If you are one of those people who knew their career path (or even better, their life’s purpose) from childhood, just thank God. Some of us didn’t get that privilege.
But looking back now, I know that I have many reasons to thank God despite that ‘limitation’ so to speak.
Discovering what I wasn’t meant to do
Just to be clear, contrary to what most would assume, no one forced me to get into med school. Not my parents. Not my teachers. It was entirely my own decision.
I was so excited when I got admitted to university to do the course I thought was meant to lead me to my life’s purpose. But unfortunately, as soon as I began my studies, I sensed that I wasn’t where I ought to be.
On many occasions, I wanted to leave and take another course. But I didn’t know what else to choose since all my life I had dreamt of being a doctor. So I pushed on.
Some days it was easier and I actually enjoyed it and felt glad that I was there. But on most days…man, it was a struggle.
Graduation day finally came. It felt so unreal. I couldn’t believe I had made it through. I was finally a doctor. I was so happy.
After all the excitement had died down, I was once again faced with reality. Deep down I dreaded practicing.
The internship came and when the salary started trickling in, I thought that would give me some sort of incentive. It didn’t. To cut the long story short, one day (in early 2018) I woke up and wrote my letter of resignation.
How I met Walter
After resigning, I felt like I had been freed from a captivity of sorts. I was free to take a new path. Free to start afresh. Free to dream again. The world was my oyster and I was ready to break it open.
But not everyone around me felt the same. I thank God that, having just gotten married, I had the full support of my husband.
I immediately started contemplating my next move. I knew I didn’t want to look for another job but wanted to get into entrepreneurship.
After watching countless YouTube videos about online businesses, I was completely sold. I was going to start a business, an online business.
My journey into Amazon FBA began, a business model I’m determined to pursue to date.
My husband told me he knew someone who does “online stuff”. He suggested I talk to him. That’s when I met Walter Akolo.
I had heard of this guy way back in campus. Knew him as the Kenyan guru of online writing.
He told me he wasn’t doing Amazon FBA but, as expected, suggested I get into online writing. “Me? Writing? Nooo, that’s not possible. I’m not cut out for it. I don’t even think I’m good at it.” That was my reply.
Now I think I should write
A few months later. I had run out of money to complete setting up my Amazon business. My hubby had put in quite an amount and a dear friend had also agreed to invest in it as well. But I realized I needed way more than what I had.
I decided to pause that venture and look for something else that required less capital and later venture into my dream business.
All this time I learned a lot about business, entrepreneurship and especially eCommerce. I believe I can now call myself a self-taught netrepreneur.
I eventually came to the conclusion that I needed a continuous source of income to fund my business dreams. And since I couldn’t think of a job I was willing to get employed for, I decided to take up Walter’s suggestion and begin online writing.
My plan to hit $2,000 monthly income
As I often do before beginning anything, I started my research on online writing. I discovered a number of people only think of academic writing when they hear of online writing. I almost tried that but realized that it wasn’t ethical and isn’t really sustainable in the long run (in my opinion).
I learned about online writing – as in content creation. There were so many inspiring stories about people earning top dollar through writing. I decided I wanted to become like one of them.
My first target was to reach a monthly income of $2,000 through this.
Some of the things I planned to do to achieve that goal were:
- Take a course. You can learn a lot on your own, especially in this current internet era. But it’s much faster and easier to get a road map from someone who’s gone ahead of you.
- Stay laser-focused. I was determined to make this work. I closed my mind to all other ventures and decided to focus on writing alone. This would help me give my all and work hard at it.
- Get high-paying clients. From the little research I did, I learned that you can get really high-paying clients to enable you to earn more while working less. So before I even began writing, I was determined I will only take on well-paying clients.
- Work hard. Experienced writers emphasize on this. Many people think that working online is an ‘easy way’ of making money. It’s not. I noted this and was determined to put in all the time and effort needed to succeed.
I trusted God to help me. By this time, I didn’t have the luxury of many options to earn an income. I had to make this work.
