L&D for Freelancers - How do we Start?

As a freelancer, do you find it difficult to keep track of the latest developments in tech tools and the space you are working in? 

In the last two decades, the world has undeniably moved faster than ever. These days, AI-powered changes have unfortunately made these changes come even faster. In my life as a freelancer, I always find it difficult keep track of the next thing. Just when I thought I knew what to do with ChatGPT, I'm told I'm lagging behind because I do not know what is OpenClaw. 

While we cannot stop or slow down the changes, we can deal with it without feeling overwhelmed. One key ingredient is to make Learning and Development (L&D) a part of your journey as a freelancer. It is not true that we do not learn as freelancers. In fact, if the need arises, we will learn what is needed to fulfill our assignments. However, what having a clear L&D mandate does for us is that our learning is very intentional and calculated, aligned with what we hope to achieve in the short to longer term. It is important to learn about new things, but it is not imperative to rush through learning everything and anything without knowing what learning something would do for us. It might even be a wasted effort, or if used unsuitably, undoes the good work we might originally already be capable of. 

To start having a systematic L&D plan as a freelancer, here are some key questions you can ask yourself:

- In the next 1 year, what must I achieve to feel that my freelancing is successful?

- What knowledge, skills and attitudes do I think I need to bring me towards that achievement?

- What knowledge, skills and attitudes am I currently lacking that will prevent me from getting that achievement?

After asking yourself this question, the next step is to systematically plan out a way to acquire these knowledge, skills and/or attitudes. As freelancers, every next job is important so we often spend more time trying to do outreach work. However, when you consider the eventual compounding interest that your learning can bring you, you would be more likely to devote time towards this learning plan of yours. 

Connverge helps professionals, freelancers and startups find L&D solutions to their business problems. If a conversation on L&D can be of help to you, feel free to reach out and let's have a chat!