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I’ve Just Received My First $230 From A Client. Here’s How I Got Here…

Last Updated on June 28, 2018 By Juliet Ochieng 34 Comments

Juliet Ochieng

Juliet Ochieng

I struck a gem in Walter. Article writing looked attractive, but I was broke. A colleague agreed to instruct me, but in academic work. He instructed me well, but I enjoyed no fruits. Academic writing is not my style, although I am an A graduate. Another friend taught me, but I never got a break. At that point, I started seeking guidance. I ran to the authority.

I was almost buying a house using savings from my NGO job

Let’s back up so that I can share my job history. In the past, I worked in a bank and an international NGO. My last pay at the NGO was $1200. So, it was a decent income, and I kept my expenses well below KSh. 30,000. I paid my tithe. In several months, I saved a decent sum of money.

Plans were underway to buy land and build a house. Many home expos at the KICC registered my name, and I got good contacts. I browsed the net on investment opportunities in the money market. At least I felt God answered my prayers, and I needed to use wisdom. No wasting of the resources God had entitled me. I landed the NGO job after a long period of continuous prayer and fasting.

The project and my contract ended

Ok. You can say at least I had good savings. Life happened. My family met a challenge, and I stood in and cleared a hefty hospital bill. This drained my savings. I looked for another contract. My search was not successful. When I visited the office, they kept on telling me to wait for the project to start. It turned out to be an endless game of come and wait.

So now I was broke and but I needed to keep on living. At least I could stay at home. I  decided to stay with my mum. Depression knocked on my door. The little jobs I found kept me busy, but I couldn’t hold the position for a long time because of the new challenges. Among my business plans, I never got an idea off the ground. It was tough. This saddened me and I became lost. It was even harder to pray during that period in my life. I asked for help to buy even small necessities yet I used to stand on my own. I become frustrated with life.

I started writing articles

After a year of staying at home with my mum, God found me and picked me up again. I started writing articles. My laptop has many copies of articles I use to write. They are on random topics that crossed my mind. I joined Facebook groups to read the posts from different writers. Transcription sounded interesting. The Awesome Transcribers in Kenya Facebook group took some hours from me every day as I read the posts.

I tried my hand at academic writing, but the most I made over two months was KSh. 500. A friend loaned me KSh. 500 and assisted me to get a laptop I could use at home. I didn’t have the money needed, so he helped me get the laptop. I needed to pay back the balance. After I received my pay for the article, I paid back the Kshs. 500. When you do the math, it sums up to zero. I guess this just wasn’t for me.

I contacted Walter to know whether he could train me. He said I could join. But, I didn’t have the cash. I could not get the training fee yet I used to pocket a cool 120k at the end of the month! What can I do?

Landing a job was hard

When I contacted Walter for the second time, I already had an Upwork account. I also read through the notes on article writing given to me by a friend. But, I never landed any job. Not even one paying $5! I tried to work for local clients. When it came to the time to pay up, new stories cropped up and I ended up having wasted my data bundles and time.

I did not want to lose my Upwork account. The issue disturbed me so much. The day I got Walter’s training fee in full, I became overjoyed. I ran so fast to the M-Pesa and deposited the money to my account. It was as if I had gotten a job after such a long period of drought. It felt so good.

I sent the course fee to Walter. I asked Walter, “Please check my Upwork account.” I really didn’t want to lose that account. Walter can trace the Facebook message. He told me to go through the lessons first and when I start on account opening, he will help me.

I rushed the first topics because I was familiar with it. After two days, I sent my link to Walter, and he changed my profile. Walter’s training has been so valuable for me. After submitting my homework articles, he thoroughly assessed them. I edited my samples at least thrice before I could show them to potential clients or use them as part of my portfolio.

As Walter’s student, I write emails asking for guidance when I need help and he shows me how to handle the work. I worked on how to write a great proposal. He checked every word. I changed my Upwork title, and he gave me the go-ahead to continue sending proposals.

Finally, I got a client. Actually two!

Two weeks into the training, I scored two jobs. It was a day or two apart. Three clients replied to my proposals. I rejected one offer because the pay was under $5. He wanted an extra article for the budget he offered.

