Dealing with rejection is tough. Spending late nights working on proposals, only to get THAT email that reads “we’ve gone with someone else”, can be extremely frustrating. Since starting my freelance career I’ve got many of these emails that have left me feeling awful and had me questioning whether I’m doing the right thing by choosing to freelance. It would be so easy to slip back into a 9-5 job and live the status quo, but I’m not happy with the easy option. So I keep my chin up and remind myself of the following:

1. Don’t Take It Personally

Working in publishing before I started my freelance career made it easier for me to accept rejection without taking it personally. You need to realise that sometimes you just aren’t what a client is looking for, even though you might think you are. It is not your fault that the client is looking for someone that is not you. You just need to find the clients that do want you.

2. Believe In Your Skills

Yes, THAT email makes you feel like crap, but that doesn’t mean you aren’t talented. Again, you were just not what the client was looking for. For me, it was super important to keep believing in my skill set and not falling into the trap of ‘I must not be good enough’. Again, the client is just not looking for your skill set.

3. Ask For Feedback

Constructive criticism helps us grow, learn from our mistakes and makes us better at what we do. Once you get that ‘rejection email’ ask for feedback like ‘what could I have done better?’ and ‘what do I need more experience in?’.

4. Remind Yourself Why You Are Freelancing

Whether it is the freedom to go for a surf when the waves are good, live your digital nomad dream or pick up your kids from school every day, we all have our reasons for leaving the 9 to 5 world. For me, it was to live a happier life, do what’s best for my soul and travel.

5. Never Give Up!

Keep looking for the right clients, work opportunities and jobs that are worth your time. Giving up is not an option. We all somehow have to find the strength to move forward keep on pushing for our dreams.