The Role Learning Plays in Your Freelance Growth

Every industry evolves. New tools and techniques will inevitably take hold. It’s safe to say that the web moves faster than most career paths. We must be prepared to change in the blink of an eye.

Consider the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). Apps like Copilot and ChatGPT rocked our world without prior notice. All of a sudden, web professionals not using these technologies were behind the curve. Many of us are still trying to understand how AI fits into our workflows and service offerings.

Most changes aren’t that massive. Yet, they still require us to adapt. New versions of WordPress often introduce additional features to master, best practices for writing code change with each PHP release, and website security is a moving target.

It all underscores the importance of continued learning. The ability to do more and do it more efficiently is key to a successful career – one that lasts a lifetime. However, it’s not always so simple.

We have limited time and resources, and there is an endless array of subjects and courses to consider. Which ones fit your needs? And how do you know if you’re spending your time wisely?

Let’s examine the role learning plays in your freelance growth. Along the way, we’ll help you determine the best opportunities and how they can impact your business.

Balancing Career Benefits and Curiosity

All learning is beneficial, and there’s no such thing as a “bad” course to take. Some are more useful for your career, however.

In that regard, it’s worth looking for learning opportunities that either enhance existing skills or teach new ones. That will position you for personal and professional growth.

The first step is determining what you want to learn. To do that, consider the following factors:

• Your current struggles or weaknesses: Do certain aspects of your workflow slow you down? Are there tools or technologies that you’re uncomfortable with? These could be areas worth exploring.
• Skills that are natural extensions of your business: Web development and WordPress are teeming with opportunities for skilled developers. Think about what’s missing from your service offerings. Odds are, you’ll find something that adds value to clients and revenue to your bank account.
• Your personal interests: There’s something to be said for learning a skill that stirs your enthusiasm, even if there’s no immediate business benefit. It’s a way to experiment, which could lead to new ideas.

Sometimes, the stars align, and you find a skill that covers all of the above. If not, look for a subject that strikes a balance between your curiosity and your career.

How to Choose the Right Course for You

You won’t have to look far to find courses related to WordPress and web development. It seems like new ones are popping up every day.

For instance, you’ll find plenty of options for learning React or how to build WordPress block themes. Some subjects may have dozens of dedicated courses to choose from. The difference is in their depth, cost, and teaching style.

Think about the following when shopping around for the right course:

• Subjects covered: If you know the basics of PHP, you might not benefit from a course covering what you’ve already learned. Find an option that helps you strengthen a weakness or level up your skills.
• Expected outcome: Reputable courses will tell you the expected outcome of the experience. For example, taking a WooCommerce course will empower you to build an e-commerce site from the ground up. The outcome should match your needs.
• Course style and format: We all have a preferred learning style. Some of us are happy to read and follow step-by-step instructions. Others may prefer a video-based experience. A course that fits your learning style should lead to a better outcome.
• Time commitment: As a busy professional, you’ll want to consider how much time you can dedicate to a course. Be sure to schedule enough time for consistent coursework; An in-person or live class will increase the demands on your time. Also note that some courses have a time limit for access.
• Reputation: We live in an era where anyone can publish a course. That’s wonderful, but it also means there are some low-quality options. Research the instructor’s reputation before signing up.
• Cost: A course should fit within your budget. And remember that a higher cost doesn’t always mean better quality. You might even find a free course that offers everything you need.

The sheer number of available courses can make it difficult to choose. However, it’s easier when you know what you want. These steps can point you in the right direction.

Learning Is Part of the Freelancer’s Journey

Continued learning is a key ingredient to a thriving freelance career. That thirst for knowledge will help you adapt to industry trends and keep up with evolving client demands.

The good news is that learning opportunities are all around us. There are courses and tutorials covering just about every subject. And even the latest technologies have helpful resources worth checking out.

So, set aside some time for self-improvement. Consider the skills you want to learn and how they will benefit your business. Then, find a course to help you do more. It’s a great way to improve your bottom line and your confidence. As they say, “The More You Know”.

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