03. when a door closes - dealing with rejection

05. cover letters - some points to consider

There's no one perfect way to write a cover letter, but there are some things that make a real difference — especially when you're trying to stand out on freelance platforms. In this episode, I'm sharing the tips that have helped me write better proposals over the years. These aren't hard rules, just things to consider and experiment with. Pick what works for you and make it your own. 🙂 Takeaways * You only have a few lines to catch a client's attention, so lead with something that matters. * Even without a portfolio, you can still land gigs by offering small test projects. * Showing genuine curiosity about a client's work can make you stand out more than listing your skills. * It's okay to be informal if the job post is casual, just mirror their tone naturally. * Confidence is important, but honesty matters more. Don't pretend to have skills you don't. * A simple invitation to hop on a call can build trust and set you apart from other freelancers. * Practicing your video call prep (like writing down questions and doing breathing exercises) can reduce nerves and make a great impression. Other Notes * Last I checked, your cover letters on Upwork can be previewed for up to 300 characters. That was a year or two ago. Now it's between 200 and 250 characters. * Profile Overview limits before the "Read More" link: * Desktop: up to ~613 characters, ~6 lines of text * Tablet: 969 characters, ~7 lines * Mobile: 202 characters, ~7 lines * Lines matter more than the number of characters. This includes the spaces between paragraphs. Rec list * Box breathing (for pre-call jitters) * Practice: Try creating a Google Doc with your go-to cover letter structure or template * Song: Coco Water by Wheein [https://open.spotify.com/track/2x188Ef07LuA8ZvvxieB32?si=86fd191e64c841a5] Credits * Hosted by Em * Audio Mastering by AJ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajrosal/] * Stock Media provided by GojiProduction / Pond5

04. productivity without burnout

In this episode, I'm offering a new lens on productivity — one that doesn't revolve around time blocks or planners, but instead focuses on managing your ⚡energy⚡. I share how I discovered my most productive hours (by accident), what happened when I worked with that instead of against it, and why listening to your body can be the most productive move you make. Takeaways * Traditional productivity tips are valid, but they're not everything. * Discovering when you naturally have the most energy can be a game changer. * Your energy shifts daily and across your cycle (for women), so it's okay to do less on low-energy days. * Pushing yourself constantly doesn't help. Working with your body does. * Self-awareness is the first step to managing your energy sustainably. Rec list * Try: Track when you have the most energy and adjust your workload around that window * The One Week Coffee Reset: [https://www.inc.com/jeff-haden/coffee-boosts-productivity-focus-learning-1-week-rule-research.html] Take a 1-week break from coffee each month to avoid dependence (and withdrawal headaches! 😓) Substitute with tea or simply lower your caffeine intake gradually Credits * Hosted by Em * Audio Mastering by AJ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajrosal/] * Stock Media provided by GojiProduction / Pond5

03. when a door closes - dealing with rejection

Let's talk about rejection. I'll take you back to 2014 when a job I really wanted didn't pan out… and how that led to my first long-term VA client. Takeaways * Rejection is normal. Not everyone will choose you, and that's okay.👌 * A "no" now doesn't mean "no" forever. * How you respond to rejection matters. * Being memorable isn't always about credentials; it's about connection. * Your first opportunities may not be your final destination, but they might lead you there. Rec list * Practice: Box breathing * Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a7uQXDkxEtM [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a7uQXDkxEtM] * Article: https://www.webmd.com/balance/what-is-box-breathing [https://www.webmd.com/balance/what-is-box-breathing] * and a reminder: Rejection isn't failure—it's often redirection. Credits * Hosted by Em * Audio Mastering by AJ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajrosal/] * Stock Media provided by GojiProduction / Pond5

02. getting started - there's no set path

You can't connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backward. - Steve Jobs In this episode, I'm sharing my freelancing story. Not because it's special, but because it's proof that there's no one path to getting started. From tutoring and data entry gigs to podcast content marketing and VA work, I figured things out one project at a time. I didn't need to figure out my niche from the get-go. It revealed itself to me as I explored the online workspace. If you're wondering how to begin, this episode might help you see that the best way to start… is just to start. 🙂 Send me "coffee"? 😊 https://ko-fi.com/norushfreelance [https://ko-fi.com/norushfreelance] Takeaways * There's no set path to freelancing — everyone starts somewhere. * You can begin by using the skills you already have. * It's okay to try things just for the experience or out of curiosity. * Don't let job descriptions scare you off. See unknown tasks as opportunities to learn. Rec list * Take inventory of your current skills and explore jobs that match * Song: Okinawa by 92914 [https://open.spotify.com/track/1rjRc6hukht9C9YY7r3vbn?si=178567d134d340c9] Credits * Hosted by Em * Audio Mastering by AJ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajrosal/]

01. welcome to calm and steady freelancing

Hi. I'm Em, and this is the No Rush Podcast. If you're a freelancer who's over the hustle culture, who dreams of having more space in your day and building a freelance career that doesn't feel like a never-ending sprint...then you're in the right place. It's all about sustainable freelancing here. We'll talk about growing a career at a pace that works for you, delivering great work without burning out, and of course, redefining success in a way that feels good. So if you're ready to trade the grind for something calmer and more intentional, subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts. Enjoy! Takeaways * Rushing often leads to unnecessary stress, and that stress sometimes shows up physically. * Your energy and priorities change as you get older, and how you work should adjust too. * This podcast offers an alternative to hustle culture, not a shortcut to six figures. * "No Rush" is more than a freelancing mindset — it's a lifestyle built on intention and calm. Rec list * Subscribe to the show on Spotify or your favorite podcast app * ig: @norushpodcast [https://www.instagram.com/norushpodcast] * blog: norushfreelance.com [app://obsidian.md/norushfreelance.com] Credits * Hosted by Em (@norushpodcast) * Audio Mastering by AJ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajrosal/]