How I Lost Over $1,000 as a Freelancer at 17

Hey ,

I want to share a mistake I made as a young freelancer that still sticks with me today.

I lost over $1,000 as a freelancer at 17 years old.

Not because I was bad at what I did.

But because I was scared.

At the time, I had just finished a web development training at NIIT.

Fresh out of secondary school.

Then I got referred for a big website project.

Even more projects were lined up after that.

Honestly, this could have changed everything for me.

But then doubt kicked in.

The project felt too complex.

I kept telling myself I was not good enough.

I did not want to disappoint the client or the person who referred me.

So I started running.

I lied about preparing for JAMB.

But the truth was simple.

I had imposter syndrome.

I walked away from over $1,000.

Money I could have earned.

Not because I lacked skill.

But because I lacked courage.

Here is the wake up call.

Today, you see people you are better than making more money than you.

The only difference is this.

They had audacity.

So hear this, especially if you are a young freelancer.

Audacity will take you further than perfection.

You do not need to know everything.

You will learn on the job.

Do not let imposter syndrome rob you like it robbed me.

Be bold.

Take the job.

Figure it out.

Talk soon,

Samuel Ochuko