Episode 59: From Side Hustle to Steady Work: Proven Strategies to Attract and Keep Freelance Clients

Episode 59: From Side Hustle to Steady Work: Proven Strategies to Attract and Keep Freelance ClientsIf you’ve ever wondered “Where do clients actually come from?” – we’re breaking it down for you. Whether you’re freelancing, consulting, building a service-based business, or exploring a portfolio career, this guide helps you understand how people really find and hire you.You’ll learn what actually works to attract clients (and what doesn’t), how to build relationships that lead to paid work, and the simple systems that make it easier to generate consistent opportunities. Jenn walks through approachable, real-world steps like sending an introductory email, hosting or joining workshops, tapping into referrals, showing up in aligned communities, and creating a supportive professional ecosystem.This episode is about clarity, confidence, and finding a sustainable way to grow your client base without relying on complicated funnels, constant posting, or high-pressure sales tactics.Episode HighlightsHow freelancers actually find clients — the real sources that work in 2025Why referrals outperform websites, social media, and traditional marketingThe simple email script that can kickstart your freelance or consulting pipelineHow to use workshops, communities, and “other people’s audiences” to get discoveredTurning past employers, colleagues, and friends into paying clientsWhat to say when talking about your services so people actually understand and hire youWhy building a portfolio career requires consistent relationship-building, not sales tacticsThe essential systems every freelancer needs: a simple CRM and data-driven habitsEpisode Timestamps00:00 — Freelance Market Trends: Why More People Are Exploring Independent Work(search terms: freelance market trends, independent workers, job market shifts)03:12 — Career Support Opportunities: Retreats, Coaching Bundles & Community Resources(search terms: career coaching, professional development retreats, job search community, career resources)08:07 — Finding Your First Clients: How Service Providers Get Hired(search terms: find your first clients, client acquisition, service providers)11:06 — Referral Strategies That Actually Work for Freelancers and Consultants(search terms: referral strategies, freelance referrals, consulting clients)12:18 — Audience-Building 101: Using Networks, Workshops & Community Visibility(search terms: audience building, professional network growth, workshops, visibility)16:33 — Industry Peers as Partners: Tapping Into Collaborative Networks(search terms: collaborative networks, partnership marketing, freelance networking)20:04 — Turning Past Employers Into Clients (and Pitching Project-Based Work)(search terms: turn employer into client, project-based work, fractional roles)26:48 — Systems That Support Growth: Simple CRMs & Tracking What Matters(search terms: freelance CRM, business systems, client tracking tools)Resources and LinksRevive Your Career Session or BundleWork Wonders Careers Job Search CommunityConnect with Jenn on LinkedInSacred Structures: A Retreat Day for the Capricorn New MoonEpisode 56: How to Create Income Without a Corporate Job: Portfolio Careers, Self Employment and Other Ways to Make $$Episode 57: What to Do When Your Industry Is in Crisis: Resume Strategies and Job Search Tips to Help You Pivot Careers in a Tough MarketCreditsPodcast editing by Vienna DeGiacomo, Good Story Branding

