From job security to career freedom: how freelancing can protect your future - with Dorothy Illson of The Gig

Questions? Comments? Episode suggestions? Send us a text message!#155 - Dorothy Illson (Hollabaugh at the time of recording) is the co-founder and CEO of The Gig, a digital media company that helps freelancers acquire and profit from high-income online skills.  She explains why freelancing is less risky than being an employee, how being a freelancer can make you recession-proof, and why freelancing is the best route to uncapped income.What you'll learn[1:43] How Dorothy learned about the business world.[3:16] Why Dorothy became a freelancer and started her own agency.[4:48] How people responded to Dorothy leaving a prestigious career path.[7:06] What ‘freelancing’ means.[8:42] The advantages of being a freelancer instead of an employee.[10:29] The disadvantages of being a freelancer.[11:45] The increased control freelancers have.[13:45] How being a freelancer can make you recession-proof.[16:55] How freelancers can pivot into different niches.[20:40] The best high-income jobs for freelancers.[24:30] How to build freelancing skills.[27:48] How to find your first freelance clients.[29:35] How new freelancers can compete against a global labour pool.[31:48] How to compete against experienced freelancers.[33:18] How long it takes to transition from employee to freelancer.[35:39] The overarching skills all freelancers need.[37:14] How to build the sales skills that are necessary as a freelancer.[39:24] How to know how much to charge as a freelancer.Resources mentioned in this episode (some of these are affiliate links and we may get a commission in the event that you make a purchase - this helps us to cover our expenses and is at no additional cost to you):UpworkCopyHourThe Copy-Writing Girls Club (Facebook)How to Win Clients on Upwork in 5 Simple StepsThe Chris Harder ShowChange Work Life CoachingFor the show notes for this episode, including a full transcript and links to all the resources mentioned, visit:https://changeworklife.com/from-job-security-to-career-freedom-how-freelancing-can-protect-your-future/Re-assessing your career?  Know you need a change but don't really know where to start?  Check out these two exercises to start the journey of working out what career is right for you!Take me to the exercises!Also, make sure to join the Change Work Life Facebook group and check out the ways you can support the podcast on the Change Work Life Support page.Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.