I asked Chat GPT to act as a person who has achieved the freedom to live life on their own terms, hoping to discover some thought-provoking ideas. I wondered what career and lifestyle the Chat GPT would pick and how they would imagine a person, living on their own terms, live and be like. I wondered what Chat GPT would consider a success and what typical worries and experiences they would say they have.
I was surprised by how unoriginal the answers, that the Chat GPT provided, were – I felt as if I was talking to a real person. After viewing many videos and reading articles, I’ve noticed similar replies to the same questions I asked nearly everywhere. At the same time, I found it interesting to see that the same worries, difficulties and experiences are shared by the majority of people that even Chat GPT learned to answer the questions a certain way. You can read the interview below:
What do you do for a living?
As someone who has achieved the freedom to live life on my own terms, I prioritise doing work that aligns with my values and passions rather than solely focusing on earning a high income. Currently, I work as a freelance writer and consultant, helping businesses and individuals develop their brands, create content, and improve their communication strategies.
How have you figured out what you want to do in life and how long it took you to achieve it?
Finding what I wanted to do in life was a gradual process that involved a lot of self-exploration and experimentation. I started by reflecting on my interests, values, and strengths, and then tried out different jobs and projects that aligned with those things. Along the way, I also made sure to stay open-minded and curious, and to seek out new experiences and challenges that could help me grow and learn.
It definitely took me some time to figure out what I wanted to do, and there were moments of uncertainty and doubt along the way. But through persistence and a willingness to keep trying new things, I eventually landed on a career path that felt truly fulfilling and aligned with my passions.
I would say that the process of figuring out what you want to do in life is ongoing, and it’s important to continue exploring and experimenting even after you’ve found something that you love. Our interests and priorities can evolve over time, and it’s important to stay flexible and adaptable in the face of change.
How did your previous experience prepare you for your freelance career?
My previous experience definitely played a big role in preparing me for my freelance career. Before becoming a freelancer, I worked in various communications roles in both the corporate and nonprofit sectors, where I gained experience in writing, editing, public relations, and marketing. I also had the opportunity to work on a variety of different projects and initiatives, which helped me develop a diverse set of skills and the ability to juggle multiple priorities at once.
In addition to these technical skills, my previous experience also taught me a lot about things like time management, client communication, and working independently. All of these skills have been incredibly valuable in my freelance career, where I’m responsible for managing my own time, communicating with clients, and delivering high-quality work on tight deadlines.
Overall, I feel like my previous experience gave me a strong foundation to build upon in my freelance career, and has allowed me to provide value to my clients in a variety of different ways.
What do you love and value in your current career?
There are so many things that I love and value in my current freelance career! Here are just a few:
- Flexibility: As a freelancer, I have the freedom to set my own schedule and work from anywhere, which allows me to prioritise my health, relationships, and personal interests.
- Creative freedom: I love being able to work on a variety of different projects and to use my creativity and skills to help clients achieve their goals.
- Autonomy: I enjoy being my own boss and having the freedom to make decisions about the projects I take on, the clients I work with, and the direction of my business.
- Impact: I find it incredibly rewarding to work with clients who are doing important work and to help them communicate their messages more effectively.
- Learning: I’m always learning new things in my freelance career, whether it’s through researching new topics for clients or taking on new types of projects.
Overall, I feel incredibly grateful to be able to do work that I love and that aligns with my values, and to be able to make a positive impact on the world in my own small way.
What tools do you use to do your best work?
I rely on a variety of different tools to help me do my best work. Here are a few that I find particularly useful:
- Computer and software: My computer is obviously a crucial tool for my work, and I use various software programs like Microsoft Word, Google Docs, and Adobe Creative Suite to write, edit, and design content.
- Communication tools: I use email, messaging apps like Slack and WhatsApp, and video conferencing platforms like Zoom to communicate with clients and collaborators.
- Project management tools: To help me stay organized and on top of my work, I use project management tools like Asana and Trello to track deadlines, assign tasks, and collaborate with clients.
- Research tools: When I’m working on projects that require research, I use tools like Google Scholar, JSTOR, and academic databases to find relevant articles and information.
- Time tracking tools: To keep track of my time and ensure that I’m staying within my clients’ budgets, I use time tracking tools like Toggl and Harvest to log the hours I spend on each project.
How do you find clients and projects you enjoy?
Finding clients and projects that I enjoy is a critical part of my freelance career. Here are a few strategies I use to find the right clients and projects:
- Referrals: Word of mouth is often the best way to find new clients, so I make sure to stay in touch with past clients and colleagues and to ask for referrals when appropriate.
