So you want to start freelancing in 2026.

You’re overwhelmed.
AI is everywhere.
Everyone online claims they “found their niche at birth.”

Cool.

You’re exactly where I was three years ago.

Back then, freelancing felt confusing, intimidating, and honestly… noisy.
Now? Freelancing pays my bills and gave me something my 9-to-5 never could.

Freedom.

And for me, freelancing became the fastest exit plan from a job I hated.

My Not-So-Pretty Exit Story

I worked at an insurance company for eight years.

I learned a lot.
I built systems.
I learned sales and marketing.
I talked to real people about real struggles with money.

That part? I liked.

What I didn’t like was my boss.
That’s our little secret.

But worse than that, I hated the trade-offs.

The job was tiring.
Expensive.
Time-sucking.

I wasn’t just chasing a better paycheck.
I was a mom who wanted freedom.

So I started freelancing.

No, it wasn’t easy.
But it was worth it.

What Freelancing Actually Is in 2026

Freelancing in 2026 is not about selling hours.

It’s about:

• Solving problems

• Delivering outcomes

• Using AI to do it faster than the next person
  

Nobody is paying for your time.
They’re paying for results.

And about the big fear…

“What if AI takes my job?”

AI won’t take your job.
People who use AI better than you will.

So let’s fix that.

What You Actually Need to Start Freelancing

Let’s cut through the noise.

You do not need:

• A website

• 10k followers

• A niche-induced identity crisis

What you need is this:

1. One Skill People Pay For

Pick one:

• Copywriting

• Design

• Video editing

• Research

• AI or ChatGPT prompts

Learn it just enough to not suck.
That’s it.

2. One Simple Offer

Use this formula:

I help [who] do [what] using [how].

Example:

I help coaches repurpose podcast episodes into lead magnets using AI.

Clear beats clever every time.

3. One Proof of Work

It doesn’t have to be perfect.
It just has to be real.

• Help a friend’s coffee shop

• Create social media posts

• Manage content for a small business

Screenshot the work.
Ask for a testimonial.

That’s your proof.

4. One Way to Pitch

Clients don’t magically find you.

You have to reach out.

Your options:

• Cold DMs

• Short async video proposals

• Simple posts

You are the discovery.

How I Use AI as a Freelancer

AI is not cheating.
It’s leverage.

Here’s how I use it:

Faster Strategy and Content

I use ChatGPT and Gemini to:

• Brainstorm ideas

• Draft content

• Clean up offers
  

It’s like a second brain.
Just cheaper.

AI Video Editing

I record and edit my videos using Tella, a screen recorder and AI video editing tool that helps me move fast without overthinking edits.

If you want to try it, I’ve linked a 30% discount in the description.

Repurpose Everything

One case study can become:

• A tweet

• A blog post

• A client pitch

AI makes this scalable, even if you’re just one tired human.

How to Land Your First Client (If I Were Starting Today)

Here’s exactly what I’d do:

1. Pick one skill

2. Create one portfolio piece

3. Record a short Loom or Tella pitch

4. Send it to 10 people per day

5. Follow up like a normal human, not a spam robot
   

Freelancing isn’t a magical laptop lifestyle.

It’s solving one problem for one person.
Repeat.
Get better.
Get paid.

Build your freedom like it’s a job.

Because it is.

Your boss doesn’t own you anymore.

Let’s go.

🧰 Creator Tools Worth Knowing (and Using)

Get 30% off all Tella plans here

Get 20% off Dub here

Get Cal here

Learn more about CapCut here

Learn more about content creation here

Read full review here

Read full review here

Read full article here

These are the tools I genuinely use to run and grow my business. Whether you're building content, managing projects, or streamlining how people connect with you, this stack has been essential. A few include partner links with exclusive discounts.

1. Tella

Create polished screen recordings and video presentations quickly. Great for demos, tutorials, and sharing ideas with clarity.

2. CapCut

A free, intuitive video editor that’s surprisingly powerful. Ideal for both short-form content and more in-depth edits.

3. Dub

Perfect for startups looking to grow through affiliate programs. Set up, manage, and scale your affiliate strategy—get 20% off with my link.

4. Cal.com

Easy, free and customizable scheduling that integrates with your workflow. A professional way to make meetings seamless.

5. Notion

Your all-in-one workspace for notes, project management, documentation, and collaboration.

Get Notion here

Some links are affiliate partnerships, which means I may earn a commission if you choose to sign up. I only recommend tools I’ve tested and actually find valuable in my own work.