit on the phone explaining about my freelancing as a job. It is more than obvious That I experienced tremendous progress in my life. In the distant past, I used to think earning even a dime would, in fact, be a monumental achievement. But now it is a way of life.
In my conscious mind, I would like to count bank staff, citing freelance work as an explanation. Conducting overseas transactions made easier with payment pal systems from overseas and realizing for me how important less than 1 million LKR is justified on grounds that earning.
After verification done by the bank inquiring all known forms of logical evidence, how I managed to bank proud am not entirely based on documentation issue. It signifies my self-reliant work ethics and attitude.
Later forward After that post realization and correct completion of payments related to my income tax in simpler keeps things uninterrupted ever since. Bank stopped contacting me when my payments returned to normal and all ran smoothly from my end. did not interrupt me, so my freelances lived.
The Power of Earning Your First Income Online
In essence, this story illustrates much more than the implications of managing a budget and making calls to a bank. Rather, earning one’s separate income illustrates personal development and how rewarding it can be. In your teenage years, it is common for most people to encourage you to ‘live your life’ and enjoy yourself. Certainly, trips and games are enjoyable; however, I found that earning my very first five dollars online was tremendously more satisfying than any vacation or movie I could partake in, or any night out that was organized.
Beginning my freelancing journey was motivated by factors other than earning money – in fact, it was the sense of achievement and newfound freedom that was the driver. It taught me that one did not have to wait for a conventional job or a college degree to start earning income. There are boundless opportunities available for youngsters today, courtesy of the internet, to skill up and earn money, irrespective of their standing in life.
In fact, the significance of earning a payment online lies in the fact that is a milestone in one’s existence. It serves as a reminder for anyone who thought otherwise that with the determination and proper tools, you can turn your financial dreams into reality. There is no need to wait for the perfect moment or permission to start working. It is an opportunity that presents itself without conditions.
Why Freelancing Works: The Advantages of Starting Early
As you will realize, freelancing is highly beneficial, especially to the students and young adults at the early stages of their career journeys. Personally, here are the few key benefits that have changed the entire game for me:
1. Flexibility and Control Over Your Time
Having control over your schedule is one of the best perks of freelancing. The ability to say yes to as many or as few assignments as you wish is truly remarkable. This easiness permits an individual to earn extra cash while still supervising their studies or even spending time with family and friends.
2. A Path to Financial Independence
Freelancing is a great way to ensure you are earning money while still attending school or university. The thought of being independent during your time as a student is truly inspiring but with the workforce changing these days, you really do not have to wait until after graduation to build some wealth.
3. Learning and Skill Development
While freelancers get paid for the work they do, there is a lot more to it as far as the outlook of gaining new skills and knowledge is concerned. When it comes to writing, graphic designing, web development, or marketing, freelancers with any of these skills get the opportunity of practical work experience. It allows you to sharpen your skills, create a portfolio, and have something to show for in the future. Every freelance project has the potential to become a stepping stone in your career.
4. Global Opportunities
With freelancing, the entire world becomes your workplace. It removes restrictions of local jobs or geographical boundaries. If you are in Sri Lanka or anywhere else and wish to work with different clients from across the globe, freelancing allows you to interact and work with individuals from different industries and cultures.
The Importance of Consistency in Freelancing
Just like any other occupation, freelancing requires one to be consistent. I remember coming up, and I had to work really hard to make a recognizable freelance name. Amusingly, my income was directly proportionate to how hard I worked. To ensure continued progress, I learned multiple skills and applied for as many projects as possible.
In freelancing, the most important thing is persistence. Building a reputation requires showing up and putting in the required effort daily. Consistent effort translates to success and growth leads to endless opportunities.
The Bigger Picture: Earning and Learning Simultaneously
This experience taught me that, unlike employment, freelancing offers an opportunity to learn how to operate a business, communicate effectively with clients, acquire lifelong skills, and personally evolve while attaining financial independence.
When you earn money through freelancing, you are not only increasing the balance in your bank account. You are also setting the stage for a future career. The freelancing experience has given me skills in time management, negotiation, and working with clients, which, I’m confident, will take me far in succeeding in any future business.
Don’t Waste Your Time—Start Earning Today
For those of you reading this and have not yet dabbled in freelancing, go ahead and jump off the deep end. Don’t let an opportunity go by just because you are waiting for a better situation. The best step is to initiate action, as it will put you one step closer to achieving your goals. Even if the outcomes are minimal at first, the value they will add adds up quickly.
The first step is recognizing what you can do. Browse sites such as Fiverr or Upwork and create a profile offering your services. With time, effort, and perseverance, you’ll achieve more than what you thought possible.
