Do you have any memories from when you were 2 years old?
I only remember a couple of things: moving house, and getting bitten by a dog.
We forget so much of our early years. Maybe because if we remembered every screaming tantrum and bedwetting incident, we’d be too horrified and embarrassed to survive adulthood . ๐
Your freelance blogging career will have its awkward toddler phase, too. It might start 2 years after you launch your business, or it could happen after as little as 6 months.
Here’s how to recognise it:
- You know more than you’re able to do
- You often feel frustrated by how slowly you’re progressing
- You wonder why you can’t stay focused on your work
- You envy bloggers who seem confident and effortlessly successful
- You can’t picture what your career will be like 5 years or 10 years from now
- You’re sure there must be a secret nobody’s told you about how freelance blogging works
Sound familiar? Congrats — you’re a toddler!
And you’re not the only one. This blog is 2 years old today.
Are we still in the awkward toddler phase here at Be a Freelance Blogger? Yep.
There’s a ton of cool stuff I’ve learned but haven’t actually done yet. I’ve got Lauren to help keep me focused and organised, but I still get frustrated when I have to wait until I’ve completed my client work before I get started on BAFB projects. I can picture my freelance career 5 or 10 years from now, but I have no idea what this blog will be like in a year’s time.
And I think I’ve got the big freelance blogging secrets pretty much cracked today, but the online universe changes so fast, there’ll always be new things to learn.
Surviving the toddler phase
I get it. You’re watching yourself toddle when you feel like you should be able to run.
“Frustration” isn’t a strong enough word. This is torment. No wonder toddlers have tantrums, if this is how they feel every day.
But the solution is simple: just keep going. Start applying more of that stuff you’ve learned. Keep learning new stuff, too. Develop your understanding of your freelance business and of your own abilities.
All toddlers grow up, sooner or later. This phase will pass, and you’ll move into the much less frustrating (but still occasionally awkward) childhood and young adulthood of your career.
Slowly, you’ll forget what it was like to agonise over negotiation etiquette or worry about late payments. You’ll find your sweet spot in the market and learn how to work it.
Instead of fretting because you don’t have enough clients, you’ll start passing projects on to other writers because you’re booked up to the eyeballs. And then you’ll realise you’ve become one of those confident, successful bloggers you used to envy.
I’m looking forward to watching that happen.
The BAFB scholarship prize
To celebrate Be a Freelance Blogger’s birthday, I’m giving one BAFB reader a scholarship: free entry into both my freelance blogger training courses, even though they’re closed to new students at the moment.
Last weekend I invited everyone to apply for the scholarship prize by sending us a short post or personal essay about their reasons for becoming a freelance blogger, how it’s going so far, and what advice they can share to help other bloggers succeed.
There were a lot of compelling entries, but we eventually decided to award the scholarship to Liz LaBrocca.
Liz will spend 28 days in the Get Started for Freelance Blogging Success program, followed by 8 weeks in The Freelance Blogger’s Client Hunting Masterclass. And I hope when she’s completed her training she’ll come back to tell us how it all went!
Read her winning essay here:
Why and How to Be a Freelance Blogger
By Liz LaBrocca
I have always wanted to be a writer. I spent my youth writing stories, essays, and poetry. But when it came time to go to college and figure things out, writing as a career was put on the back burner. I was told I needed to be realistic and get a โreal jobโ. To devote my energy to writing wasnโt a practical pursuit.
I did the โrightโ thing for a while and I took โrealโ jobs. I spent a lot time trying to make myself fit in a space that wasnโt meant for me.
When I realized I could have the life I wanted if I was willing to work for it, I began to make the switch. I have become a freelance blogger because it means getting the opportunity to have the life I have always dreamed about: a life that revolves around creativity, growth, and exploration.
I am at the very beginning of my career with one recurring client under my belt. I still have a day job and Iโm working hard to increase my client list and save enough money to make the transition to full-time freelancing.
It has been a challenge, but with every small win I gain more confidence and inspiration. Itโs a feeling I have not felt in any other job Iโve held.
The most important advice I can share with other freelance bloggers is to never give up. Rejection is just part of this job and itโs not personal. Rejections will happen more frequently than accepted pitches and learning to roll with the punches has made me a better writer and a stronger person.
Keep sending those pitches, keep following up, and no matter what, keep writing.