The course that jump-started my writing career
There are several people who offer courses in online writing. All of the ones I thought of taking were too expensive. But Freelancerkenya online training (Walter’s course) was affordable.
By that time though, the different businesses we had tried out had left us in a really dry spell financially. So I had to wait a bit in order to get the cash to pay for the course.
I was pleased with what I got. The course was brief, straight forward and very very informative.
My best part was the writing assignment. You write an article and a group of expert editors assess it and give you feedback.
Anyone can actually pay and use this service offered by Walter on PenStars. But if you take his course, you get the service for free.
When I got my article assessed, I was really excited. It showed me that I could actually write really well. I was now more determined to begin and get premium clients even if I was a beginner.
Another great thing happened. I sent a request to Walter to guest post on his blog and he was kind enough to accept my request. So I got an article sample to use when pitching clients.
My first client
Lucky for me, I realized I had once opened an account on Upwork back when I was in university. I don’t know why, because I never did any writing there back then. I guess it was just out of curiosity after hearing about online writing from one of my brothers.
So, while continuing with Walter’s course, I activated my account and began bidding for jobs.
In a few weeks, before completing the course, I landed my first client on Upwork. I was so excited. But nervous at the same time.
I saw the client’s message on a Saturday night and couldn’t stop thinking about it the whole of Sunday in church. I just couldn’t keep calm.
My mind was focused on getting back home, doing some research on what the client needed so I could negotiate terms with him better.
After a few messages, I got hired on Monday, 15th July 2019. O happy day!
I did my best to deliver a stellar article. And I believe I did a great job because the client gave me a 5-star rating. We all know how amazing that 5-star rating is, especially when you’re a beginner.
The day I made my first withdrawal from Upwork was another one of my happiest days.
Bagging premium clients as a beginner
A couple of writing jobs later, I got a client who paid $120 for a 1000-1500 word article. He was so pleased with the work I did that he gave me another assignment. This time it was a 4000 words article and he paid me $300 plus a $30 bonus.
Shortly afterward, I landed my first long-term client paying $100 per 1,500-word article. Every week I have at least one assignment from him.
Now, you may be wondering why I’m quoting all these figures. It’s not to brag, nope. I’m well aware that there are writers earning much more than these. My aim is to encourage you that even if you’re a beginner, it’s possible to get high-paying clients, provided you deliver pure gold (as Walter would say).
Also, some people despise Upwork thinking that the jobs posted there pay only peanuts. You can see that that is not entirely true.
Yes, there are many clients on Upwork who seem like they are looking for next-to-free content, but if you search patiently and persistently, you’ll get premium clients as well.
Challenges as a freelance writer
My journey as a freelance writer has not been all rosy.
Sometimes I would apply for jobs for several days without getting any work. We all know how discouraging that can be. The solution is to never give up. Just keep bidding. Keep applying for jobs. Keep pitching. God will eventually give you the breakthrough you are looking for.
Another more personal challenge I faced in my early days was dealing with people’s expectations.
You see, having trained as a doctor, most people didn’t understand how I could leave “all that” to become a freelancer. Some still don’t understand to date.
I had to learn to grow a thick skin. This hasn’t been easy.
Lastly for now (since this post has become much longer than I thought it would be), the hard work you put into online writing is sometimes unimaginable.
There are times I’ve had to sit for hours on end to complete clients’ orders. I especially remember a few months ago when expecting our firstborn baby. I had to work for hours until the very end of my pregnancy.
You see, with the baby on the way, we needed the extra cash. So I didn’t have the luxury of “taking a maternity leave” early in order to rest and relax.
With freelancing, if you don’t work, you don’t get paid. That’s why it’s essential to create a passive source of income, which I’m in the process of doing (but that’s a story for another day).
In all these, I thank God I’ve been able to avoid writing scams so far (a key problem online writers have to beware).
In conclusion
I could go on and on about freelance online writing and working online in general. But this would end up being a series of books and not a blog post.
At this point, I bet you may be wondering if I have achieved my target as mentioned in the title.
