Jovayer: Would you please introduce yourself to our audience?
Marilin: Hello, I am Marilin Ahmed, an HR professional with 17 years of experience. I have worked with leading multinational companies and joint ventures. In 2012, I transitioned to freelancing to explore the digital nomad lifestyle and expand my career horizons.
Jovayer: What was your first freelancing project, and how did you land it?
Marilin: That’s an interesting story! It took me six months of persistence, during which I meticulously adjusted my profile and strategy, before landing my first project. It was a simple data entry job with a low budget, and though the work was mundane, I completed it with full dedication.
The client gave me a five-star review with a comment that said, “Excellent job done. Thanks for your contributions.” That review filled me with happiness and a sense of accomplishment. Although the pay was minimal, I loved the process—it allowed me to work from anywhere, whether home or beyond.
Jovayer: What type of work do you primarily do on Upwork?
Marilin: I started with data entry, but that was my first and last project in that area. Since then, I have focused on content writing, translation, and HR-related tasks. I am also an educator and coach, which adds diversity to my freelancing career.
Jovayer: Do you work on other freelancing platforms? Which platform do you think is the best and why?
Marilin: No, I started with oDesk, which later became Upwork, and I’ve stayed loyal to the platform ever since.
That being said, each platform has its unique advantages and disadvantages. Upwork is versatile and caters to a wide range of professionals, while Fiverr is more popular among creative fields. Other specialized platforms cater to developers, tech enthusiasts, and gamers. The best platform ultimately depends on your niche and career goals.
Jovayer: What challenges did you face early in your freelancing career, especially on Upwork, and how did you overcome them?
Marilin: The biggest challenge was landing my first contract. Back in 2012, the freelancing landscape was still evolving, and resources or structured guidance were scarce. I had to rely entirely on self-research and trial-and-error, which meant experimenting with my profile, proposals, and strategies. It was a time of persistence, patience, and constant learning to understand what clients were looking for and how to stand out in a competitive marketplace.
Jovayer: Can you share some key milestones in your freelancing career that contributed to your success?
Marilin: Certainly! I’ve had the opportunity to work with giant startups and European tech companies, which exposed me to new services and enhanced my understanding of global work ethics.
I’ve also conducted interviews with professionals from esteemed companies like Boston Consulting Group, Facebook, PayPal, and Instagram. These experiences have broadened my perspective and allowed me to build a strong global network.
Jovayer: How do you manage your time effectively to handle multiple projects?
Marilin: Managing multiple projects is undoubtedly tough and stressful. It requires either a supportive environment or the ability to create one for yourself. I prefer working with European and East Asian clients due to their closer time zones, and I adopt flexible schedules whenever needed.
Currently, I’m also trying to establish a startup venture with friends, and though I’m unsure how I manage everything, my dedication and commitment keep me going. Success doesn’t come easy—there’s no shortcut or magic formula.
Jovayer: Do you have a specific routine or schedule that you follow to stay productive?
Marilin: I wish I could focus more on my health, but I do try to maintain a productive routine. I read self-improvement books and articles, practice positivity, and keep an open mind to tackle challenges effectively. I also take breaks to spend time with family, friends, or engage in social work, which helps me stay balanced.
Jovayer: How do you balance work and personal life as a freelancer?
Marilin: It’s all about creating a supportive environment and managing it effectively. However, this can be especially challenging for women in our society. While men often receive societal approval for working hard, women are expected to balance professional and family responsibilities without additional support.
I’ve found that demonstrating the tangible outcomes of my hard work helps me gain acceptance, but the journey isn’t without its struggles.
Jovayer: What strategies do you use to consistently attract new clients and projects?
Marilin: I usually prefer long-term projects but occasionally take on side gigs. When I’m ready for new opportunities, I update my profile, start applying for contracts in advance, and invest in a Freelancer Plus profile or extra connects on Upwork. These small investments often make a big difference in securing quality projects.
Jovayer: Can you share any tips for creating a standout freelancer profile on platforms like Upwork or Fiverr?
Marilin: Sure! Study 10 top profiles in your niche and learn how they’ve structured their overviews. Write an honest summary of your skills and experiences, and include an introductory video for a more personalized touch.
Make sure to upload a bold, professional profile picture and attach a well-organized portfolio that showcases your best work. Include relevant job descriptions and accomplishments from outside the platform to strengthen your profile further.
Jovayer: How do you establish and maintain good relationships with your clients?
Marilin: Building strong relationships requires effort, commitment, and dedication. I always strive to go the extra mile, stay punctual, maintain open communication, and understand cultural differences. I also stay connected with my clients on LinkedIn while maintaining professionalism and friendly boundaries.
Jovayer: How do you handle pricing and negotiations with clients? What advice do you have for new freelancers?
Marilin: Pricing depends on individual experience and market rates. For beginners, I recommend offering competitive rates initially to build credibility and experience. Gradually, you can adjust your rates based on your expertise and the demand for your skills.
Jovayer: What are your future goals as a freelancer, and how do you plan to achieve them?
Marilin: My primary goal is to inspire more highly educated individuals to explore freelancing. To achieve this, I aim to share my knowledge and experiences through mentorship and coaching.
Jovayer: Is there anything else you’d like to share with aspiring freelancers?
Marilin: My advice is simple—learn by doing. Mentorship can guide you, but unless you take risks and immerse yourself in the process, you won’t truly learn. Dive in, take risks, and give it your all. That’s how you’ll grow and succeed.
