I couldn’t wait to start my first job. Ever since high school, I craved independence, and having a steady income felt like the key to achieving it. I finished college on time, and just a week later, I landed my first job. Dream come true, right? At first, it felt like it. I was hired by a major media company in Croatia, ready for my journalism career to take off. But a year later, it all came crashing down – not because I wasn’t good at my job, but because I became disillusioned with a profession I once deeply admired.
I had envisioned working alongside passionate journalists, but instead, I found a newsroom filled with bitterness. Complaints about low salaries, exhausting shifts, and the state of the industry were common. Writing an attention-grabbing headline became more important than the content itself. I longed for guidance and support, but enthusiasm from young journalists like myself often went unnoticed. Though I formed lasting friendships with a few incredible colleagues, most of us eventually sought opportunities elsewhere.
Finding a New Path
After leaving journalism, I felt lost but determined to find a new path. That’s when I discovered digital marketing – a field that combined my love for creativity with the analytical skills I had developed. Enrolling in a course to become a Digital Marketing Specialist, I quickly developed a passion for Google advertisements. I was fortunate to land a job at a small marketing firm, where two of my former journalism colleagues also worked. It seemed promising – until it wasn’t.
Our boss rarely valued our professional opinions, even on crucial matters. We believed we could change his mind, that reason and expertise would win him over. But time and again, we were ignored. Frustrated, I started looking for another job and soon joined a small web agency. My new boss was the complete opposite – open-minded, respectful, and willing to listen. I thrived there for a while, but eventually, the work stopped challenging me. That’s when the idea of starting my own business took root.
The Leap into Freelancing
My husband had been working from home since we met, and I always envied his freedom – the ability to work from anywhere, on his terms. Being my own boss, setting my own rules – it felt like a dream. But suddenly, it was no longer just a fantasy. It was a possibility. The decision to become a freelancer wasn’t easy. It meant leaving the security of a steady paycheck and stepping into the unknown. But the freedom to work on my own terms, to be my own boss, was too enticing to ignore.
With the help of a state incentive, I secured €10,000 to start my own firm. My boss at the web agency supported my decision, and we even agreed to continue collaborating. From there, my journey as a freelancer truly began. I dove into self-education, refining my skills and merging my love for writing with my marketing expertise. By 2021, I was fully independent.
But it hasn’t been easy. The COVID-19 pandemic hit freelancers hard. A year into my self-employment, I became pregnant, and in Croatia, that meant financial instability. As a self-employed mother, I received just €200 per month – an amount I was expected to be grateful for. But I didn’t start a family for financial reasons. I did it because I wanted to. And despite the struggles, I wouldn’t change a thing.
Why You Should Hire a Freelancer
Freelancing is not an easy path, but it is a rewarding one. As a freelancer, I’ve had the opportunity to work with clients from diverse industries, tailoring my approach to meet their unique needs. This flexibility and personal attention are what set freelancers apart from larger agencies. And if you’ve ever considered hiring a freelancer, here’s why you should:
- We Are Experts at What We Do
Freelancers must excel in their craft to survive. Unlike big agencies, we don’t have massive teams to fall back on. Our reputation is built on the quality of our work. We constantly hone our skills, staying competitive in an industry where agencies often dominate the biggest clients. Choosing a freelancer means choosing expertise and dedication.
- We Offer Cost-Effective Solutions
Hiring a freelancer is often more affordable than working with a large company. Without the overhead costs of office spaces, extensive teams, and agency fees, we can provide high-quality work at a lower price. We cover our own benefits, taxes, and expenses, making us a budget-friendly yet highly skilled option.
- We Are Fast and Flexible
Freelancers operate with agility. We respect deadlines because our livelihood depends on it. When we commit to a project, we see it through – often delivering results faster than expected. Unlike agencies bogged down by bureaucracy and internal processes, we adapt quickly and efficiently.
The Invisible Workforce
I could list countless more reasons why freelancers are a great choice, but ultimately, the decision is in the client’s hands. However, one thing many people don’t realise is that even large agencies frequently outsource work to freelancers. The frustrating part? We often can’t take credit for our contributions. Our work is repackaged under an agency’s name, leaving us unseen and unacknowledged. Yet, we continue because we need the income, caught in a cycle of invisibility and undervaluation.
The hardest part isn’t the workload – it’s the lack of appreciation. The feeling of being indispensable yet unrecognized. But what if we changed that? What if businesses and individuals started truly valuing the people behind the work?
So, next time you need a project done, ask yourself – who is really behind the work you admire? And more importantly, are they getting the recognition they deserve? Hiring a freelancer isn’t just about getting a service – it’s about supporting the individuals who make creativity, innovation, and quality possible. Because behind every great project, there’s often an unseen freelancer making it happen.
The future of work is shifting, and freelancers are leading the way. The question is, will you be part of that change?
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