6 Tips Freelancers can Learn from Beggars

Living in South Africa, we come across beggars everyday of our lives. I classify beggars as people that constantly keep asking you for things; food, money, clothing etc. It doesn’t matter where in South Africa you go you will most likely see more than a 100 beggars a day, simply because we live in a poor country, but there is much to learn from these human beings. Freelancing can some what relate to these situations and you can actually learn something helpful by just looking at their lifestyles. Check out the tips below.

1. Making the most of every Situation.

Starting out as a freelancer could be hard work if you don’t have any money saved up or funding from a external source. You have to make the most of every situation you find yourself in to come out at the top. Beggars make cardboard houses if they don’t have a real roof over their heads for the night, they make the most out of every situation they find themselves in.

2. Working Hard.

Even though beggars don’t receive a lot of money, they work hard and never complain. They aren’t like us that kick up a storm if we don’t receive $20 of the outstanding amount. They are happy to receive a small amount for their hard work. ” I’m not saying you should leave outstanding invoices, I’m just making a point.”

3. Grateful for what they have.

Even though they don’t own a television, cable, cellphones, cars or any other expensive materialistic thing, they are grateful for what they have. Why is it that we are always complaining when we can’t get the latest and greatest? Are we ungrateful? I think we are spoiled. Growing up and getting everything you want is definitely not in your best interest. It may seem great, but when you actually have to work for yourself you aren’t grateful for what you have and always want something better. “Be grateful for what you have and don’t waste your money, think about the millions of beggars out there that don’t have anything.”

4. Beggars don’t give up.

It doesn’t matter how many times you tell them you don’t have money to give them or that you don’t want to buy a certain thing, they just carry on asking. Perhaps this is their Million Dollar marketing strategy, because it usually ends in me giving them money just to get them out of my face. If you are every struggling with a certain project don’t give up. Keep going at it, try to think differently and try new things. You will finish on top.

5. They do what it takes.

If it means sitting in the middle of the road with a board hanging around neck in the freezing cold to make enough money to buy food for their family tonight, they will do it. They do what ever it takes to get hold of money to survive. That is why they usually risk their lives to steal from people to get hold of cash. I am not saying freelancers should steal from people, I’m saying you should do whatever it takes to get to the top, but in a honest fashion of course.

6. Be Satisfied with Yourself.

I say this in a professional manner. Be satisfied with your work, don’t neglect your talent. Work hard and combine the above tips to become a great and happy freelancer. Beggars don’t complain about how they look or what they do. They just do it. Be satisfied with who you are. It’s always best coming across to someone with self confidence.