Chapter 1: The Freelancing Landscape

Entering the world of freelancing can feel daunting for newcomers. A simple online search for “how to start freelancing” yields countless articles promising quick wealth and easy success. However, the reality is often different. Many aspiring freelancers flock to platforms like Upwork and Fiverr, submitting numerous proposals, only to receive little to no feedback.

The lack of responses is understandable. As a beginner, you lack a portfolio and client testimonials to establish your credibility, making it tough to differentiate yourself among many others. In contrast, niche job boards present a less competitive environment, making it simpler to engage with potential employers.

I landed my first freelance writing contract through a job board called The Mom Project, which turned out to be a pivotal moment in my career. This platform could be just what you need to kickstart your freelance journey.

Section 1.1: Introducing The Mom Project

The Mom Project is a specialized online job board aimed at women, particularly those who have taken breaks from their careers. This resource can be incredibly beneficial for women transitioning back to work after time spent as a stay-at-home mom or due to health issues.

Every employer who advertises on this site is carefully vetted and is open to hiring candidates with gaps in their employment history. This level of specialization can create a win-win situation for both job seekers and employers.

The Mom Project serves as a digital talent marketplace that connects skilled women with reputable companies. As someone who experienced a two-year work hiatus due to chronic migraines, discovering this site felt like a fortunate accident.

Subsection 1.1.1: Who Benefits from The Mom Project?

The purpose of The Mom Project is evident from its name. It is designed for women at various stages of their careers looking to re-enter the workforce. They articulate their mission effectively:

“At The Mom Project, we’re dedicated to empowering women to remain engaged in the workforce at every stage of their journey, and we collaborate with employers committed to fostering a supportive workplace.”

Now that I understood the platform, it was time to seek employment.

Section 1.2: Navigating Opportunities on The Mom Project

For those interested in traditional employment, The Mom Project offers both full-time and part-time roles, including freelance opportunities within those categories. Personally, I sought positions requiring less than 20 hours a week to gradually reintegrate into the workforce while managing my migraines.

After a few days of searching, I found several openings for content writers, including a ghostwriting role for a CEO and a position with a gardening publication. I applied for both and was thrilled to be invited for interviews about a week apart.

I connected well with the gardening publication, knowing my extensive gardening experience would make me a great fit. The other opportunity felt less compatible, as both the client and I recognized.

Ultimately, I accepted the contract with All About Gardening and have been happily working with them since March 2022. The experience has been wonderful, and the client is fantastic. Additionally, unlike platforms like Upwork and Fiverr, The Mom Project deducts fees from the client instead of the freelancer.

Having gained experience in the freelance realm, I now realize how unique this arrangement is.

Chapter 2: Getting Started on The Mom Project

If you're a woman considering freelancing or exploring new work options, I highly recommend visiting The Mom Project. Begin by creating a profile on their website. You can upload your resume or manually enter your work history, allowing the platform to generate a resume for you. There are also sections for work goals, education, and personal statements.

There are excellent guides available to help you through this process, so don't worry.

Once your profile is complete, start searching for jobs that interest you! The Mom Project is well-established, offering a wide array of open positions in various fields. Whether your interests lie in writing, marketing, UX design, or administrative support, you'll find numerous opportunities. New listings are added daily, so make sure to check back regularly.

My advice is simple: apply, apply, apply! You’re bound to find that ideal role and embark on the next chapter of your career.

Final Thoughts

Embarking on a freelancing career is challenging and often comes with rejection, silence, and low pay—these are common experiences in the freelance world. However, the rewards can be substantial when you find clients and projects that resonate with your skills and interests. That's when the real magic occurs, fostering long-lasting professional relationships.

If you're seeking your first freelance client or looking for new opportunities, consider exploring job boards like The Mom Project. You may just discover a pleasant surprise, as I did.

Cheers!

If you found this article helpful, let’s connect! Follow me and subscribe to Merideth Cohrs on Medium to stay updated on my latest insights about freelancing, passive income, and writing.

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