Well, I haven’t yet achieved it. Sorry to disappoint you. But trust me, I’m not far and my journey is not yet over. I’ve had to slow down since I became a new mum. But I thank God that I have a set of long-term clients from whom I’m getting a great income.
So just to wrap up, this post has covered some of the most important things I’ve learned through my journey in online writing:
- Know your purpose and preferred career path. The earlier you discover this, the better.
- Interact with people in your field of interest. Freelancing, for example, doesn’t mean you have to walk alone.
- Have a vision, a target and a plan on how to get there. This will give you the drive to pursue higher heights.
- Learn from the experts. Taking a course will give you the headstart you need especially in online work.
- Celebrate your wins. It will encourage you to keep going and may even inspire others.
- Be resilient and learn to overcome challenges step by step. Nothing comes easy. Even online work and working from home isn’t as easy as some may think.
- Trust in God. With Him, nothing is impossible.
I wish you the very best on your own journey. I hope this has been of help to you. If so, please leave a comment and let me know.
Also, if you want to get into online writing, I highly recommend taking Walter’s course. He not only trains you but also offers some form of mentoring along the way. If you know me personally, I’ve probably already told you this, so sorry for sounding like a broken record. LOL! 😀
You can also begin with his mini-course. It’s free. And don’t we all just love free stuff?
Catherine,
This was a bold move! I am amazed by your determination. I am much interested in this online thing since I only work 2 weeks per month. I wish to get more insights and link up with you for assistance.
What a waste !! You could have integrated medicine with writing, it is possible.
2k per month not good enough, but glad you found yourself.
Wow! It’s so motivating, I recently finished @Walter’s course and am now bidding for the jobs. Am optimistic as well. I have learnt that I need to have monthly Targets.
I feel encouraged and compelled to sprang forward.
Wow!!!! I’ve just read this and it’s so encouraging, motivating and uplifting. The struggle has been real……… I’m so glad and happy for you dear. Keep writing, dreaming, pushing and soaring. You are such an encouragement to many. Cheering you on.
Thank you Catherine for such an inspiring story.
It has made my day and I look forward to writing a story like yours some day.
Cheers!
Hello Kate
Thank you so much for sharing your story. This is just incredible and helpful in building us and me to be precise. God bless you.
Hi Catherine! Your husband introduced me to you during your wedding arrangements, I fellowshipped with him in the same church for a long time. Having read this article I feel like I know you better and it is thoroughly inspiring. Its a bold move you have taken and thank God you are taking many with you. I like the fact that you soldiered to the end with the Medicine course.
Hi Doc,
Yes, I remember you :-).
Thanks for reading the article and for the compliment. I must add that I really just thank God because it wasn’t easy making the move. But now I’m glad I did.
Hope to see you and your family one of these fine days.
God bless.
Thanks Catherine. You have really motivated me and have seen light at the end of the tunnel. God bless you. Look forward to inquiring more since it’s when I want to start.
Hi Naachi,
Glad this has been of help.
Feel free to ask all the questions as you begin. You’ll soon be great in this community of writers.
All the best.
Thanks Catherine. I have been getting very low paying clients.I didn’t know a newbie can be paid $100 PER 1000 words.Am determined to get there.Do you have any bidding template I can customize?
Hi James,
I’ve come to learn that it’s not about whether you’re a newbie or a veteran in writing. It’s about the quality of your work. So aim to make your writing excellent. And once you achieve that, start looking for clients who pay the big bucks.
As for bidding, it’s best to custom make each of your proposals. Using templates may not be the best way (in my opinion). But there are a few guidelines you can follow to write a winning proposal. Just google articles on that.
All the best. You are headed for greatness.
Great inspiration , let’s see how far this gets us.
Thank you for the motivation! What informative insights. God bless you
Thanks Fred.
God bless you too.
thanks so much for that post Catherine, its so much educative
I read it and felt already in the industry coz I’ve been dreaming being in that field
I just need to look for finances and buy a laptop to kick off the journey
its good to graze and milk your own cow,if you milk ten litres you are sure of the ten litres instead of giving the owner then dilutes it in return or decides to give you back three litres yet you are the one who knows the pain you went through during grazing
congrats for the bold step you took and pray that very soon you’ll achieve your goal
Hi Geofrey,
I pray that you’ll get a laptop soon so you can begin writing. In the meantime, you can still try asking a friend to lend you theirs when they aren’t using it (just a suggestion).