Liz LaBrocca is a freelance writer and blogger armed with a passion for food, a background in sustainable agriculture and political science, and a digital camera. Her culinary style walks the line between hedonism and nutrition. In addition to recipes, she pens narrative essays, blog posts, and edits the food and DIY lifestyle section of Literally, Darling. When she’s not cooking she can be found squeezing more plants into her community garden, knitting like crazy, or traveling.
Krithika Rangarajan says
Hey Sophie
My mom will tell you that I am still an immature toddler ๐
Anyway, I am experiencing every emotion that you have listed in this post. So thank you for yet another timely reminder to trust my passion against all odds.
Congratulations Liz! #HUGS
Kitto
Krithika Rangarajan says
Oh – and congratulations on hitting the two year mark! You ARE my favorite freelancer. Period #HUGS
Kitto
Sophie Lizard says
Thanks, Kitto! ๐
Valerie says
Happy 2nd Birthday to Be a Freelance Blogger and congrats Sophie on all the wonderful work you have done here so far. You and Lauren are amazing and I can’t wait to see what this next year has in store for the both of you.
I am almost there at the awkward toddler phase with Freelance Writers Academy and the Kingdom of Paidalot (only 5 more months til FWA turns 2 and 8 more for KOP). I will be watching the Baroness of Blogging here at Be a Freelance Blogger and taking notes!
Much love,
Valerie Bordeau
Sophie Lizard says
Yay for our 2nd blogiversaries!
I hope you’ll write us a guest post to celebrate when yours comes around, Val. ๐
Leslie Jordan Clary says
Happy 2nd Birthday! Your mentoring when I was just re-launching into the freelance world was outstanding and really helped me focus. I love Be a Freelance Blogger. I thought you’d been around much longer than two years.
Sophie Lizard says
Thanks, Leslie! Yeah, people always think this blog’s been around a lot longer than it has. But just a couple of years ago, there was nothing here but a landing page. ๐
Jake Mcspirit says
Hey Sophie,
Great post as always. I constantly feel like I’m getting past the toddler stage, then fall right back into it. Part of the learning curve, I guess. ๐
Congratulations on the 2 year mark, many more to come I hope. Always invaluable insight and resources whenever I visit.
Thanks,
Jake.
Sophie Lizard says
Cheers, Jake. ๐
Lindsay Pevny says
Oh, my goodness, Sophie, yes.
“Toddling toddler” really does describe how I’m feeling about my freelancing right now, but in a good way.
This has been an amazing week for me – I got on the phone with clients for the first time, well, actually three times this week, and it wasn’t nearly as hard as I thought it would be. I thought I had this little girl voice that nobody would take seriously, but I wasn’t giving myself enough credit. I’m so proud of myself. It’s a major milestone for me.
I haven’t been progressing as quickly as I “should” be, but in the last six months, I moved out from my parents’ for the first time, got a puppy of my own, I’m always cooking now – I’m getting the hang of all of those things, and I’m pleased with my progress.
In the meantime, following your blog, and LittleZots, and other freelance writers’ blogs, I’ve noticed that where I want to be in the next year or two is absolutely attainable. The more I’ve gotten to know those of you who are successful through your blogs, the more I’ve realized you’re not so different from me, and it’s helped so, so much.
Happy 2 years! Here’s to lots more!
Sophie Lizard says
^^Yep, this. Especially the part about it being attainable. None of us knew what the fuck we were doing in the early days, but you can always figure it out as you go along. ๐
Lori Parr says
Thanks for this opportunity. Happy birthday to BARB, mature beyond its mere two years. And toddling just about describes it. Thanks Sophie. Best regards in 2015.
Sophie Lizard says
Thanks, Lori! ๐
Jennifer Mattern says
Congrats on hitting 2 years! ๐
Sophie Lizard says
Thank you, Jenn!
Chere\ says
Congrats, Liz, on winning the BAFB scholarship! TO BAFB’s 2nd Birthday and growing up slowly!
Sophie Lizard says
๐
Aisha Sulaiman says
Congratulation on BAFB 2nd year!
It feels like its been more than 2 years, BAFB is like every freelance bloggers’ big sis. As I experience the toddler moments this community keeps showing me that I can do it and to forge ahead, learn from my mistakes and make the future better.
Its been a wonderful experience.
Sophie Lizard says
Good to have you here, Aisha!
Anita ndwai says
Happy 2nd birthday.
I am a immature toddler too in freelance blogging passing through all those torment and frustration and feeling like giving but due to your encouragement i become strong.i will not give up and i know i will make it.
