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How did I become a freelancer?

Freelance status is becoming increasingly common. However, it's still a very vague concept for many people and companies, who don't really know what's behind the word. Let's clear things up a bit: a freelancer works as a self-employed person. Working alone is a sign of freedom, d’autonomy but also a lot of work because you have to canvass for customers, keep up to date with the latest trends, deal with administrative formalities and complete projects all at the same time!

As a project manager in a company based in Brest, I decided to move to Australia two years ago. Initially, I wanted to enrich my career with new experiences in an Australian company. But because travelling is full of surprises, I ended up becoming a freelancer while continuing my journey abroad.

 
 

My beginnings as a freelancer

I started out as a freelancer in Australia, although initially that wasn't my intention at all. When I arrived in Brisbane with my Holiday Work Permit, I wanted to work in my sector of activity, which is the digital communication.

To maximise my chances of finding work and establishing myself as a young person French expatriate, I went to meet the person in charge of the French-Australian Chamber of Commerce (FACCI). Following this meeting, I was regularly invited to business events where I met several entrepreneurs who quickly gave me the opportunity to work.

Thanks to these meetings, I had the opportunity to join the team at the Start Up Tyrestock, The idea was to create a platform that would connect motorists and garages, enabling tyres to be repaired in less than 6 hours. They had the project, the contacts and were looking for a developer to create the website that would be essential for the business. Following our success in a competition, we were awarded a 1 week business trip to San Francisco. The aim of the week was to learn about a range of digital issues and meet leading companies in the sector, such as Uber, Airbnb and Salesforce.In France, thanks to my previous experience in the world of start-ups and associations, I've been able to rely on trustworthy people who have been able to make the most of my professional skills. They didn't hesitate to contact me and recommend me to their acquaintances, and I'd like to thank them for that?

As the months went by, the projects became more numerous and more ambitious. A year later, I was devoting myself to this work as a full-time freelancer.

My various skills

In 2018, I moved to New Zealand and I devote myself fully to my clients' various projects. To meet the various demands, I don't hesitate to wear different hats: from community manager à graphic designer, and the creator of websites or printing load. I love a challenge. I'm also working more and more with clients to define communication strategies, so that companies can better target their audiences and needs. I've now found a balance between large-scale one-off projects and recurring one-off assignments.

«I don't hesitate to work with several people in my network. to better meet my customers» expectations. This enables me to offer quality renderings.»

« Yes, Grandma, I travel but I'm not always on holiday ? »

The fact that I didn't set out to be self-employed at the outset only increases my joy at being able to do this job every day. This has enabled me to combine travel abroad and work full-time. Going to an English-speaking country, has enabled me to practise enough English to make it a new string to my bow, and today I have English-speaking customers.

I'm proud to have joined the “nomades digitals”, this new generation of entrepreneurial travellers who combine their 2 passions: travel and work. Even though I've managed to turn this passion into a job, freelancing is a complex profession. It requires a great deal of organisation, in terms of timetabling, monitoring projects and meeting deadlines. It's an activity full of challenges that can also be dizzying for those who aren't used to it.

What's more, freelance work does not guarantee a regular salary. You have to find the motivation to work for yourself and be flexible enough to meet the different demands, needs and availability of your customers.

 

100% dedicated to the creation of WordPress websites in 2024

Back in France in 2019, I'm working as a consultant Project Manager for companies such as La Poste, EDF and Renault.

Today, in 2024, I'm using my expertise, creativity and skills to turn my customers' expectations into reality.

Maxime Gourmelen
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