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3 Ways Freelance Writing Changed My Life (a Guest Post by Susan K.)

Today’s post is from Susan Kinchen. I was lucky enough to meet Susan after she responded to a research job ad that I had posted on Elance. She’s been a great friend ever since. I’ve learned just as much from her, as she’s learned from me and our relationship has made this wide open world of the internet feel a whole lot smaller. Take it away Susan!

Can something as simple as changing careers affect your whole world? Yes, it can. In fact, the right profession:

  •       Makes working fun
  •       Boosts your self-esteem
  •       Challenges you to strive harder

Freelance writing does this and much more for me. The above assures me that I am on the right path, even though I “fell into” it by accident.

One day, playing around on Elance, I pitched for a job for a research project. This job was for Gina Horkey, the person behind the amazing email course, 30 Days or Less To Freelance Writing Success and this blog. Instead of a way to pay off a few bills, it led to a new vocation.

To my surprise, this one easy job changed everything. My life has improved in many interesting ways, including my relationships with family and friends. This “job” gives me so much than a paycheck. In fact, it’s unleashed three powerful life changes.

1. Finding Myself Along with a Niche

Settling on one niche was almost impossible. My interests are abundant. Therefore, it took some time to settle into one niche. However, I discovered a bit about myself along the way and learned a great deal about many topics. In addition, a new passion presented itself in helping others.

Eventually, I was able to not only find a great niche, but become a better individual as well. This has increased my self-confidence.

This assurance has spread over all areas in life. I now do things that seemed impossible before. I became more social by taking up crafts, starting yoga, and finding amazing games to play with Anna, my granddaughter. These are just a few of the wonderful things I have gotten from this journey.

2. Loving Life and Work

The other day my daughter, Brittany, said, “Mom, you are a workaholic.” This came as a complete shock. Work used to be something that was necessary. I was never happy in any job before.

The drive and excitement that is present in my work now is remarkable. It is easier to manage a job when you love what you do.

Work and life are adventures now, however Brittany may be correct! Work is what I truly enjoy doing now. In fact, today is supposed to be a day to unwind without the girls and writing this post is preferable to watching TV.

3. Looking Toward the Future

Looking into the future, the possibilities with my web-based career are unlimited. This is another new concept for me.

This time last year, a thriving online career seemed impossible. Motherhood was my first calling. With my daughter grown, I felt like I had no other purpose in life besides a bunch of random dead end jobs.

Looking back, it’s sad how defeated I felt. Choosing to be a freelance writer was the best decision I’ve ever made!

It is not perfect and there is still much more to do. But, I find myself more motivated by the challenge and look forward to the chance to work towards my goals.

In Conclusion

I never expected when I first started talking to Gina through email that she would have such an impact on my future. That is precisely what happened, though. Today, I get paid for what I consider fun and have discovered some fantastic life skills that are useful in every arena of my life.

My friends and family say that I have changed. Overall, they seem to be thrilled with this change. I wake up with a smile on my face and settle into bed every night (occasionally extremely tired), satisfied with the day’s work.

The right career not just altered my whole world, but changed me for the better. I simply wanted to earn a few extra bucks, but I’m so glad that there was more involved.

How do you know when you’ve found the right job?

SusanK.Susan Kinchen is a freelance writer with a passion personal development and helping others. She is a hands-on mother and grandmother, a student of life and a self-improvement author.

Her book, Love the Person You See in the Mirror: Here’s How To Improve Self Esteem! is on sale on Amazon.

Gina Horkey

Gina Horkey

FOUNDER & CO-OWNER

Gina Horkey is a married, millennial mama from Minnesota. Additionally, she’s the founder of Horkey HandBook and loves helping others find or become a kickass virtual assistant. Gina’s background includes making a living as a professional writer, an online business marketing consultant and a decade of experience in the financial services industry.

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