Through pictures alone, I could tell that our spotlight freelancer is one who works with passion. Maryke van Rensburg, from South Africa, enjoys what she does and is truly good at it. Her forte is WordPress: installation, customization and creation of Facebook Fan Pages. She’s a no-nonsense worker, as seen more or less in her posts in the community forums at oDesk, and is totally dedicated to her work.
How long have you been a freelancer?
2 Years.
Are you a full-time freelancer? How else do you earn?
No. I also own a property rental agency.
Did you always want to be a freelancer? Why or why not?
No, I didn’t even realize that there were such opportunities until I discovered oDesk.
Before becoming a Freelancer I did website designing on an ‘on and off’ basis, so I guess I was a Freelancer, but didn’t realize it.
What was your first impression of freelancing? What were your thoughts later on once you discovered what it was truly all about?
My first impression was that it would be a lovely way to supplement my income and to work from home in my pajamas. I am a hermit and it suited me like a glove.
The reality is that is hard work, long hours and lonely nights. But I’ve learned to limit my ‘working time’ to manageable hours and try not to work as late anymore.
Is there a particular reason you tried freelancing? How and when did you start, and what was your first assignment like?
I started freelancing when I happened to land on oDesk while doing research for one of my own projects. I was intrigued and completed my profile and applied for a few openings.
My first assignment was at $2.5 per hour! I worked very hard and long hours. Started early in the mornings till late at night. And then I realized that the amount of $’s per hour wasn’t even covering my internet! But this first assignment taught me a lot about how to work with clients and what to expect.
What has it been like since then?
I am totally in love with freelancing. I love turning on my computer and working on my assignments.
Do you regret the “path” you’ve taken?
Definitely not.
For you, what is the best thing about freelancing?
The fact that I write my own ‘pay check’ each month. Freelancing work is never boring as I get new assignments on a regular basis.
What I also love about freelancing is the amount of knowledge I’ve gained since starting out as a freelancer.
The worst thing?
Time difference problems. People in other time zones don’t realize that I also have to make supper, walk the dog and give attention to the family.
Generally speaking, how would you characterize your working relationship with your clients?
I have a nice relationship with my clients. I try to be available a lot of the time and am always honest about what I can and cannot do.
Tell us about a positive experience you had as a freelancer.
I think the best experience I had was when I received a bonus as a freelancer. It came as such a surprise! Also I love it when I get positive feedbacks and when clients like what I’ve done for them.
Tell us about a negative experience. How did you deal with it?
I once wrote articles for a client and did not receive payment for the articles. I was very disappointed, but it was a huge lesson for me. Now I try to only work for ‘employers’ that have a high rating.
I like to think that “For every level of success, there is an equal level of stress behind it.” Do you practice any particular technique for fighting burnout? What do you like to do in your spare time?
I try to limit my hours and take breaks on a regular basis. I love reading, listening to music, painting and some singing.
In your trade, what is the biggest issue and what can you say about it?
People not being honest about what they want and then you end up doing way more than you bargained for.
Let’s speculate about the future. How do you envision freelancing 10 years from now?
I think freelancing can only grow as technology is ever evolving, growing and getting better. There are no borders in the virtual world.
Hopefully, you can still recall how it was like to be the “new guy”. Have you any advice for would-be freelancers?
Be true to yourself, work hard and be honest.
For those of us who are already into freelancing, what words of wisdom and tips for survival can you give?
From the day I started out as a freelancer I had a goal of learning something new every week. A freelancer should never stagnate and think that he/she knows everything. Learn, discover and do research. I put three hours a week aside which I dedicate to learning something new.
Want to know more about Maryke van Rensburg?
Fan pages site: http://36930.co.za
Facebook Fan page: http://facebook.com/FunkyFanPages
