Feeling stuck in my skill set lately. Wondering how other freelancers allocate funds for courses or workshops. It’s tough to justify the expense sometimes, but I know it’s important for staying competitive.
Do you have a set percentage of income you put aside? Or do you just wing it when something interesting comes up?
I don’t set aside a specific amount, but I do keep an eye out for learning opportunities.
When business is good, I’ll invest in a course or two. Last year, I took an online marketing class that really helped boost my social media presence.
Sometimes I’ll grab a cheap Udemy course if it’s on sale and looks useful. Those $10-$20 courses can be hit or miss, but when they’re good, they’re worth way more than the price.
I also network with other business owners in my area. We sometimes split the cost of bringing in a expert for a workshop. It’s a great way to learn and make connections at the same time.
The key is to see it as an investment, not just an expense. If a $500 course helps me land even one new client, it’s paid for itself.
Education? Nah I just learn on the job mostly.
Watching YouTube videos sometimes helps with new stuff.
I set aside a small chunk of each invoice for learning. Not a fixed percentage, just what I can spare.
Free stuff first: YouTube, blogs, open-source projects. They often teach you plenty.
If I need a paid course, I make sure it’ll boost my earnings right away. No point spending money on skills I can’t use or sell immediately.
I feel you on the struggle to justify education costs. Here’s what’s worked for me:
I’ve found some killer free webinars and podcasts that have seriously upped my game. When I do spend money, I focus on skills that’ll directly boost my income.
Last year, I invested in a pricey UX design course. Scary at the time, but it let me charge way more for my web projects. Totally worth it in the end.
Don’t forget about tax deductions for professional development. That can take some of the sting out of the costs.
Bottom line: treat learning as part of your business strategy, not just an extra expense.
Don’t overthink it. I just tack on a percentage to my rates to cover overhead, including learning new stuff.
When I need to pick up a skill for a job, I figure out the cheapest way to learn it fast. Usually that’s YouTube or asking another contractor I know.
If I do shell out for a course, it’s because I know I can use it to make more money right away. No point learning stuff that won’t pay off.
Remember, your time is money too. Sometimes it’s better to just get to work instead of spending days in a class.
I don’t really budget for that stuff. Sometimes I’ll watch a video if I need to figure something out for a job. Mostly I just learn as I go, you know?