Self-Confidence, Self-Esteem and Your Freelance Writing Job Search

What ingredient is the most important to your freelance writing job search? Where do self-confidence and self-esteem fit into the mix, and are they the same thing?

I don’t see self-confidence and self-esteem as being the same thing at all. Self-confidence has to do with the image that other people see, and self-esteem is something that comes from within.

If you know that you will show up to do the work that you have been assigned and follow instructions properly, you are demonstrating self-confidence. Prospective clients will be drawn to people who demonstrate this trait. You will be successful in your job search by showing a person who is looking to hire a writer that you are hardworking and dependable.

Your self-esteem is something else entirely. It’s your internal dialogue, and has to do with how you see yourself. It doesn’t necessarily have to match how other people see you, either.

As long as you have enough self-confidence to keep putting yourself out there and talking to prospective clients, whether you are answering ads or making pitches, you can find freelance writing jobs. When you do so, your focus should be on solving the client’s problem and what you can do for them.

As you achieve success, your self-esteem may start to catch up with your self-confidence. You may start to see yourself in a more positive way, and you may decide that you like yourself a lot better than you thought you did.

You can start your freelance writing career from where you are right now on the self-esteem scale. When you are looking for work, the person reading your resume and reviewing your samples has no idea how you felt when you wrote them. Low self-esteem doesn’t have to hold you back on your freelance writing job search, as long as you can gather enough self-confidence to keep looking for work.

Do you separate self-confidence and self-esteem when you are looking for freelance writing jobs, or do you think they are the same thing?

Comments

7 responses
  1. Carol Avatar

    I never thought of them as two separate things…interesting idea! Maybe writers can fake it in the self-confidence department until they make it in true self-esteem.
    But it’s a shame people are so externally focused for positive strokes. Self-esteem is really about your relationship with you. No one else’s negative input should be able to shake it.

  2. Jodee Avatar

    Thank you for your thoughtful comment. They are definitely separate for me. I don’t let my self-esteem issues,which are private, interfere with doing my work to the best of my ability.

  3. Abundance Avatar

    As you have said, confidence & self esteem comes from learning: the more we open ourselves to learning, the better we get.It is unfortunate that most people find their confidence on the opinion of others.

  4. Stacey Avatar

    Wow, this was a really interesting article to read just because it’s how I lead my life! The world around me has no idea of my inner demons and are often very surprised when I reveal that I struggle with them. People see me as someone who is very determined and hardworking, which I know I am, but I don’t truly feel the inner confidence in myself all the while. It’s like what Carol said, I’m faking it! I have people fooled, haha. I know I’m not the only one struggling with this and I am glad that I at least have the drive to carry on and strive for great things despite low self esteem. Thanks for your article.

  5. Jodee Redmond Avatar
    Jodee Redmond

    @ Stacy: Glad you found the post interesting. 🙂

  6. Francie Avatar
    Francie

    Very interesting. High self esteem can definitely build confidence. But, like others have said, I have learned to appear confident, when sometimes in reality my self esteem is waning. So, you give a theory that practicing the appearance of self confidence, can build self esteem. It makes sense, although seems counter intuitive!

  7. Ajan Reginald Avatar

    Great blog to read and so informative blog that will help you anywhere in life

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