My Freelancing Journey: How I Blended My Side Gigs with Corporate America
Welcome!
This is the first post on my blog—part of my creative portfolio and a space where I’ll be sharing personal stories, lessons from freelancing and full-time work, and reflections on navigating a creative career in today’s world. I wanted to start by sharing how I got here—the winding, sometimes messy path that led me to where I am now, working in social media and design.
Where It All Began
Like a lot of freelancers, I grew up with a more “artistic” side. I loved drawing, painting, and trying new ways to express myself. In high school, I spent many hours up late into the night, bent over a sketchbook at my desk, dreaming of days I didn’t need to finish my AP History homework before I could do what I wanted—after being at school for eight hours. I didn’t realize then that, as an adult, the path to success isn’t always linear.
Choosing a Major (and a Direction)
When the time came to decide on a college major, I sent applications to business schools all over the West Coast. My two guiding principles were:
Staying on the West Coast to be closer to family
Getting as close as possible to a creative career without the guilt of “only having an arts degree”
(Which, in retrospect, didn’t matter—all degrees are valuable.)
“I’ll find a way to leverage it,” I told myself. “I can do whatever I want if I have a degree.”
But as I settled in at the University of Oregon, something still felt off. I wasn’t energized by my business courses. Finance and accounting felt like pulling teeth (ironic, considering I now work in the finance sector!). What did excite me were the introductory courses at the School of Journalism and Communication (SOJC), just down the street on campus.
Discovering the World of Creative Advertising
I remember leaving those classes feeling inspired—by the campaigns we studied, the energy of the ad world, and the guest speakers who shared their stories. They talked about working on sets, meeting celebrities, and creating award-winning cinematic pieces. It sounded glamorous and meaningful. I wanted in.
Still, I wasn’t ready to give up my business degree. Even though Business Calculus made me want to rip my hair out (and even with a sorority sister tutoring me), I wanted a degree that wouldn’t feel “too artsy” on a job application. So I met with a counselor to discuss double majoring.
Taking the Harder Route
At first, I was discouraged. Double majoring wasn’t common—it came with a heavy course load and little room to breathe. A minor wouldn’t give me access to the Art Direction courses I really wanted. So, I chose the harder path. Because it felt right. (And maybe a little out of spite, too.)
After taking summer classes, I was on track to graduate on time with both degrees. I entered my senior year ready to finish strong.
Graduation in a Global Pandemic
And then... March 2020 happened.
I was finishing up my final term when the pandemic hit. I split my time between my apartment in Eugene and my parents’ home, trying to complete senior projects while the world felt like it was crumbling. Job offers vanished. Internships were canceled. Everyone around me felt lost, and the effects of that “survival mode” still linger today.
No Job, Just Hustle
I didn’t have a job after graduation either. I moved back to Los Gatos, California, and picked up part-time jobs—one at a doggie daycare and another at a winery—while continuing to apply for marketing roles. I had already grown used to juggling multiple gigs in college, so transitioning into post-grad hustle mode felt almost natural.
Reconnecting with Social Media
Eventually, I landed more part-time work—this time in social media. I remember working from a tiny wine cellar on my lunch breaks, laptop open, writing copy and building graphics. Some projects were volunteer-based; others were for friends' family businesses.
What mattered most to me was the creative challenge and the chance to wear multiple hats. Social media felt like second nature—I grew up with it—and helping others navigate its rapid evolution gave my work purpose. My business background helped, too. I even started running my own freelance business.
A New Chapter in Portland
After a while, I was ready to leave my parents' house and try something new. Portland, Oregon had always been on my radar. I’ve lived in a few different states before, so picking up and moving wasn’t intimidating—it was exciting. I’ve always believed that you don’t truly know a place until you’ve lived there.
Now, as I write this, I’ve been in Portland for three and a half years. I’ve built a life here—filled with new friends, hobbies (yoga and painting again!), my cozy studio apartment stacked with books, and experiences in corporate America.
What Freelancing Taught Me
My freelance journey has been full of self-doubt and setbacks, especially right after graduation. But it became the window that opened when all other doors slammed shut. It’s not always glamorous, and it’s definitely not easy—especially when balancing it with a full-time job.
But it’s real. It’s mine. And it’s constantly evolving.
Looking Ahead
Freelancing has brought me clients whose missions I genuinely believe in. It’s helped me rediscover my creativity in unexpected places. And as I continue building my own brand, I’m carving out space for myself in this industry—on my own terms.
Thanks for reading! Follow along to see where it goes next.