If you’re reading this blog, then you probably want to become a successful proofreader.
But there may be some thoughts and feelings deep inside your brain stopping you from trying.
It may be the feeling that you’re pretending to be someone you’re not — that you’re cheating somehow, trying to fool everyone. You probably feel that at any moment you’ll be found out as a fraud, or someone will knock on your door and demand that you shut down your awesome life and go get a “real” job like you’re supposed to.
These feelings are intense. They make you feel like everyone is just waiting for you to fail.
And they can occur even if you have training or years of experience.
If any of this sounds familiar to you, then, my friend, you’re suffering from imposter syndrome.
Simply being aware that you’re suffering from imposter syndrome is quite freeing. It’s not something that will just go away overnight, but putting a name to what you’re going through is an excellent start.
Sarah always doubted herself, but when she made the conscious decision to change the way she thinks, she began to believe in herself. And her life and business both benefited as a result!
Read on to hear more about Sarah’s story!
Q: Hey there, Sarah! Tell us a little about your background. What did your life look like before you crossed paths with PA?
I was a SAHM to four boys. I had been a mechanical engineer before children but had made a conscious decision to set my career aside to have and care for my kiddos. However, after the fourth baby, we struggled to make ends meet on just my husband’s income. I wanted to contribute but didn’t want to have to miss out on the things and people who are so important to me.
Q: Wow, four boys! Hello, Supermom! ? When did you start proofreading, and what made you decide to learn how to proofread transcripts?
I stumbled upon PA while browsing Pinterest and immediately thought, Oh my gosh. This is SO me! I have always loved grammar as well as tending to details. I just knew this work was a great fit for me.
Q: What was the most challenging part of getting started?
I definitely had to handle the imposter syndrome that tried to creep in. Putting myself out there and trusting the program were a challenge, but the mindset work Caitlin took us through in the course paid off.
Q: Making sure they have the right mindset is often one of the biggest hurdles students in my courses have to overcome. What was the most valuable thing you learned during the course?
Belief in myself and my ability to accomplish any task I put my mind to. I have always doubted myself, but making the conscious decision to change my thinking has benefited my life in general, not just my business.
Q: How long did it take you to find your first client? And how many clients do you have now?
I found my first client about two weeks into marketing full-time. I now have three regular clients who send me work nearly every week and two who use me more sporadically.
Q: How long did it take you to recoup the cost of the course?
It took me roughly two months to recoup the costs of the course.
Here’s what one of Sarah’s happy clients has to say!
Q: What advice would you give anyone thinking about enrolling in the course to learn how to proofread? Is it worth the money?
I absolutely would recommend the Transcript Proofreading course to anyone who has a proficiency with the English language and is willing to learn a new skill. In fact, I already have recommended it to several people. The course has certainly been worth the money for my family.
Q: What does your life look like now as a working freelance proofreader?
I probably only work about fifteen hours a week currently, but I was finally able to put one of my kids in the gymnastics class he’d been wanting to do for years. I am able to look to the future with a little less anxiety. And I’ve grown as a person by seeing the results of the hard work I put into the course paying off.
Q: Anything else you’d like to share with the PA community?
I think it’s important to recognize that this course is about giving you the tools that will equip you to build your own business, but you will have to add the elbow grease or manpower to make your business successful. It won’t be easy, but you CAN do it, and you won’t do it alone. The graduate Facebook group is invaluable. Without that group of encouragers, I don’t think I would have been able to make it.
Our Take
The way Sarah kicked imposter syndrome’s butt is inspirational to all of us! She’s shown she can accomplish anything she puts her mind to. Way to go, Sarah!
Your Turn
Ready to kick those feelings of inadequacy to the curb and become a successful proofreader like Sarah? Check out our free 7-day intro course to see how you can get started.