You're not "Only as Good as Your Last Job": how to rethink Freelancer Mindset

Fear is not a good motivator

As a freelancer with over 25 years of experience, I’ve heard the phrase "you are only as good as your last job" more times than I can count.

The intention behind this saying is often well-meaning: it’s supposed to inspire you to work hard, be courteous, and do everything in your power to ensure you get rehired. But for many, including myself, this saying did more harm than good.

Rather than serving as motivation, it often left me feeling fearful and inadequate. I found myself hiding problems and challenges that I really needed help with, but I was too afraid to ask. The fear of making mistakes, of not being perfect, can be paralyzing.

This fear keeps us from taking on greater responsibilities or reaching for higher positions because we worry that one misstep could define us. This cycle of fear and self-doubt is all too familiar.

Last week, during a talk I gave to a group of freelancers from my former industry, I shared a different perspective:

You are only as good as the opportunity you rise to.

Rise to the Challenge, Embrace Growth, and Build Confidence

Throughout my freelance career, I’ve made my share of mistakes—both in the work itself and in navigating the business side of freelancing.

But each mistake was a stepping stone, an opportunity to learn and grow, and most importantly, to build confidence to prepare me for the next phase.

Whenever a chance came to stretch myself beyond my comfort zone, I took it. I faced challenges that were far beyond my years and my immediate skill set, and it was these very challenges that shaped me into who I am today.

For instance, I learned to manage a large budget without any prior help or experience. I led a team of 26 artists, even though I had only managed teams of five or fewer before. I became a head of department without the guidance of many good mentors.

None of these experiences were easy. Was I scared? Absolutely. But every time I faced a challenge, I found a way to rise to it, and in doing so, I built my confidence piece by piece.

A word on confidence building

The truth is, confidence isn’t built by avoiding mistakes—it’s built by facing challenges, making mistakes, learning from them, and growing inner strength + deeply rooted self worth because of them. That is pretty much the definition of resilience.

When we avoid opportunities out of fear, we not only limit our career growth but also stifle our self-confidence. Every time we play it safe, we reinforce the idea that we’re not capable of more.

Let that land.

Every time we play it safe, we reinforce the idea that we’re not capable of more.

But when we push ourselves beyond what feels comfortable, we prove to ourselves that we can handle more than we thought, and our confidence grows. Even when the outcome is not our ideal preference.

The Value of Being Stretched and Vulnerable

My tough career experiences ( believe me, there were some big ones, I’ll share more another time, or follow me on Insta ) weren’t just about achieving professional milestones; they were about developing the self-assurance that now serves me well as a business owner.

The real growth came from pushing myself to be vulnerable, to take on responsibilities I wasn’t entirely sure I was ready for, and to ask questions and show initiative even when it felt uncomfortable.

Fear of making mistakes can hold us back from stepping into roles with greater responsibility. It can keep us from applying for that higher position or pitching that big client because we worry we might fail.

But every leader, every successful freelancer, has made mistakes. The difference is, they didn’t let those mistakes define them—they used them as opportunities to grow.

I’m not suggesting that you should take on jobs you’re not qualified for. But I do invite you to consider how you can create opportunities for growth within the roles you do take on. Rather than striving to simply be "good" at your job, challenge yourself to take on tasks that stretch your abilities. Allow yourself to be uncomfortable.

Leading Yourself to the Next Opportunity

I am all about the Self Leadership here. This mindset shift is how you lead yourself and distinguish yourself in your field. It’s not about being perfect in your last job or even your current one. It’s about positioning yourself for the next opportunity. Ask yourself, "How can I create an opportunity for growth here?" rather than "How can I be good enough to be rehired?"

The fear of making mistakes doesn’t just hold us back professionally—it holds us back personally. It keeps us in our comfort zones, where we feel safe but stagnant. I know it’s scary but if you have been to one of my talks - you know - THE CONFIDENCE DOESN’T MAKE THE FEAR GO AWAY!

But by embracing challenges, by stepping into roles that stretch us, we build the confidence and resilience needed to take on even greater opportunities.

So the next time you find yourself doubting your worth based on your last job, remember: it’s not about where you’ve been, but where you’re going.

And the only way to get there is by rising to the next opportunity, no matter how daunting it might seem.

If you’re a freelancer looking for clarity in your career path and want to build the confidence to take on bigger challenges, message me here.

Let’s explore how you can rise to your next opportunity and build the confidence to take your career to the next level.