Featured Freelance Writers — Surbhi Agarwal
One of the main reasons I started No Hustle Freelancer is to create a community. I am excited to continue this Featured Freelance Writer series. :) Today, I want to introduce you to Surbhi Agarwal. She started freelancing in 2021 and has already found a lot of success writing about all kinds of topics. She talks about how she takes care of her mental and physical health while freelancing and the importance of keeping Sundays off. I hope you enjoy this interview as much as I did.
Tell us about yourself. What kind of freelance writing do you do/what's your niche?
Hi, I am Surbhi. I am an English graduate. My journey as a content writer began four years ago in my college days when I did a lot of internships to discover my interest in the writing field. However, in 2021 I realised the power of words to outsource my ideas independently and finally began my journey as a freelancer.
I began writing on medium and swiftly shifted to my blogging website to explore multiple niches such as lifestyle, beauty, well-being and social issues. Presently, being a generalist writer, I can write about many topics in various writing styles. My idea lies in breaking self-imposed restrictions. I, therefore, keep learning new skills and try to upscale my content with a fresh and creative perspective.
Where do you write? On your couch? A nice home office? Cafes? Coworking spaces?
I have set up my workstation at home, and it couldn’t have been better for me.
When and why did you decide to start freelancing? How long have you been freelancing?
I decided to begin freelancing to become independent, secure a creative space and break the 9-5 pm set working hours.
It’s been three months since I switched to full time freelancing.
How did you find your first clients? How do you find your clients now?
I found a few of them on Linkedin through searches and cold mailing. Lately, I have been getting inbound leads.
What is your favorite thing about freelancing? Anything you don't like?
My favourite thing is the creative freedom to experiment with writing pieces. I don’t like it when people take freelancing as a sideline job when it is not. Initially, one has to put 14-16 hours (more than any normal working hours) to create an engaging profile. It is exactly like starting a business. For me, every self-employed being is an entrepreneur, and I don’t like it when people demean it.
What is the most valuable lesson you've learned so far?
Having utmost faith in self. There are times when you may feel intimidated but those are the times when you have to bet on your abilities to seek prosperity.
Let's keep it real, there is always something to work on. Is there anything you are currently struggling with or working to improve on as a freelance writer?
Definitely. I still struggle to make social media content while managing freelancing work. Sometimes it gets out of hand.
A lot of freelance writers choose this path because of chronic illness, chronic pain, mental health issues, or a disability. If you are dealing with any of the following, can you tell us about it a bit and how do you navigate freelance writing and physical and/or mental health challenges.
I am grateful for not having any of these issues, to begin with.
Coming to dealing with physical and mental health challenges, I keep Sundays off. I treat myself to a good walk and food whenever I feel burned out.
What advice would you give freelance writers that are just starting out?
Have faith in yourself. It might not look easy when you are starting, but consistency and persistence will bring you positive results. Additionally, set realistic goals, so you do not feel demotivated about losing out clients since that is part of the process.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
I am excited to waver my wings as a freelancer, and I hope if you decide to publish this, I could get people to have an insider to my story.
Where can we find you? Feel free to share your website, portfolio, Linkedin, other social media.
https://surbhiagarwal252.wixsite.com/my-site
Are you interested in creating a sustainable freelance writing business without the hustle? Check out my freelance writing course with a step-by-step process of exactly what you need.
