The $10-Million Moment That Made Me Reflect on My Hustle

Throughout March, I saw articles, shoutouts, YouTube videos, and social media posts honouring women in different industries and scenarios worldwide. They were applauded for their bravery, kindness, innovation, dedication, selfless sacrifice, and achievements.

Photo: Pixabay

The Story That Stopped My Scrolling

When the month was almost over, I saw an Instagram post about an American woman, Tonda Dickerson, while I was on a five-minute break at work. Tonda was a $10-million lottery winner who went through hell to keep her earnings. In a nutshell, her colleagues, IRS, ex-husband, the customer who gave her the winning ticket, friends, and family emerged from the shadows like an erupted fire ant hill. The drama that ensued stung like fire ant bites. Tonda was even forced to shoot her ex-husband after he kidnapped her. No, he didn’t die. You can read her full story here.

Her story instigated a trip down memory lane, and I reflected on some of the struggles I have faced in my personal and professional life in recent years and started typing. I could write a book of short stories about my experiences as a freelancer. Correction, I should write a book about it. Not just me, but also about other women who work online as independent contractors, virtual assistants, freelancers, or personal assistants while playing multiple roles in their businesses.

Behind the Scenes of Freelancing

We are a one-man show working as social media managers, marketers, accountants, therapists, business strategists, product developers, website designers, and office coordinators. I’m sure there are more things that I missed. You’ll notice that I said 'therapist.' It is not an error. Sometimes, we have to deal with very difficult individuals along the way, and after maintaining our composure to remain professional, we need to do an activity that relaxes our minds before we move on to our lives outside the boxing ring.

Our wind-down time has many looks:

• Walking

• Jogging

• Reading

• Gaming

• YouTube videos

• Yoga

• Social media

• Gardening

• Cooking

• Baking

• Dancing

Losing Clients, Finding Strength

Just like Tonda and her $10 million, the journey isn’t easy. Sometimes, we struggle to find new clients. There are times when long-term clients have to pause or cancel their contracts. Sometimes, we have to decide to step away from clients if it’s not a good match, or just to keep our sanity. Yet, we continue to fight, push, work hard, pursue our goals, look after our families, learn new skills, and keep our businesses open.

I remember last year, when I lost three of my clients during a two-month period. One closed their business, one had to focus on a personal struggle, and the third individual paused to rebrand. One of them now works with me on an as-needed basis. This experience made me crave the comfort of earning while I sleep, and I researched ways to make passive income. I found some interesting ideas, so I have something in the works.

Keep Going

To every female freelancer running her business solo, keep your head up. You’re building a history and leading the way for future generations.

If you’ve ever felt invisible behind your laptop screen, know that you’re not alone. Let’s encourage each other through our stories. Share snippets of your journey: your wins, lessons, and strengths. Leave them in the comments or send them to my email with the subject line: Name - My Freelancer Story.

---

This blog serves as a mini outlet for my ramblings about my experiences as a 9-to-5er by day and hustler by night. I share my thoughts with the hope that others will feel encouraged and find fulfilling side hustle snacks here and there. I don’t claim to know it all because I’m not perfect, so please share your feedback.

Do you have questions or a topic that you want me to write about? Or do you just want to vent? Send me an email!

Buy me a coffee

If my content made you smile, helped you out, or simply added a little sparkle to your day, consider showing a little love back with a coffee or a sweet treat! 🍩💕

Your support means the world, and helps keep the creativity flowing (and the snacks coming)!