“‘You didn’t come this far to only come this far’. This line has stayed with me for a while.

Let’s go back 14 years to 2008 to find out why. I was out of school and deciding my future(read: college). Having clarity of what I wanted to pursue in life was a far-off dream. I was the first person in my family to even attend college. So, a chance to study itself was a blessing.

Becoming a doctor or engineer were only two well-perceived options. I chose the latter. It was during my college years that I discovered my love for writing. I used to write for college magazines. I enjoyed the process and always wanted to write better than the last one. It was the first time I felt I wanted to do something in the writing field, but writing wasn’t even considered a feasible career option back then. So that dream took a backseat.

I chose to venture into the corporate world after my graduation in 2012. Luckily, I landed a job as a software developer at TCS through campus placements. In my corporate stint of 8 years, I changed jobs, worked in many roles, and even worked in the most in-demand cloud technologies. But I never felt the itch again—the itch to do better. 
 
Soon, I realized I lacked ambition. Though I liked my jobs, I didn’t specifically aspire for growth and success. At that time, the first thought that came to my mind was my hunger to excel in writing. So I took a leap of faith and started my side hustle as a content writer. 

When I started freelancing in 2021, it was a whole new world, and I was fresher again.

Yes, I had many doubts and fears.

What if this doesn’t work out?
What if I don’t like freelancing?

But the best way to find answers was by doing it, and I did move forward. Managing a full-time job and a side hustle was tough in the initial stage. If I turn back and ask how I did it? I think it was that itch. Within six months, I knew I wanted to do this full-time.

Looking at my journey, I really think I am living up to the quote, ‘You didn’t come this far to only come this far.”

I don’t want to sell freelancing.

No, it’s not a dream life for everyone.

Yes, you become your own boss, but then you cannot change this boss 😛

Nope, I never worked on the beach despite living near the beach.

My win is the new-found(and retained) joy of learning something new and the zeal to get better every day. When I feel happy waking up and looking forward to work, it’s the small things for me.

I stay away from giving advice, but I was specifically asked what I would say to someone who wants to start freelancing. I’ll say, just start. Some things you learn by doing. When you get on the field every day, you figure out the game slowly.”

Shweta Choudhary is #7 of our #100careertransitionstories