How to Overcome Freelance Job Rejections and Bounce Back Stronger
Hey there, fellow freelancers! If you've ever faced the gut-punch of a rejection in the competitive world of freelancing, you're not alone. Rejections can sting, but here's the good news – it's not the end of the road. In fact, it might just be the nudge you need to propel yourself to new heights. So, let's talk about how to turn those setbacks into comebacks and emerge even stronger in your freelancing journey.
Rejection is a fact of life. Learning how to deal with rejection in a healthy fashion is a valuable life skill you can use in all facets of your life.
8 Common phases of rejection
Freelancing is a journey filled with highs and lows, and one inevitable aspect of this roller coaster ride is facing rejection. Whether it's a project proposal, a job application, or a pitch, rejection is a bitter pill that every freelancer must swallow at some point. We'll explore the emotional phases that freelancers commonly experience when dealing with job rejection.
1) Shock or Disbelief:
The journey begins with a jolt. You refresh your inbox, eagerly awaiting a positive response, only to be met with the stark reality of rejection. Initially, there's a sense of shock or disbelief. Your mind struggles to process the information, and you might find yourself questioning whether it's really happening.
2) Denial:
Initial disbelief and the sense that there must be some mistake or misunderstanding. The person experiencing rejection may feel that they deserve the other person's regard and respect.
3) Anger or Frustration:
Once the denial phase passes, the individual may move on to feeling angry. This anger may arise from the realization that the rejection is not a misunderstanding, and the person rejecting them is not recognizing the error of their ways.
4) Bargaining:
In this phase, there is a tendency to think that the rejection occurred due to a faulty assumption or a lack of information. The person may believe that if they can just talk to the rejecting party, they can win them over. It's crucial to give the other person space during this phase.
5) Depression:
Rejection brings a mix of emotions, including sadness, embarrassment, confusion, and hurt. The person's self-confidence takes a hit, leading to feelings of depression. Self-care becomes essential during this phase, and addressing the emotions driving the depression is important.
6) Reflection and Self-Blame:
As the dust settles, reflection and self-blame take center stage. Freelancers may dissect the rejection, analyzing their role in it. This phase involves self-criticism, questioning one's abilities, and contemplating what could have been done differently.
7) Acceptance:
After navigating through the emotions, the person reaches a point of acceptance. They may recognize that the rejection happened for reasons beyond their control or due to a lack of compatibility. This phase involves learning and growth from the experience, even if the full understanding of the rejection may never be achieved.
8) Learning and Growth:
After acceptance, freelancers find ways to learn from the rejection and foster personal growth. This might involve gaining new insights, adjusting goals, or developing resilience for future challenges. Every rejection becomes a stepping stone towards becoming a more resilient and accomplished freelancer.
How to Deal with Overcoming Job Rejections
Starting a freelance business is an exhilarating venture that offers unparalleled freedom and the potential for immense success. Rejection in freelancing journey is an inevitable part of life and It can be disheartening. Here, You will explore effective strategies for navigating job search rejections and transforming disappointment into determination.
Maintain a Positive Mindset
Freelancing is a rollercoaster ride filled with unexpected twists and turns. Rejection may feel like a daunting loop, but it's merely a part of the thrilling journey. It's crucial to remember that rejection doesn't define your worth. Instead, treat it as a detour leading you to your next big win. So, brush off that rejection dust and keep rolling forward.
Seek Feedback
Decoding rejection emails can be a perplexing task, but seeking feedback is your secret decoder ring. Don't shy away from asking clients for insights into why your application fell short. Consider this feedback as a valuable tool, providing you with the necessary information to level up in the freelancing game.
Analyze and Learn
Think of rejection as your personal freelance boot camp. Take time to reflect on your pitch, portfolio, and communication. What strategies worked, and what didn't? Embrace this learning curve as an opportunity to refine your approach. The lessons learned will serve as ammunition for your next pitch.
Strategies for Bouncing Back
Diversify Your Skills
In the expansive realm of freelancing, versatility is your secret weapon. If you've primarily offered writing services, consider branching out. Learn graphic design, social media management, or coding – whatever complements your existing skills. A diversified skill set not only opens new avenues for work but positions you as an invaluable asset in the gig economy.
Network and Build Relationships
Freelancing isn't a solitary endeavor – it's a networking event. Attend industry events, both physical and virtual, and engage in online communities. Building genuine relationships within your niche not only expands your professional circle but can also turn rejected opportunities into referral goldmines.
Optimize Your Portfolio and Resume
Your freelance portfolio is your superhero cape, and it should be kept polished and up-to-date. Showcase your best work, and tailor your portfolio for each job application. Craft compelling case studies, complete with visuals, to provide potential clients with a tangible representation of your skills and accomplishments.
Set Realistic Goals
Freelancing is a marathon, not a sprint. Break down your grand vision into achievable goals. Set milestones like securing a specific number of clients, increasing your income by a defined percentage, or mastering a new skill within a certain timeframe. Celebrate each small victory, and remember, the path to success is paved with achievable milestones.
Dealing with the Sting of Rejection
Allow Yourself to Feel
Rejection is an emotional sting that warrants acknowledgment. Allow yourself the time and space to feel the disappointment. Indulge in some comfort food, vent to a friend, but then pivot towards a proactive mindset. Feeling the rejection is a crucial step in the healing process.
Avoid Personalization
Resist the urge to internalize rejection. It's not a commentary on your worth; it's an indication that a particular opportunity wasn't the right fit. Rather than dwelling on personal inadequacy, focus on finding projects that align with your skills and goals.
Gain Perspective
Zoom out and see the big picture. Rejection is a plot twist, not the conclusion of your story. Take a breath, reassess, and view the rejection as a temporary setback on your overall freelancing journey. Understanding that rejection is just one chapter in a much larger narrative provides the perspective needed to navigate the twists and turns of freelancing.
Don't Ruminate
Overthinking rejection is akin to searching for hidden meanings in a text – it's unproductive. Set a time limit for dwelling on the rejection, and consciously shift your focus to what you can control and the opportunities that lie ahead.
Learn and Grow
Rejection is not a roadblock; it's a detour to personal and professional growth. Dissect the rejection, understand the specific reasons provided (if any), and use it as a roadmap for self-improvement. Invest in continuous learning, enroll in courses, attend workshops, and stay updated on industry trends.
Explore New Opportunities
The freelance landscape is vast and ever-evolving. If one door closes, explore new niches, platforms, or project types. Networking with professionals from different fields can open doors to exciting collaborations and broaden your skill set. Embrace the unknown, and you might discover hidden gems in unexpected places.
Give Yourself Time
Healing takes time, and that's perfectly okay. Prioritize self-care, give yourself the space needed to recover emotionally, and reflect on your freelancing journey. Celebrate your successes, acknowledge your resilience, and remember that with time, you'll emerge more resilient, focused, and ready for the next exciting freelancing adventure.
Conclusion
In the rollercoaster of freelancing, rejection is just one thrilling loop. The key is to hold on, enjoy the ride, and come out on the other side stronger, wiser, and ready for whatever the freelancing world throws your way. Every rejection is a stepping stone to your next big win. By adopting a resilient mindset, learning from setbacks, and embracing the opportunities hidden in rejection, you'll not only overcome challenges but also thrive in the dynamic world of freelancing. Keep rolling forward, and may your freelancing journey be filled with triumphs and continuous growth. Onward and upward! Happy freelancing!
Last Modified: Jan 8, 2024