Freelancing : an emotional ride!

Oh, yes, yes! An exhilarating emotional ride!

You may have wondered how to become an independent contractor. Well, let me tell you, it's not for the faint of heart. It's an emotional rollercoaster full of challenges, doubts, but also rewarding moments.

First and foremost, you need to ask yourself what path you want to take. In a dynamic market where one out of every two people offers services online, positioning yourself becomes a daunting task. It's not enough to have an idea, you also need to understand the dynamics of the market, supply and demand, to ensure the viability of your concept (thank you, dear marketing professor!).

Having spent 12 years in the sky as a flight attendant, I became aware of the sad reality that we French are often perceived as lacking in foreign language skills. This shortcoming, perceived outside France as an obstacle and a resistance to growth, adaptation and openness to the world, has far-reaching consequences in all fields and at all levels. As a result, I invested countless hours in studying, perfecting, reflecting and questioning. Nevertheless, I was up for the challenge (palpitations, suspense and drum roll!).

Naturally, the idea came to me: bring together all my knowledge, expertise, and keen observation skills. After all, there aren't many people who are skilled in multiple languages (French, English, German, Spanish, Portuguese, and Dutch) and have both a Tourism BTS degree and a Bachelor's in German Language, Literature, and Civilization. I also have a range of other abilities like professionalism, teamwork, and customer service.

Next, you need to develop your project, set up services, create a website, and make yourself known. I started building my portfolio by translating for different companies, which made me feel a mix of doubt and excitement: Is this the right choice? Did I forget something? What if...?

However, the excitement of getting paying clients and gradually building your business and future brings a great sense of accomplishment. Although it may seem intimidating, with determination and perseverance, you can also succeed.

These days, I rarely dwell on the past (learning from it to shape the present and change the future). I take pride in my achievements and eagerly look forward to what's ahead.

So, if you have strong skills and are ready to take on this venture, I wholeheartedly encourage you to explore the fascinating world of self-employment. It can be a roller coaster of emotions, but it's also an incredibly rewarding adventure.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact me through www.linkedin.com/in/vivien-dirat or on my website at https://www.viviendirat.com.