Episode 58: Job Hugging?!: Your Guide to Staying Put on Purpose in a Tight MarketWhat does it mean to job hug, and when is it actually the right move for you? In this episode of Careers at the End of the World, host Jenn Walker Wall breaks down why so many professionals are choosing to stay put right now and how to make that an intentional, strategic choice. From defining your “why” to setting benchmarks, upskilling, or running a quiet passive job search, Jenn shares practical ways to protect your options, strengthen your skills, and create structure in uncertain times. Because sometimes, a good-enough job in a not-so-great market is exactly the kind of stability you need while you plan your next move.She also introduces the Revive Sessions, new one-on-one strategy offerings from Work Wonders Careers with flexible pricing and a “take it if you need it” discount for those navigating career uncertainty.Episode HighlightsWhat “job hugging” means and why it’s becoming more commonHow to make staying in your job an active decision, not a passive defaultThe risks and rewards of staying put during an unstable job marketWhy a good-enough job can be a great job in a not-so-great marketSimple ways to start a passive job search without burning outWhy upskilling, stretch projects, and small freelance tests build future stabilityHow to check in with your personal risk tolerance and set career benchmarksA look at the new REVIVE Sessions and how they support short-term strategy workEpisode Timestamps00:00 – Welcome and community updates: navigating work in uncertain times01:36 – Revive Sessions explained: new short-term coaching and career support04:52 – What is job hugging? Why professionals are staying put in 2025’s job market09:49 – The pull of stability: routine, pay, and remote flexibility in a volatile economy13:30 – Job hugging risks: stagnation, burnout, and lost career momentum15:53 – Career growth from where you are: upskilling, reskilling, and passive job search tactics19:01 – Diversify your income: freelance, consulting, and portfolio career strategies21:27 – Jenn’s personal pivot: embracing change and building sustainable successResources and LinksRevive Your Career Session or BundleEpisode 56: How to Create Income Without a Corporate Job: Portfolio Careers, Self Employment and Other Ways to Make $$Episode 57: What to Do When Your Industry Is in Crisis: Resume Strategies and Job Search Tips to Help You Pivot Careers in a Tough MarketWork Wonders Careers Job Search CommunityConnect with Jenn on LinkedInCreditsPodcast editing by Vienna DeGiacomo, Good Story Branding

If your industry has been hit hard by cuts and layoffs, how do you adapt your career and stand out in a competitive job market? In this episode of Careers at the End of the World, host Jenn Walker Wall shares practical strategies for making a career pivot and finding opportunities beyond your current industry. From adjusting your resume to look more industry agnostic, to tailoring your job search for new fields, Jenn offers clear, actionable resume strategies and job search tips that help you stay competitive. Instead of vague advice, she provides grounded tactics to help you create possibilities, highlight transferable skills, and keep your career moving forward in a tough market.Episode HighlightsPractical career pivot strategies for professionals navigating layoffs and industry upheaval.How to create an industry-agnostic resume that highlights transferable skills across fields.Tactics to stand out when switching industries in today’s competitive job market.Why adjusting your resume language is essential for opening new opportunities.How to identify and pursue career paths beyond your current industry.Episode Timestamps00:21 – Why career pivots feel harder in today’s job market01:48 – Rethinking pivots: from 180-degree changes to smaller shifts04:22 – Pivot #1: Changing the structure of your work (consulting, freelancing, contracts)06:00 – Pivot #2: Making an industry change with an industry-agnostic resume09:17 – Pivot #3: Adjusting transferable skills for roles impacted by cuts (DEI, HR, recruiting)11:59 – Why precision in your resume, LinkedIn, and networking is critical right now13:00 – Pivot #4: Location pivots and why onsite or hybrid roles may create more opportunities15:47 – How to avoid burnout in a long searchResources and LinksEpisode 56: How to Create Income Without a Corporate Job: Portfolio Careers, Self Employment and Other Ways to Make $$Episode 27: Through Lines, Hinges, and Sponges: Resume Advice You Won't Get Anywhere ElseEpisode 55: How to Make a Hard Job Search Easier in 2025Career Alchemy for Death, Loss and Rebirth Retreat Night Workshop: October 28, 2025 7:00pm ET. Revive Your Job Search Workshop: September 30th (tickets $47 or free for community members)Work Wonders Careers Job Search CommunityCreditsPodcast editing by Vienna DeGiacomo, Good Story Branding

