I have a hard time spending money on my own professional development, even when I know it could lead to higher-paying work. It's a mental block I need to get over.

Business & Financial Management for Contractors
1

Been facing this struggle for a while. There’s a course I believe could help attract better clients, but I tense up right before buying it.

Freelance income can feel shaky, making it tough to rationalize spending when my next gig isn’t set in stone.

2

The fear’s totally real, but I flipped how I think about it. Don’t see it as spending money you don’t have - think of it like buying tools for work.

Here’s how I decide:

  • Set a learning budget - Even $50/month kills the guilt
  • Do the math - If a course helps you charge $10 more per hour, how long till it pays for itself?
  • Start small - Find a cheaper version or free content to test it first

I used to think I couldn’t afford courses. Turns out I couldn’t afford NOT taking them. The clients I got after learning new skills paid for everything and then some.

Your income feels shaky, but staying put won’t fix that. Sometimes you’ve got to spend a little to make a lot more.

3

Just grab one cheap course and see how it goes. Sometimes you need to take a small risk first.

4

I just ask around before buying any courses.

5

I treat it like any business expense. If I need new tools or truck repairs, I don’t hesitate because they help me earn. Learning is no different.

Only invest in courses that align with the jobs you want. Avoid the random stuff. When clients request skills you lack, take that as a hint.

I have a separate business account where I set aside money each month. This approach makes it easier to spend on learning since it comes from investment funds, not my personal budget.

6

I totally get this. Used to freeze up buying anything over $100.

What clicked for me was tracking what I actually earned from skills I had. One client paid me 40% more just because I knew specific software. Made me realize - money spent learning usually pays back fast.

I treat it like any business expense now. Course costs $300 but might land me one $1000 project? Easy decision. Still get that gut punch sometimes though.

Timing helps - I buy courses right after getting paid when money feels less precious. Also started small with $30 courses instead of $500 ones to build confidence.

Your freelance income feels shaky, but staying at the same skill level keeps it shaky forever. Learning something new gives you a real shot at breaking that cycle.

7

I see it as a business expense. A $200 course that gets me one good project pays for itself.

I only invest in courses if I have a specific client or project needing those skills. Learning random stuff without a plan is just wasting money.

What I invest in now helps me earn more later.