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After 6 years in primary school, 6 years in secondary school, and 3 years in postsecondary school, you might be thinking you’ve had enough of studying. The long hours of reading, days of endless researching, and years of going to classes and taking exams are traumatic enough. Who would want to repeat that cycle after finally escaping into the professional world, right? Well, many who are after career satisfaction and personal growth are more than willing to put in the hours of learning and upskilling.
But what if you are a freelancer, especially one whose hustle doesn’t require a formal education? The answer is yes. At the end of the day, freelance work is still work and even a career, and continuous learning offers many benefits to it. You can avail of educational loans from reliable money lenders, as the upskilling will eventually pay for it.
Here are some compelling reasons that might convince you to put on your student hat again and roll up your sleeves for some serious learning:
1. You can unlock unprecedented opportunities
Actually, you do not need to return to the classroom or enroll in a course. Look for webinars. online exercises. and courses that can help you improve your skills in a field you are already highly skilled in already enjoy. If you love writing, find webinars and online courses that will make you better at a particular way of writing that can be used in marketing. If you’re a photographer, look for courses on how to take shots that will go viral. You will be amazed by how many free opportunities for learning are available on the internet.
2. You will be able to stand out
In a sea of freelancers, you have to be able to answer the question, “What makes you special?”. Reflect on what you can bring to the table. Use your hobbies and interests as clues. Pursue what makes you feel creative, adventurous, curious, excellent, and productive. Then If you are an artist and you are naturally drawn to plants and gardening, you might want to specialize in botanical drawings.
3. You will be confident in asking for premium rates
Once further learning has made you even better at your craft, you will have something to back up your higher rates. If you improve your skill level and develop new skills that businesses need, you will be able to offer high-quality services. Good clients are attracted to mastery and efficiency, and you will only be considered as such if you’ve become adept at what you are doing.
4. You will be able to adapt to a dynamic market
Competition in the job market, whether for employment or freelance work, will always be aggressive. Further studies will help you adapt to these sudden changes. By being up to date with information and knowledge needed in your field of choice, you can anticipate client needs and create service packages to address these needs. If you master your craft, you can offer assistance and proactively offer clients’ needs before they even identify them.
5. You will be able to expand your network
If you enroll in a class, whether it be an online or face-to-face class, you will meet new people and make new friends. You will have an opportunity to showcase your skills and talents. More importantly, you will be able to show your work ethic. If you participate in class and group activities, they will have firsthand experience of how you manage things and what you can do. If you made a good impression, you will be on their mind the next time they need someone for a project.
Conclusion
To thrive in a fast-paced and dynamic field and stand out from the rest of the competition, you have to work smart and not just hard. And sometimes, to be able to work smart means having further studies and consistent upskilling. Invest in yourself and build the capacity to make your clients satisfied and impressed. Cultivate a unique skill set and knowledge base, and pave the way for unparalleled opportunities if you embark on a path of greater growth.