Episode 56: How to Create Income Without a Corporate Job: Portfolio Careers, Self Employment and Other Ways to Make $$If you’re stuck in a slow job market or waiting for the right role to come through, how do you keep your bills paid and your career moving? In this episode of Careers at the End of the World, host Jenn Walker Wall explores practical ways to make money without a traditional 9-5 job. Whether you’re between roles or looking to diversify your income, Jenn breaks down the options from portfolio careers and freelancing to contract work and side hustles. Instead of chasing quick fixes, she offers grounded strategies for generating income, building momentum, and staying engaged while the job market recovers.Episode HighlightsHow to differentiate freelance vs. contract work and decide which path makes sense during a job search.The role of fractional and interim leadership jobs in bridging employment gaps.Why ecosystem building and networking for referrals is critical when starting self-employment.Tips for launching a low-barrier side hustle or pilot project without overthinking or overspending.Why creating income outside a corporate job can help prevent career burnout and provide more flexibility.Episode Timestamps02:30 – Why today’s job market is so unpredictable07:10 – What is a portfolio career? (with examples)13:45 – The rise of contract and fractional work19:20 – Turning rejection into a freelance or consulting opportunity24:15 – Easy side hustles that actually pay (including pet sitting and adjunct teaching)28:40 – How to talk about freelance or contract work on your resumeResources and LinksRevive Your Job Search Workshop: September 30th (tickets $47 or free for community members)How to Job Search at the End of the World (On Demand): free with discount code “CAREERSATTHEEND” until September 25thWork Wonders Careers Job Search CommunitySCORE Mentorship Program CreditsPodcast editing by Vienna DeGiacomo, Good Story BrandingCreditsPodcast editing by Vienna DeGiacomo, Good Story Branding

Episode 55: How to Make a Hard Job Search Easier in 2025In this episode of 'Careers at the End of the World,' host Jenn Walker Wall provides tips and strategies to make the challenging job search process and market a little easier to navigate. Drawing from extensive observations of various job search patterns, she shares practical advice and emphasizes the importance of customizing resumes and interview strategies, considering freelance or contract work for long-term unemployed individuals, and establishing a balanced job search routine. Additionally, Jenn highlights new offerings and services from Work Wonders Careers and announces the podcast's summer hiatus, inviting listeners to explore the archive and stay tuned for upcoming content.Episodes and Resources:Our job search community is now enrolling >>>You can now purchase How to Job Search at the End of the WorldEpisode 46: Navigating a Long Job Search (Interview with Corey!)03:39 The Timing of Applications04:29 Being a well qualified applicant05:56 Applying with Intention and Integrity07:33 Tailoring Your Approach Throughout the Hiring Process08:15 Considering Freelancing and Contract Work11:02 Managing Your Job Search RoutineCreditsPodcast editing by Vienna DeGiacomo, Good Story Branding

Episode 54: How to Use Your Resume in 2025: Getting Traction By Applying Cold OnlineIn this episode of 'Careers at the End of the World', Jenn Walker Wall, founder of Work Wonders Careers, discusses strategies for making resumes work effectively in 2025. She emphasizes the importance of having a strategic, tailored resume, despite the challenges presented by a tight and competitive job market. Jenn offers tips on how to leverage your resume to stand out as a strong candidate, addresses common misconceptions about resumes and qualifications, and encourages proactive networking. Episodes and Resources Mentioned:Resonate: our resume writing servicesJob Search Community: now enrolling!Episode 26: Are You Qualified for That JobEpisode 27: Throughlines, Hinges, and SpongesEpisode 28: "Do I need multiple versions of my resume?"00:45 The Importance of a Strategic Resume04:38 "Manipulating" Your Resume for Success10:50 Tailoring Your Resume to Job Postings22:01 Networking and Visibility in Job SearchCreditsPodcast editing by Vienna DeGiacomo, Good Story Branding