Among the job offers, there was a trial job. I took three days to write and edit that trial article. I ensured I did a thorough job on it. It was only a 1000-word article. I made sure I delivered pure gold, as Walter would say.

The long-term client said he would select the best from the interviewees. I submitted my copy. Five minutes later, the client’s response was “I like it.”

I was happy! I waited for a day before getting the feedback. O Lord, I did my best. Help me, please. I prayed and kept still while waiting for the response.

I was working on a different job while I was waiting for the feedback on that long-term job. On Friday evening at around 10 pm, I get a message from the client. I got the JOB! Guess what? $2000. It would give me back my 6 figure pay once done. Thank you, Jesus. My prayer and fasting were not in vain. At least now I can get pocket money. I am still doing the long-term job.

Awesome Upwork client

My first withdrawal was $230

I withdrew the $230 from Upwork to PayPal. After three days, I went to the bank. My account had KSh. 140. I reached out to Walter. He sent me a link with a detailed article on how to withdraw from PayPal to my Equity bank account in 3 days. I had not completed transferring my funds to my Kenyan account. You can also withdraw from PayPal to M-Pesa.

Upwork to PayPal

Why shy away from saying, “Thank you, Walter?”

I’m now busy with work

Fast forward. The client has kept me busy. I have been sending proposals for other jobs, and I have received several offers. I need to get a writer to help me with the jobs. From nothing to an employer.

Guess what, I have written an eBook to help other freelancers! The title of the eBook is Winning Proposals.

What advice can I give new freelance writers? Do your best and seek help when you get stuck. Anybody thinking of going into article writing, consider Walter Akolo’s freelance writing course. The fee I put into the course, the many rewrites to my samples and the close guidance has paid me back many times over.

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Comments

  1. Lydia says

    April 14, 2020 at 11:41 am

    Thanks Juliet for sharing.
    It inspiring.

    Thank you so much.

    Lydia

    Reply
  2. naomi says

    December 13, 2019 at 9:35 am

    That is very encouraging especially for me since i’ve been in freelance for some time but i have not got any work to do

    Reply
    • Juliet says

      January 18, 2020 at 2:22 pm

      Don’t be discouraged with the slow progress. Read, take courses and improve your skills. You will get jobs.

      Reply
    • susan wambui says

      February 15, 2020 at 9:04 pm

      This is amazing Juliet.i googled your ebook but I couldn’t find it though there is another bigwig with a similar title

      Reply
      • Juliet says

        February 24, 2020 at 10:04 am

        Hi Susan, thanks for your kind comment. You can get in touch with me via email to get the eBook. Use juliannaeditor1@gmail.com.

        Reply
  3. Faith says

    November 20, 2019 at 10:23 pm

    Thus is very encouraging.
    Hongera sana, Juliet.
    I’m so happy for you.

    Reply
    • Juliet says

      December 2, 2019 at 3:26 pm

      Thanks, Faith. Keep working, you can make it.

      Reply
  4. HILLARY IMBOVA says

    July 8, 2019 at 6:03 pm

    VERY ENCOURAGING…I am alsu looking forward to be a freelancer…I think this is the best start….good corching

    Reply
    • Juliet says

      July 10, 2019 at 10:41 am

      Hi Hillary,

      Freelancing is a journey for the brave. Start today and keep at it till you succeed.

      Reply
  5. Magdaline says

    June 27, 2019 at 12:46 pm

    Wow! This is really encouraging especially to me right now because I’ve been sending proposals but no feedback from any potential client yet.

    God can lift you from grass to grace. You just need to have faith, confidence, and work hard.

    Reply
    • Juliet says

      July 3, 2019 at 2:09 pm

      True. Don’t give up. You will succeed.

      Reply
  6. shinina says

    May 17, 2019 at 11:33 am

    wow…..this is so encouraging especially to beginners ..

    Reply
  7. Catherine Mûtunga says

    August 25, 2018 at 3:41 pm

    Your story is such a marching order. Its crystal clear that what you regurgitate , you activate. you are such an inspiration to me. I have been in almost your situation and i believe I’ll win. Walter, I’ll be contacting you as soon as i get the training fee.

    Reply
  8. Nafuar says

    August 3, 2018 at 8:22 am

    Very encouraging story here. God bless you Juliet!

