From the course: Freelancing Tips

Learning break: Design your life

From the course: Freelancing Tips

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Learning break: Design your life

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(upbeat music) - So, when I was a freshman at the Ohio State University, I was that guy that had a bunch of app ideas. And there was a friend of mine in my dorm that was the guy that I usually pitched these ideas to. And, one of them, he said, that's a really cool idea you should go pitch that at this entrepreneurship club. I didn't know what an entrepreneurship club was or what a pitch competition was, but I applied and I got in. And I got to be one of seven teams that pitched in this competition. Just by luck a the draw, I had to go first. And I pitched and did a really bad job, but, because I went first, I got to watch the other six teams pitch after me. And suddenly I was watching people my age talk about the businesses they had started and the fact that they were making money and it just completely blew my mind. I didn't realize there was a path outside of the go to college, get a job, retire, type of path, and to see kids my age doing this and making their own way and making money, just like broke my worldview. So, after that, I got really involved in startups and out of college I started a business, sold that business, and since then I've been mostly freelancing. And I've got to say, there's nothing more fulfilling then building a life of my own design. I think that's why a lot of people are drawn to freelancing. This idea that you can do the work you love to do and build your life around it. And so to me, starting your own business is actually the safer path. Jobs aren't guaranteed and you have a ceiling on how much you can earn. When you build your own business, the sky's the limit and you can design your life however you want. It's not easy to be a freelancer, but I don't think it's as risky as people think it is either. You do have to learn how to find clients, communicate effectively, and run a business. But, it's never been easier and cheaper to get started. So, if you're considering starting a freelance business, I would really recommend trying it.

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