In the world of tech, experience often seems like the golden ticket. But what if I told you that even without years of professional experience, you could still make a significant income? This is my story of how I went from rejected job applicant to successful freelancer, earning over $18,000 on Upwork without any prior freelancing experience.

The Rocky Start

My journey began in 2023 with my first job interview. The task? Create a company dashboard with medical billing information. I poured my heart into it, completing the project in just two days. Excited and hopeful, I waited for their response. Days turned into weeks, and despite my follow-ups, silence prevailed. When they finally replied, their words stung: "Sorry, we need someone with more than 5 years of experience."

This pattern continued. Companies would ask for my projects, then my CV. I couldn't understand why a CV mattered more than my actual work on GitHub. The rejections piled up, and so did my self-doubt. Was all my learning for nothing? Even reaching out to established Pakistani freelancers for guidance led nowhere.

A Promise and a Pivot

Frustrated but determined, I made a promise to myself: No more applying for traditional company jobs. It was time to become my own boss through freelancing.

I dove into learning Bubble.io, creating free plugins that gained popularity. I also developed free WordPress plugins. But something was still missing.

The Game-Changer: Machine Learning

Everything changed when I started learning machine learning. This new skill, combined with my existing knowledge of Node.js, Next.js, WordPress, Bubble.io, and Python, opened up a world of possibilities. I created a variety of open-source projects, ranging from simple to complex user interfaces. I also contributed to other open-source projects, further honing my skills.

Cracking the Upwork Code

With my expanded skill set, I turned my attention to Upwork. But I didn't jump in blindly. I spent three days studying the platform, analyzing what clients in my field were looking for. Using these insights, I crafted my profile to match their needs, increasing my visibility in searches.

Pro tip: Specialize in a specific area. It makes finding relevant jobs much easier.

The Unbelievable First Job

After getting my account approved, I sent my first proposal, showcasing my past work. To my amazement, I received a response within 5 minutes. After a brief discussion about my work, I was hired. The kicker? My first job paid $3,000. It sounds unbelievable, but it really happened.

Lessons Learned

1. Don't undervalue yourself: Just because you're new doesn't mean you should charge rock-bottom prices. Set fair rates that reflect your skills.

2. Prioritize client satisfaction: Be available and helpful. Building trust is key to long-term success.

3. Create a strong profile: After my second job, I stopped sending proposals. Clients started inviting me based on my well-crafted profile.

4. Ignore the noise: Don't listen to self-proclaimed YouTube experts. Trust your instincts and experiences.

5. Commit fully: Whatever you decide to do, give it your all. Be patient and don't just chase money.

6. Never stop learning: Continuously update your skills and explore new technologies.

The Power of Persistence

From that point on, I haven't sent a single proposal. All my work comes from invitations, thanks to my strong profile, helpful attitude, and diverse skill set.

Remember, if I can do it, so can you. Don't let setbacks discourage you. Keep learning, keep helping others, and keep pushing forward. That's the real secret to freelancing success.

Your journey might be different, but the principles remain the same: dedication, continuous learning, and genuine client care can take you far in the world of freelancing, even without traditional experience.