God you people
Sophie Lizard says
And bless you too. ๐
Ivana Ivanovic says
Happy Birthday, Sophie!
How have you helped me? Let’s see…You were one of the first people I found in this space, and remain one of the few I keep subscribed to. I enjoy your encouragement and quirky but professional voice.
I truly appreciate that you have a pitchfest that gives beginner bloggers not only a hope of some freelance income, but, more importantly, an opportunity to get real time feedback, and see what other folks are pitching.
I love this post. The comparison is very apt!
And, I love your scholarship winner -her excellent bio will make me subscribe to her blog.
All the best,
Ivana
http://blossomlater.com/
Sophie Lizard says
Thank you, Ivana! ๐
Alex says
Well, if BAFB is a toddler then I must be still in the baby stage!
Still in my first year of freelancing.
That must be why I feel like I keep trying to stand up, get scared my baby legs won’t be able to hold me, fall back on my bum and roll over the floor to grab my teddy bear for comfort. (I’m not sure what the teddy bear represents in this metaphor)
Yep, I look forward to the day when I’m a toddler I’ll be able to walk across the freelance-blogging-room all by myself. ๐
I’m very glad I have found BAFB for advice on how to get there.
Sophie Lizard says
๐ Consider this blog your walking buddy, Alex. We’ll support you while you get the hang of it!
Daryl George says
Congrats on the Blogiversary (I think we just created a new term here)
You and Lauren have been doing fantastic work – so while the blog may not have been growing to the exact plan, neither does ANYTHING, but you’ve made lots of progress and had great success!
I like Liz’s story – simple and to the point. Perhaps I should take a few pointers and drop all the flowery language I can’t keep out of my responses…
Sophie Lizard says
Thanks, Daryl. You’ve been here with us all the way. ๐
Williesha says
Yup – I’m totally a toddler. Mine will be 3 this year. I can’t believe it’s been 2 years. So thankful to have met you just. efore BAFB was born and watch it grow. Here’s to a successful 2015!
Sophie Lizard says
I second that. ๐
Alicia Rades says
I definitely remember the toddler phase. Some days I still feel like I’m in it, but I’ve made so much progress over the lat year (starting with your masterclass). Happy birthday BAFB, and congrats to Liz!
Sophie Lizard says
Enjoy career childhood, Alicia — lots of fun and exploring to do now you’re up and running!
Lori Hil says
Happy two years! And this is so true, I feel like I am in that very awkward freelancing stage, but I know it will pass. Working on developing my skills more and more all the time! Thank you for the encouraging post!
Sophie Lizard says
So true. And you’re welcome, Lori!
Liz says
Thank you, BAFB and thank you, everyone! I’m loving the course so far and can’t wait to get further in and really sink my teeth into some writing and goal setting. I’m definitely in the learning to crawl stage but can feel those toddler feelings when editors take three months to return emails or even open them in the first place.
And happy two year birthday, BAFB, I’m so glad I found this resource!
Sophie Lizard says
Congratulations again, Liz — don’t forget to come find us in the BAFB Community forum any time if you want answers, support or random chitchat!
Michele says
Happy 2nd birthday! I have been following you for a few months now and have learned quite a bit. Thanks so much!
Sophie Lizard says
You’re welcome, Michele, and thanks for being here to celebrate with us!
Stacey says
Happy second birthday BAFB!
I’m an awkward toddler on my website too. Have been for a few months now. Have been blogging for twelve months now (seriously for maybe eight) and feel exactly like this. Thank you for finding the way to verbalise this feeling – being a toddler is totally perfect!
Looking forward to more reads. ๐
Gina Horkey says
Great post Sophie! You sum up what a lot of us are dealing with nicely. Won’t forget the “awkward toddler” example anytime soon!
Congrats Liz! I’m only a little jealous;-)
Chana R says
I totally feel like a toddler. Or maybe like a screaming baby, not sure which.
Liz, that is exactly what happened to me! I spent my teenage years writing essays and poetry, and then when I went to college, I put writing on the back burner, “because it’s almost impossible to make a living off of it”. Hopefully, I will prove that wrong.
Although, I do like my job as a teacher. I just can’t teach AND avoid sending my kids to daycare at the same time – but I sure can write and avoid sending to daycare!
This site has only been up two and a half years? Wow, I was sure this was an old post and you’d been up way longer!