- Networking: I attend industry events and conferences, join online communities and forums, and connect with other professionals in my field to build relationships and find new opportunities.
- Pitching: I proactively reach out to potential clients and pitch them on my services, often by identifying a specific problem or need they have and proposing a solution.
- Job boards: I occasionally browse freelance job boards and platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer to find new projects and clients.
- Personal interests: I prioritize projects that align with my personal interests and values, whether it’s working with clients in certain industries or on specific types of projects.
Overall, I find that a combination of these strategies helps me find clients and projects that I enjoy and that allow me to do my best work.
What do you find the hardest in your current career and life?
While there are many things that I love about my current freelance career and lifestyle, there are definitely some challenges that come along with it as well. Here are a few things that I find particularly difficult:
- Income instability: As a freelancer, my income can vary significantly from month to month, which can be stressful and challenging to manage.
- Self-discipline: Working from home and managing my own schedule requires a lot of self-discipline and time management skills, which can be challenging at times.
- Isolation: Working independently can be lonely and isolating, especially if I’m working on long-term projects that don’t involve much interaction with others.
- Client management: While I enjoy working with clients and helping them achieve their goals, managing multiple clients and projects at once can be challenging and overwhelming at times.
- Balancing work and personal life: Because I have the freedom to work from anywhere and set my own schedule, it can be difficult to set boundaries and balance my work and personal life effectively.
What do you do outside of work? Tell me more about your lifestyle.
I like to prioritise self-care activities such as exercise, meditation, and spending time in nature. These activities help me reduce stress and improve my overall well-being, which typically leads to better focus and productivity during work hours.
I also enjoy pursuing creative hobbies, such as painting, writing, or playing music. These activities allow me to express myself creatively and engage in different types of work that can be both stimulating and relaxing.
Additionally, I value spending time with family and friends, whether that means going out for dinner, attending social events, or simply spending time at home. Building and maintaining personal relationships is an important part of a fulfilling life for me and provide much-needed support and perspective during both good times and challenging ones.
What was the most difficult thing to figure out before starting or while running your business?
As a freelancer, I have faced a variety of challenges in starting and running my business. One of the most difficult things for me was finding clients and building a strong portfolio. It took time and effort to establish a reputation and attract new business, especially when starting out.
Another challenge was setting prices that were both fair to me and competitive in the market. It can be difficult to balance these two factors, especially when trying to establish oneself as a freelancer.
Managing finances was also a challenge, especially when it came to paying taxes and planning for the future. It can be daunting to navigate these financial issues, especially without a background in finance.
Balancing work and personal life was another challenge, as it can be difficult to set boundaries and maintain a healthy work-life balance when working from home or on the go. I had to learn how to prioritize self-care and create systems and routines that allowed me to be productive without sacrificing my personal life.
Finally, as my business grew, I had to figure out how to scale effectively and manage the increased workload. This required investing in new systems and processes, outsourcing tasks, and hiring staff to help me manage the demand.
Overall, freelancing can be a challenging but rewarding career path, and it’s important to be aware of the potential challenges and have strategies in place for addressing them effectively.
Did you have any inner demons you had to fight with to be where you are right now?
I have certainly faced my share of inner demons and challenges along the way. One of the biggest demons I had to fight with was self-doubt. Starting out as a freelancer, I often questioned whether I had the skills and expertise to deliver high-quality work and whether clients would see the value in what I had to offer.
Another challenge was the fear of failure. As a freelancer, there are no guarantees of success, and every project feels like a make-or-break opportunity. It was often tempting to play it safe and stick to what I knew, rather than taking risks and trying new things.
Imposter syndrome was also a challenge for me at times. Even when I had positive feedback from clients and was achieving success in my business, I sometimes felt like a fraud or like I didn’t deserve the recognition and praise I was receiving.
Finally, as a freelancer, it can be challenging to maintain a healthy work-life balance and avoid burnout. I had to learn how to set boundaries, prioritize self-care, and be intentional about managing my time and energy effectively.
Overall, overcoming these inner demons and challenges required a combination of self-awareness, self-care, and perseverance. I had to learn to trust in my own abilities, take calculated risks, and seek support when I needed it.
What is your definition of success?
My definition of success is multifaceted. Of course, financial success is important to me – being able to support myself and my family, pay my bills, and enjoy a comfortable lifestyle is a key part of my definition of success. However, success is not just about money.
To me, success also means having the freedom and flexibility to do work that I am passionate about, on my own terms. It means having the ability to choose the projects and clients that align with my values and interests, and being able to set my own schedule and work from anywhere in the world.