Episode 53: Regret Is a Detour, Not a Dead End: How to Transform Past Decisions into Future MomentumCareer regret is something few of us talk about openly - but nearly all of us carry.In this episode of Careers at the End of the World, we're diving deep into how to transform career regret into redirection, clarity, and renewed confidence. Whether you're navigating a career transition, trying to rebuild self-trust at work, or healing from time spent in toxic workplaces, this episode is here to remind you: your past decisions don’t define your future.Regret isn’t a failure - it’s data. And when you know how to work with it, it can point you toward a more aligned, sustainable version of success.We’ll explore:Why “Regret is a detour, not a dead end”How structural challenges (like capitalism and caregiving) shape our work choicesStrategies for restoring work-life balance after a professional setbackReframing career gaps and nonlinear paths as normal, not shamefulA powerful technique for rewriting regret as a story of possibility (inspired by chaos magic!)03:13 Addressing Career Regret05:36 Understanding the Context of Regret08:53 Reframing Regret into Opportunity14:54 Practical Steps to Overcome RegretIf you’re seeking job search support or simply trying to recalibrate your career with more honesty and self-compassion, this one’s for you.Resources & Links:Learn more about our job search strategy servicesJoin the Work Wonders Career Community before July 10 for summer access!Book mentioned: Weaving Fate: Changing the Past and Telling True Lies by Aidan WachterFollow us on Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn🎧 If this episode resonated with you, please share it, leave a review, or tag us on social—we’d love to hear what came up for you.CreditsPodcast editing by Vienna DeGiacomo, Good Story Branding

Episode 52: Leveraging LinkedIn for Quiet Visibility: Tactics for Job Seekers, Freelancers, and Business OwnersIn the second episode of our Quiet Visibility series 'Careers at the End of the World,' host Jenn Walker Wall share her favorite tactics for leveraging LinkedIn as a tool for Quiet Visibility. This episode highlights using LinkedIn as a tool to elevate professional visibility without resorting to overly self-promotional tactics. She offers practical advice on setting yourself up for successful engagement by curating a meaningful feed and leveraging LinkedIn functionalities to develop and grow professional relationships. She also emphasizes the importance of approach and consistency over virality and shares 'Quiet Visibility’ as a strategy for intentional presence. Jenn also encourages listeners to re-evaluate their LinkedIn strategies and join the upcoming Quiet Visibility retreat for a more structured plan.Join us live on Wednesday, June 4th for our Quiet Visibility Retreat NightListen to episodes 40, 41, and 42 to learn more about our Professional Eco-System conceptConnect with Jenn on LinkedIn02:56 Curating Your LinkedIn Experience05:12 Engaging on LinkedIn: Tips and Strategies08:08 Using LinkedIn as a Research Tool11:47 Building Professional Relationships on LinkedIn15:54 Consistency and Quality Over ViralityCreditsPodcast editing by Vienna DeGiacomo, Good Story Branding

Episode 51: Rebranding the Personal Brand: An Invitation to Quiet VisibilityIn this episode of 'Careers at the End of the World,' host Jenn Walker Wall discusses the concept of rebranding the concept of the personal brand into something you actually want to do - for yourself and your career. She shares easy mindset shifts and effective tactics that can help you create a strong persona brand that attracts opportunities in both the short and long term.Jenn highlights the difference between reflection and revision, and shares insights on quiet visibility tactics that prioritize connection and impact over virality and self-promotion. The episode also covers practical tips for integrating personal branding into your career strategy without feeling insincere or overwhelmed.01:54 The Importance of Personal Branding03:54 You're Already Doing Personal Branding05:19 Quiet Visibility Strategies12:23 Practical Tips for Personal BrandingLinks:Quiet Visibility for Job Seekers and Freelancers Retreat NightNew services for portfolio careerists, self employed, and freelancersCreditsPodcast editing by Vienna DeGiacomo, Good Story Branding

Episode 50: What to Expect if You're Starting Your Job Search Right Now: A Guide for the Employed, Self Employed, and UnemployedIn this episode of 'Careers at the End of the World,' host Jenn Walker Wall discusses the challenges of job searching during a period of economic and political instability (recorded in April 2025). She addresses the wide-reaching impact of layoffs across various industries and offers practical advice for job seekers and potential job seekers. Jenn emphasizes the importance of preparing for an extended job search and considering interim work opportunities. She also highlights the significance of having effective job application materials, leveraging your professional eco-systems, and staying visible and proactive despite the challenging environment.01:14 Challenges in the Job Market04:26 Advice for Active Job Seekers14:42 Advice for Passive Job Seekers19:12 Self-Employed and Freelancers: Navigating the MarketJoin our Retreat Night on 5/6Join our May Job Search CohortCreditsPodcast editing by Vienna DeGiacomo, Good Story Branding