Hands-on expertise makes one into real freelancer

Sajib Roy is a corporate employee and freelancer. He tells his story to The Business Post’s Rifat Islam on what idea he had about freelancing, his beginning, ups and downs, and future plans. 

The Business Post: How did you get into freelancing and what platforms did you use?

Sajib Roy: My childhood was devoid of modern amenities as the village I was born in Satkhira got connected to the national power grid in 2019, just two years ago. My exposure to electronic devices was in 2012 after I completed my high school.

After moving to Dhaka, I noticed that one of my roommates, who was senior to me, was earning in dollars by working from his computer. At that time, I had no idea what freelancing was.

Later, I came to know from a friend that special freelancing training was being offered by the Bangladesh government. I joined a month-long training session, which was four hours a day.

During this training, I was not 100 per cent sure that I will work in this industry. I started working after finishing the training properly.

I used to work in a group at the beginning. Two or three months after starting freelancing, I went to Delhi to study on a scholarship. Then, I started my YouTube and blogging career.

My expertise is now on Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and digital marketing.

TBP: Your educational background and how you become proficient in this sector?

SR: I have completed my graduation in Computer Science and Engineering Technology at Kurukshetra University, India.

I love my freelance work and remain committed to it. I have been in constant push for improving myself and my work. I have been doing various online courses for skill development. Till now, I have 15+ premium courses in my account.

I was the merely a blogger and YouTuber in my department, so most of my friends and teachers in the department used to call me ‘Blogger Roy’.

TBP: How much do you earn per month?

SR: I currently work in a corporate office in a salaried position. I also manage projects of my long-standing clients as well. I earn between $700 and $1,000 through freelancing.

TBP: Which areas do offer higher income to freelancers?

SR: The amount of income depends on work efficiency. On the face of it, there are ample opportunities to earn from all sectors but there are some special areas from where one can earn a lot.

However, I think digital marketing is the most lucrative of all because it’s an ongoing process. If the client has a business, then that entity will need digital marketing.

TBP: What kind of problems do you face when it comes to freelancing?

SR: From my point of view, freelancers mainly face three types of troubles. Primarily they land in frustration once they fail to hook a customer because he is still in the stage of learning or internalising what the fresher has academically learned. Some frustration will always be there whether you succeed in future or not.

Secondly, family issues need to be considered as some people do not consider freelancing as a real profession and believe that freelancing does not provide job security. Lastly, many in the society believe you are just addicted to the virtual world.

TBP: Who are the main competitors for Bangladeshi freelancers?

SR: Indians pose main challenge for Bangladeshi freelancers. Then come the Filipinos, Pakistanis, Sri Lankans freelancers along with other Asian nations.

TBP: What would your advice be for new freelancers?

SR: My advice for aspiring freelancers would be to join this sector only if you are passionate about it and dedicated. You should not come into this profession with the intention of just earning money.

One must be committed to work with the utmost honesty to be successful. In the long run, it is not possible for one to survive on the marketplace without ensuring transparency with their work.

TBP: What are your expectations from the government in flourishing this sector further?

SR: I do not want to make any demand to the government because the government has already taken various development projects to upgrade this sector. I just pray that the projects are being implemented properly.

TBP: Where do you want to be in ten years?

SR: In the next 10 years, I want to start an organisation of my own with young people from my village. I have already started online sessions for some youngsters from my village and I will soon start working with them.