Otherwise, all the best. And thanks for the well wishes.
i have a full compassion too bu I have the problem like my brother above. Definitely I’ll be on the feld God willing. thanks for the motive.
Very inspirational and informative! Thank you for the motivation!
Congrats Cate,
I’m sure you feel the peace and serenity of doing what you do best and enjoying while at it. At the start of the journey, there is this anxiety, lingering fear of failure and underlying excitement drawn from the innermost desire to succeed. I’m encouraged by your story. I follow Walter closely and his patience is unequaled. At the start of the year, I decided to take a course on transcription with Nelly Mutua, so far so good. Though deep within, its just my income source in order to pursue article writing.
To our brightest tomorrow!
You have inspired me even more Catherine. I will take the course as soon as I get the chance to do so. Thank you.
That’s great to hear, Margaret.
All the best.
Thanks Catherine your story is very inspiring. It teaches me not to give up.
You’re welcome, Joan. Yes, never give up.
This blog post is not only inspiring but also insightful, especially for the beginners. I’m inspired!
Hi Dennis,
Glad it’s been of help.
Thanks for reading.
What a story Catherine, this makes me understand many things I didn’t understand before. It is much clearer now. May God help you attain your goal as planned.
Thanks, mum. Thanks for supporting me even the times you didn’t really understand what exactly I was up to 🙂
What an inspiring story. joining Akollo’s team pains me daily being a regular visitor to his site.
I’ve quit my Special Needs Education at 4th year, just lat month, I consider joining as soon as possible.
This is very encouraging for a person who wants to start getting an extra income, the more you read such inspirational journeys the more convinced you get to start your own journey.
Hi Cathy
Thanks for sharing your writing journey it’s truly an inspiring one. It’s my sincere prayer that you hit your target soon. I am also keen on starting freelance writing only I didn’t know of any serious Kenyan offering training. Two weeks ago I signed up with a certain website-kenyanwriters but something didn’t feel right about it. With the tips from your experience I intend to take the course offered by my namesake and join you in this awesome world of the written word.
Keep going
Thank you
Very encouraging words there Catherine. As a newbie who is taking his first steps of faith as a freelancer, i am very inspired. I will definitely do this!
Walter, you have said elsewhere that you didn’t complete your higher learning. Have you at times felt or seen the need to resume your previous course, or study something? Like, even if only to have some diploma or degree in your arsenal just in case? I know freelance pays, but should one give up higher learning?
Hi Clement,
I don’t think much about diplomas and degrees.
I keep learning online skills and implementing them.
That’s me. Take time and make an informed choice that suits your particular situation. Consult widely. Pray. Read. Don’t decide based on this comment alone.
Great insights here, Cate. I relate to so much of your story.
Even though I had major success at high school level, I didn’t have much of an idea about my next pursuit. I had hoped to become a pilot but the cost was forbidding.
Eventually, I went for Actuarial Science but I later realized it wasn’t something I wanted to pursue for any amount of time, let alone the rest of my life.
So I’ve ventured into the online business world as a content writer. Your story is what I needed right about now.
Hi Musundi,
I’m glad to hear that my story has encouraged you.
Indeed, it sounds like our experiences are quite similar.
All the best on your journey.
This story is very inspiring. Thank you Catherine for sharing
Thanks for sharing such a moving experience that without doubts will inspire many!
I am also currently a student with Akolo and going by what I have heard and seen, he’s a gentleman dedicated to empowering the people through earning out of freelancing.
Men and women, young and old, educated or not, his trainees have volumes of stories to tell
Keep fire burning!
Hi Amayo,
I couldn’t say it better. Walter is really empowering many.
Wow, this is really inspiring Catherine. I’m spellbound. I thank Walter for all of us. Thank you once more Catherine
This is really good. I would love it if l joined Walter’s training. Am truly impressed.