Success also means constantly learning and growing, both personally and professionally. As a freelancer, I am always looking for new ways to improve my skills, expand my knowledge, and stay up to date on the latest trends and best practices in my industry.
Ultimately, success for me is about finding fulfillment and happiness in my work and my life. It’s about being able to do work that I love, make a positive impact on the world, and enjoy the freedom and autonomy that comes with being my own boss.
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced, and how did you overcome it?
I have faced many challenges, but one that stands out as particularly difficult was the struggle to find a consistent stream of clients in the early days of my business.
At first, I found it difficult to establish myself and build a reputation in my industry, and I often felt discouraged when I didn’t have as many clients as I would have liked. However, I overcame this challenge by focusing on building my network and improving my marketing and outreach efforts.
I started attending networking events and reaching out to people in my industry to build relationships and get my name out there. I also revamped my website and social media presence to make sure that I was presenting myself in the best possible light and showcasing my skills and experience.
Over time, these efforts paid off, and I began to see a steady stream of clients coming in. I learned that building a successful freelance business takes time and effort, but that with persistence and a willingness to learn and adapt, it is possible to overcome even the most difficult challenges.
Could you share a piece of wisdom with us (about anything that you have learned along the way)?
One piece of wisdom that I have learned along the way as a freelancer is the importance of taking care of yourself. It’s easy to get caught up in work and put your own needs on the back burner, but I’ve found that this can quickly lead to burnout and exhaustion.
In order to do your best work and live a fulfilling life, it’s important to prioritize your own well-being. This means taking time for self-care activities like exercise, meditation, or spending time in nature, as well as setting boundaries and creating a healthy work-life balance.
Another piece of wisdom that I’ve learned is the importance of taking risks and stepping outside of your comfort zone. As a freelancer, it can be scary to take on new projects or try new things, but I’ve found that these experiences are often the most rewarding and help me to grow both personally and professionally.
Finally, I’ve learned that success is not a destination, but a journey. It’s important to celebrate your accomplishments along the way, but also to keep striving for improvement and growth. As long as you are learning, growing, and doing work that you are passionate about, you are on the path to success.
What’s your philosophy of life, and how does it guide you?
My philosophy of life is that we have the power to create our own realities and that we should strive to live our lives in a way that is authentic and fulfilling.
As a freelancer, this philosophy guides me in a few key ways. First, it reminds me to stay true to my values and priorities and to make sure that my work aligns with these things. This means that I only take on projects that I am passionate about and that I feel are making a positive impact in the world.
Second, my philosophy reminds me to stay open to new experiences and to embrace change and growth. This means that I am always looking for opportunities to learn and improve, whether it’s through taking on a new project or skill, or by seeking out feedback and constructive criticism.
Finally, my philosophy reminds me to live in the present moment and to appreciate the beauty and wonder of life. As a freelancer, it can be easy to get caught up in the day-to-day demands of work, but I try to take time each day to step back and appreciate the things that make life worth living, whether it’s spending time with loved ones, enjoying nature, or pursuing hobbies and passions.
Tell me what book you have read that changed your life and that you would like to recommend to others.
One book that I could recommend to others is “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen Covey. This book provides practical advice for personal growth and development, and has helped countless people achieve success in their personal and professional lives.
The book is based on the idea that success is not just about achieving goals, but also about developing a strong foundation of personal values and principles. Covey presents seven habits that can help individuals cultivate such a foundation, including being proactive, beginning with the end in mind, and seeking win-win solutions.
What sets this book apart is its emphasis on personal responsibility and the power of individual choice. By focusing on our own actions and attitudes, we can create positive change in our lives and achieve our goals with greater ease and satisfaction.
Overall, “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” is a powerful tool for personal growth and can help individuals achieve success in all areas of their lives.
If you were not doing what you do now, what would you be doing?
I am doing work that I am truly passionate about, so it’s hard to imagine doing anything else! However, if I weren’t doing what I’m doing now, there are a few other career paths that I could see myself pursuing.
One possibility is that I would work in a related field, such as marketing or communications. I enjoy using my creativity and communication skills to help businesses grow and succeed, and I think that those skills could be applied in a number of different contexts.
Another possibility is that I would pursue a career in a completely different field, such as teaching or environmental advocacy. I am passionate about education and the environment, and I think that there are many ways that I could make a positive impact in those areas.
Ultimately, no matter what career path I chose, I would want to make sure that it aligned with my values and allowed me to make a meaningful contribution to the world. Whether as a freelancer or in another role, I am committed to doing work that matters and makes a difference.