My First Year as a Freelancer: Mental Health Struggles and Changes in How I Work
In my first year as a freelancer, I was truly pushed to my mental limits.
The reason was the long-term course service I was offering.
This service involved providing interview preparation, resume editing, and self-analysis support for aspiring cabin crew members over a period of six months to a year.
However, the reality was much harsher than I had imagined.
Why I felt forced to offer long-term courses
The world of cabin crew recruitment is said to have a competition ratio of 200 to 1.
No matter how hard one tries, the result is often beyond the individual's control.
In other words, it is a world where effort does not always guarantee success.
In that environment, providing long-term support placed a heavy burden on both me and my students.
The pressure to 'change the student's life within these six months to a year' became too intense, weighing heavily on my mental health.
Looking back, this structure is not unique to the cabin crew industry; it is the same in fields like acting auditions or any business where results are left to the judgment of a third party.
The first step of change: Changing the delivery method
So, I stopped the long-term courses andswitched to monthly support.
By engaging on a month-by-month basis, both I and my students were able to establish clear boundaries.
'I can't make it this month, so I want to take a break' (from the student's side)
'I tried it, but it doesn't feel right, so I'll keep some distance'
This kind of flexible engagement became possible, and my mental burden was lightened.
The second step of change: Changing the field of battle
Furthermore, I re-evaluated the field where I could best utilize my strengths.
Until then, I had been fixated on cabin crew aspirants, which, as mentioned, is an extremely tough industry.
So, I shifted my target tocareer support for foreigners who want to work in Japan.
Moving away from a world of high competition and uncertain results
to a world where I can engage with people who can better leverage my strengths
Because of this, I found it easier to feel a sense of purpose and achieve results.
I realized that even if the service—career support—remains the same, simply changing the target audience and the way it is provided can make working so much easier.
My lesson: The 'right answer' is different for everyone
Honestly, at first, I was convinced that I 'had to offer long-term, high-priced courses.'
But that was just the 'right answer' found in business books and general theory; it wasnot the right answer for me.
Everyone has their own way of working and providing value that suits them.
I am still exploring this myself.
However, I believe that by thinking flexibly and changing the field or structure in which you operate, you can create a better environment both mentally and in terms of results.
Summary
Long-term, high-priced courses are not always the right answer
Simply changing how you provide services or who you target can change how easy it is to work and how rewarding it feels
The right answer is different for everyone; it is important to find the form that suits you
Looking back now, the difficult times I had as a freelancer were a valuable experience for re-evaluating how I work.
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