    Reply
  9. Moses says

    July 30, 2018 at 8:49 pm

    very interesting article!

    moses
    freelancer

    Reply
  10. patrick Onderi says

    July 21, 2018 at 5:33 pm

    I thought I am the only person going through difficulties ? .thank you Juliet am fired up now at least I know the next step to take

    Reply
  11. Naomi says

    July 6, 2018 at 10:52 am

    Keep on growing Juliet, you are such an encouragement, This motivated me to take up the course am one

    week old. I hope to shine very soon.

    Reply
  12. Fridah says

    June 29, 2018 at 10:19 pm

    Wow!! This is pure awesomeness. These are the kind of success stories we all need to witness so that we never give up on our dreams. Juliet, you’ll still build your own house sooner than you ever imagined. May God continue blessing Walter.

    Reply
  13. Gladys says

    June 29, 2018 at 1:14 pm

    Am really inspired by you, Juliet. Its a dawn for a new beginning for me. I felt like giving up on article writing but am up on my feet again after reading this.

    Reply
  14. Lilian says

    June 29, 2018 at 10:58 am

    This is inspirational. I’m in the same situation you were in before. My final University exams are around the corner yet no ray of hope to complete the school fees dues. As per your statement of being an employer, am seeking writing opening.

    Reply
  15. Maina Ndune says

    June 29, 2018 at 8:42 am

    Ms. Juliet Ochieng? My name is Maina Ndune. I’ve been unemployed for many years and have been learning from Walter for a few weeks. Good to read your post regarding your story about your struggling to make ends meet. I’ve been struggling too but I’m feeling lost and I really need your help. Can we communicate or even meet by any chance so that you can help me overcome my struggles? Thank you.

    Reply
  16. Shiphillah says

    June 29, 2018 at 1:07 am

    Wow!
    This is awesome and inspiring.
    God is always indeed faithful.

    To Walter….. God bless you Immensely.

    Reply
  17. Denzil Otieno says

    June 28, 2018 at 10:50 pm

    This was hard work. Keep going.

    Sorry for the cons. It’s normal here.

    I’m happy that now you’re earning and you have replaced the training fee you sacrificed.

    Keep going and may God bless YOU!

    Reply
  18. Harun says

    June 28, 2018 at 2:52 pm

    Wow! This has blown me away. You’ve been through a lot but you kept pushing.As a Newbie, I am inspired.

    Reply
  19. Geoffrey Limo says

    June 28, 2018 at 1:29 pm

    I am very happy to read all this aspiring facts,could you please forward me examples of your articles you wrote

    Reply
  20. George Asigoh says

    June 28, 2018 at 12:46 pm

    Keep up the good work!

    Reply
  21. Angie says

    June 28, 2018 at 12:43 pm

    Waoh this is just so encouraging. Am now more than sure that you can never do your best and seek God and go unrewarded. Congrats

    Reply
  22. mkimeria says

    June 28, 2018 at 11:33 am

    Beautiful story there. Walter, in other people’s success you will receive blessings beyond measure.

    Reply
    • Walter Akolo says

      October 4, 2018 at 10:43 pm

      Thank you :). A big amen to that. God bless you too amazingly.

      Reply
  23. Maina says

    June 28, 2018 at 11:19 am

    That’s great!
    Jane, can I contact you concerning the ebook.
    My email is mwajame@gmail.com

    Reply
  24. Patrick says

    June 28, 2018 at 11:10 am

    A truly inspiring account. Your earlier struggles as an aspiring Writer resonate with my current circumstances almost to a “t”. Nevertheless, I am determined to succeed and your story only goes to show that this is actually possible. Thank you for sharing and keep up the good work.

    Reply
  25. Rose says

    June 28, 2018 at 10:33 am

    I totally relate, I lost my job and since last year I have been taking care of my sick mother. Its been a struggle to get money to buy a laptop or even enrol for this course. Hopefully one day I can have a similar testimony.

    Reply
  26. Jane says

    June 28, 2018 at 9:41 am

    This is so encouraging Juliet….keep up!

    Big up to you Walter too….

    Reply
  27. Faith says

    June 28, 2018 at 8:30 am

    A Very encouraging article. Be blessed.

    Reply

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