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January has historically been my slowest and lowest-earning month as a freelancer. Every year I tell myself not to panic, and I stress that I won't find any projects (hello imposter syndrome)
Freelancing always has a way of reminding you that things can change fast.
This January ended up being my busiest yet, which feels extra exciting because it has never started that way.
Some wins I'm grateful for:
🎉 My highest earning January in my 3 years of freelancing
🎉 A past client I parted ways with reached out to work together again
🎉 I raised my rates with an existing client and they approved
🎉 I visited Contra HQ in person in NYC (!!)
Sharing this in case your year hasn't exploded with momentum yet. Progress doesn't always show up when we expect or want it to, but that doesn't mean it won't!
Love this so much. Such a real reminder that freelancing has seasons and momentum can flip fast. Big congrats on the wins, especially raising rates and getting a past client back.
This is so inspiring, Julia! SO jealous about getting to visit ContraHQ. I'd kill for some Contra swag 😍
If you're ever in NYC, you should definitely make a pit-stop!
Thank you! And to you!!
Amazing 🙌🙌Huge congrats — especially on raising your rates and having it approved 👏
Thanks so much Anna!
Awesome!!
that's amazing congrats Julia!
Thank you Monserrat!!
Sounds like a wonderful month to me!! that it was better than previous years
Nothing like starting the year off strong. Hope you had a great January Daniel!!
COOOOL that's awesome visiting the hq in person😊🙌
So nice to meet you 🤗
Love this for you Julia! Congrats on such an amazing month🥳
Thank you Serena!! 💛
That’s amazing, congrats! This January has been my best month in six years of freelancing, and now my brain is like, “Cool, but what if I’ve just jinxed the entire quarter?” 😂
Ah congrats!! Hahah that's so fair, BUT what if it's just setting the tone for the rest of the quarter instead?! 👀
🔥 💯
So much grateful for this post
The network for creativity
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👋🏼 Will be away for the next two weeks.
Week 1: Business trip to another workshop at Google in Mountain View. 🤓
Week 2: Well deserved vacation in Bolivia 🇧🇴 to connect with friends and nature.
🫡 See you Mid March Community!
Two weeks well earned! A Google workshop in Mountain View AND a Bolivia vacation is the perfect mix of professional and personal recharge. See you refreshed and recharged in mid March, Anita!
Freelancing is weird.
One week you’re fully booked.
Next week you’re refreshing your inbox for no reason.
Still learning how to stay consistent — especially in how I present my work on Contra.
If you freelance, you get it.
The Freelancer balancing a 9-5 Starter Pack 💼
Since 2020 doing both, full time job and freelancing, and these are my NON NEGOTIABLE:
• A contract that protects my work and mental health. 📝
• Motivational Spotify playlists that help me get through the working hours. 🎧
• A pricing sheet that answers before I overthink. 🤑
• Brandbook and presentation templates to deliver fast without reinventing the wheel. ⚡
• ChatGPT trained on my pricing sheet and my tone to write emails while I do my laundry. 🧠
Freelancing for me is boundaries, saving money for personal goals, and switching Slack accounts like it’s a personality disorder. 🤭
What’s in your freelancer starter pack?
What tool or habit keeps you sane?
Good 👍 work
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