Hi Roselinah,
You can join Walter’s training at any time…and there’s no better time than the present 🙂 .
Just click on the tab “Freelance writing course” at the top of this page.
Welcome to the world of freelance writing.
Thanks for sharing. This is so inspiring. I am on the right path under Walter’s training. Heading for greatness. Aiming for pure Gold.
So inspiring am also new and you have bosted my morale to push harder
This is inspiring, kudos to you. Walter is a blessing to many. God bless you.
Thank you for sharing your journey in freelance writing. I’ve picked up many vital lessons.
wow. This was just last year. I am so encouraged. You go, girl!
wow.. this was just last year? I am so encouraged. you go girl! I hope one day I will also share a success story
Yes, Isabell. My freelancing journey began last year.
Looking forward to your great success story.
Wow! I needed to read such a message!. Nothing comes on a sliver platter, Am two weeks old here, am one of those people who do not up easily. Am a strong believer in Christ Jesus and I know when something looks challenging that’s where the honey is. I thank God for a friend (ANN) who introduced me to Walter sometime in February 2020. It has made me to know you.
When I have read through your story, I have felt refreshed and ready to start again.
You are blessed Gal! See you at the top.
Hi Hellen,
Wow! Welcome to the world of freelancing.
Just as you’ve mentioned, it’s not always easy but when you put in the effort required you’ll soon get the rewards.
Looking forward to reading your success story.
All the best.
Hi Catherine,
Once again, thank you for your story it is very fresh in my mind. Today was first day working on full time but already l start feeling the psyche of a successful freelancer. I will achieve a lot, by the end of the week am sure of getting work to do.
Yes, I promise to write my success story.
Keep going!
I’m overwhelmed! Very much inspiring. “And don’t we all just love free stuff?” Yes we/I do? That is where I will begin my journey into writing.
Great.
All the best Fredrick.
Wow…what an inspiring story….thenks for sharing….
Wow, so inspiring..God bless you Catherine
Awesome post. Wow!
It is not easy to leave a “lucrative medical career” & venture into freelancing -per the perceptions of the society.
I know there is great income freelancing. But our society does not.
Thanks for sharing. I have a doctor friend who left the practice and writes. She writes articles for medical magazines, etc… You have a good niche.
My 2 cents is… start your personal blog. -Let me stop before I begin to give advice that’s not requested for 🙂
You will do well my dear.
Congratulations again.
Hi Joyce,
Thanks for reading. And thanks for the tip. I have a blog but just haven’t focused so much on it… I’ll soon work on it to bring it back to life.
an awesome piece
I can’t wait to have my first customer on Upwork. It is really hard
Hi Lucy,
I know it’s not always easy getting clients on Upwork.
Just keep learning and implementing tips and tricks that will bring you success. For example how to create a more attractive proposal, having quality samples, and writing catchy proposals.
All the best.
Wow, you are such an inspiration. Your journey is really encouraging.
Quite inspiring. I am considering venturing into this.
Quite encouraging and inspiring!
So encouraging.Thank you for sharing.
Thank you Catherine, you have really inspired me. I’m a beginner but I’ll work hard to hit the target God willing.
You will make it Roseline. Just keep at it, learn all you can, implement and never give up.
I wish you the very best.
Thank you Catherine, I’ll do my best.
Wow! thank you for sharing such an inspiring story Catherine.
You’re welcome Idah.
Great sharing this. It inspires.Thanks
Sounds really nice. I am a writer with published articles and methinks I should take a bold step like you did. Thanks Cathy that was powerful. God bless you.
Yes, Austine. Take the step. And since you already have published articles, you can use then as samples when pitching clients or writing proposals.
All the best.
A very inspiring story, Catherine! You didn’t say, though, whether you’ve achieved your $ 2,000 monthly revenue target. Walter, thanks for the post and the support you gave her.
Hehe! Ken, are you sure you read the whole article? 😀
wow. what a bold move! Inspiring indeed.
