Eric Rosenberg on saying goodbye to cubicle life to pursue creative freedom as a freelancer

Welcome to Freedom Creators, a new publication exploring stories from the freelance, remote work, lifestyle design, and creative communities. To kick it off, our own Kate Kendall shared her Freedom Creator story. Now, we’re excited to share the story of Peep Eric Rosenberg, a freelance writer, website developer, and community builder who said goodbye to his gray cubicle and hello to freelancing freedom. Here’s Eric’s Freedom Creator story.

How and why did you get into freelancing?

I started my first blog in 2006 as a hobby, and was stubborn on looking elsewhere for help. I learned how to run all parts of the website, from writing to hosting management to design, and worked hard to give my readers the best possible experience.

A short while after founding my personal finance blog, I made $10 working with an advertiser and my online income addiction began.

Over time, I built relationships with businesses and bloggers that led to what is now a full-time career in writing and website development.

What’s been your proudest personal moment so far?

On April 8th, 2016, I walked out of my gray cubicle and corporate day job for the last time. I didn’t have time to waste, and headed home to start work on client projects. Every day since, I have looked back at that moment as a defining one in my life and career.

How do you stay motivated and productive when flying solo?

I just earned my private pilot license in April, so flying solo is a particularly meaningful expression to me!

Since leaving my old “day job,” I realize that the only way I’m going to get paid is if I’m doing work. But it doesn’t hurt that the work I’m doing now is something I love and know is helpful to countless website visitors.

I am building websites that my clients love to help them succeed in their business. I am writing articles to help people get out of debt, earn more, get their finances on track, and live their dreams. The amazing part is that I get paid to do it!

“I realize that the only way I’m going to get paid is if I’m doing work, but it doesn’t hurt that the work I’m doing now is something I love.”

What’s the hardest part about being an indie worker?

Working as a solo entrepreneur can be lonely. Unlike when working for a big company, most people can’t relate to you and what you are doing for a living. Even when surrounded by people, it can be a lonely feeling.

To offset that, I work at a co-working space several days each week and stay connected to several online communities, like my fellow CloudPeeps, and look for online and offline meet up opportunities to grow my network, chat with like minded entrepreneurs, and fight that feeling of isolation.

What advice would you have for others taking the leap?

If you are looking to leave a full-time job for a freelance lifestyle, lay a solid foundation so when you leave, you are not worried about where your next paycheck is coming from.

“No one is going to hustle for you, so do what you have to do to get on track for long-term success.”

Save up at least six months of living expenses, line up some core clients you can count on for regular work, and get on a budget to keep your living expenses from getting out of control.

Then, when you leave, get to work. No one is going to hustle for you, so do what you have to do to get on track for long-term success.

Where can we find you?

You can connect with me through my CloudPeeps Storefront!

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If you’d like to share your Freedom Creator story, follow the above question format then submit it to the publication for review. 👊