Why I stopped focusing on just one type of freelance job

A lot of folks in this community say you should pick a single skill and stick to it, but I don't agree. Last week, I had only been booking logo design gigs, and then my pipeline dried up completely. So I started saying yes to other stuff, like helping with email newsletters and even basic SEO fixes. That move saved me when two design clients backed out at the same time. I ended up with more steady income by not putting all my eggs in one basket. Now I tell people starting out to keep their skills broad. It might not be the popular choice, but it's what got me through a rough patch. Trusting my ability to pivot has made freelance life less stressful for me.

3 comments

3 Comments

alice_wright361mo ago

It's funny how life keeps showing us that putting all our eggs in one basket is risky. Like my friend who only trained for marathon running, then got injured and had no other way to stay fit. Or how some folks only watch one genre of movies and miss out on so many good stories. This idea of having a backup plan applies everywhere, not just freelancing. Maybe it's just me, but learning a bit of everything has saved my skin more than once. Your post really hits home because being able to switch gears when needed is a super useful skill.

piper_moore1mo ago

Back in college, I only took classes in one specific field for three semesters straight! When I had to take a required course outside my comfort zone, I struggled big time. It was a funny lesson in why you shouldn't put all your eggs in one basket. Now I always try to learn a little about a lot, just to stay flexible.

laura_hill1mo ago

Seriously, this hits close to home. I got way into gardening last year and only planted tomatoes, like dozens of them. When they all ripened at once, I had so many tomatoes I didn't know what to do... I made sauce, salad, even tried tomato jam, but it was overwhelming. Now I mix in some herbs and veggies so I'm not drowning in one crop. It's a silly example, but it taught me to spread my interests out. Having that backup plan, even in the garden, makes life easier.