Clients often react poorly to the word “no”, so I make it a point to avoid using it. This doesn’t mean I always agree; rather, I frame my responses differently. If a client proposes an idea that seems unreasonable, I might say, “Sure, but here’s what it will cost in terms of time, resources, and money.” Often, they haven’t fully considered the implications themselves and are looking to you for guidance. By steering them toward a more viable solution, you not only help them think critically but also build a reputation as someone who offers constructive feedback rather than just shutting them down.
Being a source of positivity can pay off significantly. Admittedly, it can be challenging, especially when projects go awry or when working with difficult individuals in a toxic environment. In such moments, maintaining your composure and staying positive can make a world of difference.
It’s also wise to distance yourself from negative people. They tend to view everything through a pessimistic lens, and their attitude can be contagious. If possible, avoid these individuals; you’ll be glad you did.
Occasionally, you may encounter opportunities that lie outside your comfort zone but sound intriguing. In these cases, I advocate for saying yes while also mitigating any risks. Be transparent about your skills and experience, and clearly outline any potential challenges. Once everything is documented, agreed upon, and approved, these projects can become both rewarding and profitable. Don’t hesitate to embrace new experiences, but always manage the associated risks.
Cultivating a consistently positive attitude takes practice, but the rewards are worth it. If you find yourself in a situation or workplace that you don’t enjoy, prioritize your mental well-being. Seek a way to exit the contract gracefully, ensuring you leave on good terms.
Category: career
Thoughts on finding work
Understanding the recruitment process is crucial. Personally, I prefer to avoid the job sites if I can. In my experience, when a job is listed on these platforms, it often means the recruiter has been unable to find suitable candidates in their internal database. As a result, the position is advertised online, attracting a large pool of applicants.
The key is to discover potential opportunities before they hit the market. You can achieve this by leveraging your network or by identifying a select few recruitment agents who specialise in your sector. Maintaining regular communication with these agents is vital. Reach out to them weekly to remind them of your availability.
The goal is for your name to be the first one that comes to mind when their clients express a need for someone with your skill set.
It pays to be flexible
In the world of freelance work, everything is negotiable. It’s surprising to see fellow freelancers who limit themselves to seeking only 9-to-5 roles for fixed durations of 3, 6, 9 months, or even a year. They often dismiss opportunities for short-term consulting, part-time engagements, or simultaneous projects with multiple clients. This rigidity can lead to missed opportunities.
One client once mentioned he couldn’t afford me because he didn’t have enough work to keep me occupied full-time for three months. I asked why he felt that was necessary. He explained that all the contractors he had previously worked with insisted on full-time commitments of that length.
I prefer to remain flexible, and this approach has opened many doors for me, leading to diverse and interesting opportunities. By flexibility, I mean:
Availability: I’m open to a variety of engagement lengths—whether it’s a few hours of consulting, a day here or there, a week, a month, or longer contracts of 3, 6, 9, or even 12 months. I’m also willing to be available on short notice, including weekends and evenings when needed.
Payment Model: I’m comfortable with different payment structures, whether it’s hourly, daily, or on a project basis, often with milestone payments leading to a final payment upon completion.
Services Offered: I provide a broad range of services, adjusting my fees based on what the client needs, deadlines, and the length of the contract.
It’s crucial not to take offence or get upset when negotiating. Some clients might try to negotiate hard, suggesting they don’t pay much for your level of service. In those situations, it’s best to thank them for their time and move on. If they can’t afford your rate, there are plenty of other clients out there that can.
Another important tip is to prepare for the unexpected. As the saying goes, plans often become obsolete the moment they’re created. Priorities shift, budgets fluctuate, and clients change their minds. Contracts might end sooner than expected, or you may find yourself taking on additional work.
Staying adaptable is key to thriving in freelance work. Embrace flexibility, and you’ll find many rewarding opportunities.
Don’t just work for money
Early on in my career I found myself at a large corporation where, after a project ended, they were reluctant to let me go. To keep me on they loaned me to another team, with my original team covering my invoices. The catch was that the new team didn’t have much work for me, so they assigned me the task of developing a Test Strategy document for an upcoming project.
By the end of the first week I had a draft ready for the project manager’s review. He suggested some revisions, and we agreed to meet again the following week for further discussion. Making those changes took only an hour, but this pattern continued for months. The new team had little for me to do, opting to leave me to my own devices while checking in weekly to review that one document.
It became increasingly absurd, especially when the project manager began critiquing the font choices and justification in the document. This “work” stretched on for six long months. I stayed primarily because I was awaiting an upcoming project with my original team, which promised to be much more engaging—and, of course, for the paycheck.
Those six months taught me a valuable lesson: I never wanted to work solely for money again. It was painfully boring, and life is too short to spend it counting down the hours at a job that doesn’t inspire you.
Realising that the company had no intention of releasing me, I began taking walks around the campus instead of sitting idle at my desk. I explored the on-site cafe, library, and communal areas, meeting and chatting with others while adhering to security protocols. This experience highlighted the importance of networking.
Now, when I wake for work and suddenly realise it’s the weekend, if my first thought is one of disappointment because I can’t work that day, I know I’ve found a job I enjoy. That’s the criteria I apply to every new contract I consider: it should be fun and interesting. Working with great people is a bonus.
Reflecting back to my school and university days, I fondly remember being part of the Amiga demo scene. I loved when my parents occasionally would leave for the weekend, allowing my friends and me to set up our computers in the living room. Over those weekends, we coded, created graphics, composed music, and assembled software to release. It was a blast—we enjoyed beer, pizza, and anime while working late into the night! For us, it never felt like work; it was pure fun. That’s what I seek in every job opportunity: a project that excites and entertains me.
Don’t just work for money.