Back in 2020, I had a stable data science job at a renowned bank in India. Many considered it a “dream job”—high salary, good benefits, and impressive to list on LinkedIn. What they didn’t see was how often I’d wake up anxious, how my creativity felt walled off, and how every day felt like I was “renting out” my life by the hour, utterly out of control.
I knew deep down I had to break free. But I didn’t want to just jump from one trap to another; I craved freedom. So, I began dabbling in freelancing—tentatively at first, then plunging in headfirst.
The First Client That Changed Everything #
During my initial weeks on Upwork, most of my proposals went unheard. Occasionally, I’d land small gigs, typically for a few dozen to a couple hundred dollars. Then, one day, I received a reply to a “high-end” proposal I had submitted earlier.
It was from a client in the US who was building a machine learning system to predict customer churn. We scheduled a call. He sounded calm, respectful, and surprisingly, very open to my ideas. We discussed the project scope, and then he asked for my quote.
My heart was pounding. My full-time job paid roughly $2,000 per month. I quoted him $2,500 for a three-week project, thinking, “Even if he negotiates, at least I’ll learn something.”
He didn’t bat an eye. He just said, “Sounds good, let’s get started.”
I remember staring at my computer screen, not knowing whether to laugh or cry. This single project, completed in just three weeks, was worth nearly a full month’s salary from my job.
Why Was It Easier Than My Full-Time Job? #
You might assume a high-paying freelance client would be more demanding, but this client was different. The work was less taxing for several reasons:
1. Results-Oriented, Not Time-Bound #
In my previous full-time role, even if I solved a massive problem in two hours, I still had to sit through a full eight-hour day. But for this client, as long as I delivered high-quality work on time, he didn’t care when or how I did it.
2. No Office Politics #
There were no endless progress reports, no passive-aggressive emails, and certainly no meetings just for the sake of having meetings. I didn’t have to justify every decision to three layers of management. My sole focus was delivering excellent work.
3. Creative Freedom #
He hired me for my ideas, not just my coding ability. I could confidently suggest new features, better models, or different technical approaches. The entire process felt like a collaboration, not just execution.
4. Respect #
Many freelancers fear being treated as disposable labor. This client was different. He respected my time, paid promptly, and even offered bonuses when I completed tasks ahead of schedule.
Let’s Break Down the Numbers #
To give you a clear picture, here’s a direct comparison of the figures.
Full-time job:
- Monthly salary: ~$2,000
- Monthly working hours: ~180 hours
- Hourly rate: ~$16.6/hour
Freelance client:
- Project fee: $2,500
- Total working hours: ~60 hours
- Hourly rate: ~$41.6/hour
Purely numerically, my hourly rate working for this client was 2.5 times higher than my full-time job.
But what’s truly exciting is that after the project ended, this client came back to me for more work. Within just three months, this single client alone brought in over $8,000—roughly three times my full-time salary.
The Emotional Return on Investment #
It wasn’t just about the money.
I stopped waking up with dread. I could take walks during weekdays. I had more time to think, read, and explore new ideas. I rediscovered that sense of curiosity, no longer just an efficient cog in a machine.
Perhaps the most surprising thing was: I actually started performing better. When your brain isn’t bogged down by meetings and micromanagement, you can truly engage in deep work.
What Made This Client Different? #
Since then, I’ve worked with many clients, but not all of them were like him. Looking back, his unique qualities primarily included:
- Clarity. He knew exactly what results he wanted.
- Communication. Regular check-ins, clear scope, and no sudden surprises.
- Trust in expertise. Once I proved my value, he empowered me to do my job.
How Can You Attract Such Clients? #
If you’re just starting your Upwork journey, or struggling to find good clients, my experience might help:
- Write customized proposals: Address their project in the first two lines of your proposal; cut the fluff.
- Showcase your work: Share your portfolio, GitHub links, or even record a Loom video explaining your past work.
- Price yourself right: Don’t sell yourself short. Truly reliable clients don’t mind paying for genuine talent.
- Learn to filter: Not every project is worth your time. Your time is your most valuable asset.
A Few Thoughts #
I won’t pretend freelancing is always easy. It has its troughs, unreliable clients, and lonely days. But sometimes, one good client is enough to remind you of your worth.
Today, I’ve built my own freelance business, which provides me with more money, time, and peace of mind than my old corporate job ever did. And it all started with that one client on Upwork who said, “Yes.”
So, if you’re standing on the edge of a cliff, hesitating whether it’s worth the leap—don’t be afraid, take the plunge. Your next big income might not come from a promotion or a raise. It might come from someone who sees your value, even if you haven’t realized it yet.
If these experiences have inspired you, I’ve put together a free proposal writing checklist and client “red flags” guide. You can message me on Instagram or check out my profile for access.
Want to Know How I Earned $25,000 With Precise Proposals and Client Strategies? #
If my journey resonates with you, I’ve compiled a detailed, 27-page digital PDF guide—exactly what I wished I had when I was starting out.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through:
- How to write successful proposals (even with zero reviews)
- Understanding key metrics that impact visibility
- How to evaluate a job and a client before applying
- My personal proposal template and client screening techniques
- How to ensure project success once you land the job
- Bonus: Two real proposals that helped me secure high-paying projects
Whether you’re just starting or looking to level up, this guide will provide you with clarity, actionable strategies, and peace of mind.