Wow…this so amazing…resilience, hard work and God
Catherine that was a bold step to take,thank you for sharing your journey.
I’m motivated to take a step towards my vision.A big thanks to Walter for being a ladder to upcoming freelance writers.
Thanks for reading Christine. All the best.
Its worth reading. Walter thank you for sharing.
Great! i really congratulate you for taking a step of faith into freelancing may the Lord continue lifting you high… very inspiring.
Thank you, Stephen.
wow!!i have been doing academic writing 2years now but i think its time i change course. I needed this inspiration. Thanks alot..
All the best Christine.
yes, Catherine Nyorani has demonstrated it. writing is one of the best careers. Walter Akolo has been helping me several times. i’m a writer and nowadays i work with direct clients.
That’s great, Nicholas. I personally need to look for more direct clients. Most of the ones I have are from Upwork.
Wow! You took a bold step. Your story is inspiring and a perfect example of a person following their dreams. Keep winning.
Thanks Catherine for revamping my spirit again. I used to write but stopped after my laptop stalled. Time to get another one and continue.
Yes, never say die 🙂
All the best Dora.
This is so inspiring.
I quit being a landscape architect to pursue freelance writing. And like Caroline, some people still don’t get it.
But the journey has been worthwhile. I set a goal to hit the $1000 mark by March this year. I’m so close to it.
Caroline’s story has taught me to aim higher.
Wow! That’s great Stephen.
Hope you can share with the rest us here once you’ve reached your goal…I’m sure your journey will inspire many more.
All the best as you aim higher.
I am just wondering if you didn’t quit coz you had a hubby to support you? Isn’t that a selfish move? Also didn’t you disappoint your parents who worked hard to get you to med school? why didn’t you opt to work while doing online course? I know I would be extremely heartbroken if my daughter pulled such a move. Aren’t there international opportunities in Canada and the likes where you could have gotten better pay? I wish you had asked for advice from trusted people before quitting.
Hi Neema, I like your questions. Those are some of the issues I had to think about before I made my decision. Having a hubby who was willing to support me was definitely helpful. And my parents were not so happy at first, but they had seen how much I struggled all through since campus, so in the end, they accepted my decision and were (and still are) very supportive. Can’t thank God enough for the support system I’ve had this far.
This is sooo inspiring!! Thank you Catherine for sharing this encouraging experience. As for Walter, he’s truly heaven-sent. God bless you both.
Yes, Fridah, Walter has truly helped many. We all thank God for him. God bless you too.
Such an inspiration.. The sky is the limit!
Hi Catherine.
This is so encouraging, be blessed.
This is nice and encouraging Catherine,i am motivated to work towards my dream.Thank you for sharing.
I’m glad you’re encouraged Shalon. All the best as you pursue your dreams.
So inspiring keep it up
This is quite inspirational.
God bless Walter for inspiring people.
Thanks Catherine for the motivating post.
Be blessed too
Wow! This a great piece! So inspiring to something of us. Still on the road to success. Thanks Walter and Cate for that encouragement.
You’re welcome, Christine.
What a journey! Very inspiring.
Thanks for reading Lilian.
wow inspiring. These are the people we need. May God help us realize our potential when it is still early.
Amen to that Glory.
This is great. I also have almost the same story. I was a former accountant but decided to quit. I dint know what to do next but somehow landed in academic wiring back in 2016. I latter felt so condemned day by day and couldn’t see where the hard earned money was going. I decided to move to article writing. I have been following Walter all through with his emails. Though I self-trained myself, I always refer my friends to Walter
Wow! That’s great Phyllis. I can imagine how it was for you leaving a career in accounting. Kudos for taking the bold step to pursue what you desired.
And about academic writing, I’m happy to hear you left that to for article writing 🙂
Continue referring people to Walter (I also do the same), he’s indeed one of the best trainers around.
This has challenged my fading hopes.I shall pick myself again and walk towards the purpose.
That’s the spirit Safari. I wish you the very best in your endeavours.
This is so inspiring Catherine. Thanks for sharing your journey.
You’re welcome, Josiah. Thanks for reading.