The transition from working a 9-5 job to becoming an internet freelancer can be pretty scary. Some fears might be inflicted by self-doubt, while others might be a result of societal pressure and norms. There are, however, many reasons you might want to make the decision (leap?) to venture into the world of internet freelancing.
Here are some of the more common ones:
OK, so the last one is a joke. But it’s amazing how many websites sell that concept (*work from home and make millions* sound familiar?) and how many people get trapped into paying some small amount – $20, $50, whatever, to get access to these *amazing* offers.
Right, so apart from the scammers and their scams, there are many legit reasons for you to want to work online.
But taking that first step can be real daunting. Trust me, I know.
I stumbled onto freelancing and making my living online through pure chance: I actually got laid off and pregnant in the same month and it couldn’t have been a better beginning! And even though I was offered my job back, I decided that the constant backache sitting in unergonomic chairs and being cloistered in a cubicle was really not something I wanted to return to.
I started exploring work from home opportunities since I wanted to stay at home and spend time with my baby and a completely new world suddenly opened up to me! Sometimes the worst things in life (like losing your job) and the most career-disruptive things (like being pregnant) can result in the most wonderful opportunities.
Here are some reasons why you might be feeling hesitant about changing your life and what you can do to shrug that initial fear and take the leap:
The Fears we Face
How to Overcome your Fears of Starting an Online Business
1. Make a Plan
This is probably the best way to overcome your fear. Write down what your fears are. Make 2 columns on a blank sheet/screen. In the left-hand column right down all that you love about your current work and in the right-hand column, write all that you dislike/hate/detest about your current job. Then address each dislike with a counter point: how will working for yourself change things for the better? You might even reach the conclusion that by tweaking something in your current job you could be more productive/happy/enthusiastic, etc. But if you can clearly see the benefits of freelancing and setting up your own shop, then you’ll go ahead with it more confidently.
2. Start Part-time and Build up Gradually
Who says you have to take the plunge all at once? Some of the best businesses were set up as a result of working on weekends, working evenings and working part-time. This way you get the best of both worlds: you still keep your day job while experimenting with what might work for you in an online capacity.
3. Develop a Thick Skin
There will always be nay-sayers, no matter what you do or where you go. It’s practically human nature to not want others to succeed. Some nay-sayers will even go so far as to say they’re doing it because they care about you, and shockingly this comment may even come from people like your parents or your spouse. Here’s what I would say to them: “If you really care about me, then you’ll let me succeed or fail on my own terms”. Simple to think; not so simple to execute, i know. But you must say it or deal constantly with negativity, which will be a damper to your creativity.
Here are some other ways to get over that initial fear:
If you’re currently thinking about leaving your 9-5 job for a freelancers’ lifestyle, leave a comment below and let me know what your fears and hopes are. Lets discuss this and maybe you’ll find there are more people with you than against you 
Cheers!
Jul 8, 2010I am not indulged in a job known as 9 to 5. Rather, my job is rotating in shifts with timing changing every week, since its an essential requirement for anykind of O & M (Operation and maintenance) of a 24/7 cellular network. As long as I was a bachelor it was ok with me but now after being married, working during nights and almost ten days in a month is becoming quite hectic. For that I have two choices, either to show my worth for day time or switch my job. Moreover, I have now realised that to make my lifestyle more comfortable I have to find new ways of earning.
After reading your blogs, I have found something that I could do and make living since reading and writing is my passion. As a beginner, I wonder if I could apply to be a part of WordPL.net team or not? My doubt is based on the following: I am a keen & passionate reader of Second World war history in particular and World history in general. Would it be helpful in anyway for content writing?
5:43 pm
Salma! I absolutely loved your columns. Thank you for posting them and bringing this website out. I really needed to soak in some positivity in life and you brought it out for me.
I am a stay at home mom with a two year old who keeps me at my feet all day. Im physically very occupied while mentally very distressed. Inspite of the wonderful experience of being a mother and enjoying every moment with my son, watching him grow,i feel i need that personal and financial fulfilment; Work.
Time and again i have turned to the internet and yet each time my fears of the internet scams as well as my own fear of “not being able to do it” has held me back.
Your video on facebook was a real eye opener and a much need inspiration for me.I have finally sat down with my laptop, seriously searching for work without a fear of not being able to do it.
Thank you again.