Starting a freelance career can feel exciting, scary, and uncertain at the same time. We all remember our first project, our first client, and of course, our first freelance income. That very first payment is more than just money—it’s proof that freelancing works, that our skills have value, and that we can truly build a career online.
It was five years ago that I won my first freelance earnings of $75 on Freelancer. in. It’s not a lot of money, perhaps, but it was life-altering for me. The fact that 75 made me feel confident enough to continue freelancing, and now, looking back, I can realize that this victory was a significant milestone.
This blog will provide a comprehensive account of how I generated my first freelance earnings, the challenges associated with it, and what I learned. And if you are new to this, my story will hopefully encourage you to keep trying.
The Struggles of a Beginner Freelancer
I didn’t have the perfect setup when I became a freelancer. My laptop was not functioning, and I didn’t have any Wi-Fi network, so I was left with a mini Micromax 3G phone. Consider beginning an online career with such limited tools!
But this is where the magic of freelancing starts—you don’t need the best equipment to begin. What you do require is:
- The courage to try
- The ability to adapt
- The desire to make a name for yourself
My initial online earnings weren’t a result of comfort. They were a result of desperation, innovation, and determination.
The Contest That Changed Everything
Freelancer.in features contests, which are quite frequently held, whereby several individuals can submit their entries, and the client selects the best one. One midnight, I saw a contest that would be closing in 2 hours.
The issue?
- The job description was unclear.
- I had never participated in a contest before
- I didn’t know what the customer really wanted.
But there was something within me that provoked me to go for it. As there weren’t that many submissions, I said to myself, “Why not try my luck?”
It was midnight, and everyone was sleeping when I picked up my phone, connected to my 3G (which was fortunate, as it worked faster than normal), and started creating the contest.
The Eureka Moment
Initially, I was lost. The client did not clearly state their demands, and I was unsure what to submit.
One of the submissions caught my eye—it was good enough to be a winner. However, although it was true, it was neither creative nor engaging. That was my opportunity.
I thought:
What if I take the same concept, but add more value, make it visually appealing, and provide something unique?”
That’s what I did. I researched, added more valuable information, applied colours, and made my entry visual.
The Victory: My First Freelance Earnings
A few days later, I got a notification on Freelancer.in:
“Congratulations! You are the winner of the contest.”
And like that, I’d made my first freelance earnings of $75. It was not a lot, perhaps, but to me at the time, it was everything. This was an affirmation that I could stand on my own two feet, that I had something to think about and that freelancing was not a far-off dream.
More than money, that 75 was encouragement, affirmation and the start of something that continues to this day.
How I Made My First Freelance Dollars and the Lessons I Learned
In retrospect, that midnight competition taught me lessons I continue to abide by today:
- Take Risks
Sometimes the chances you fear the most are the ones that alter your life.
- Analyze and Compare
Don’t write in the dark. Learn from others, dissect what works and then contribute your individual value.
- Confidence is Key
It does not necessarily help you feel ready, play it cool. Your attitude may become a changer.
- Nothing Beats Hard Work Better.
You don’t need to have the most expensive laptop, the fastest Wi-Fi, or the most expensive software to get started. Utilize what you have and maximize its potential.
- Always Take Small Wins Seriously.
The amount of $75 might not be huge, but it has resulted in bigger projects and long-term clients.
Advice to First-Time Internet Earners Trying to Get Their First Online Income.
In case you are only starting your freelance business and you are in anticipation of your first freelance earnings, the tips can help you:
Start Small: Don’t wait for the perfect project. You can have some confidence and response to small projects and contests.
Use Contests: This is a competitive approach, but also a good avenue for discovering what clients want.
Establish a Portfolio: Fake projects will allow you to prove yourself until you find real customers.
Be Patient: You will not see your first freelance income for weeks or months, but it’s worth sticking with it.
Keep Learning: All failures are feedback. Better with every attempt.
Why Your First Freelance Earnings Matter
That first $75 was never about the money—it was about faith. When you get your first earnings from freelancing, things become different:
- You stop doubting yourself.
- You start believing in your skills.
- You see freelancing as a real career, not just a dream.
In my case, it was the start of everything the night I won on Freelancer.in. It taught me that freelancing is not much about where one is, what one has, or when one works, but rather that one works hard, creates, and dares to do it.
Conclusion
The first money that I earned as a freelance writer served as a life-changing moment. My entire career and life began with a 75 dollar contest with a broken laptop and a 3G phone, which led me to the career of freelancing.
You are waiting to get your first freelance payments, but you should not be discouraged. Never give up, risk, learn and have faith in yourself. That initial installment will arrive–and when it does, it will be worth all the effort.
So, what about you? Have you had your first online income yet? You can share your story in the comments–I would like to know how you got there.
