Monday, May 23, 2016

It's All Right to Change Your Mind

So, you have created a Fiverr account, you looked around, got an idea (or several ideas) for a service or services that you could offer, and you created some gigs. And then, something happened.

Maybe you realized you don't want to do that particular thing. You thought you wanted to, you honestly did, but you changed your mind. It just wasn't fun, or inspiring, or whatever you wanted it to be when you created the gig.

Or, someone ordered the gig, and you realized that it wasn't working for you. Maybe you offered too much for too little, maybe they wanted it in bulk and you hate doing things in bulk, or maybe, once you saw what exactly you promised to deliver, you thought to yourself: "I don't want to do this!"

Or, perhaps, you spent a few months doing this gig, you delivered on time, buyers were happy or mostly happy (you can't please them all!), and then you realized that it was just too annoying. You say you offer one thing, and some buyers try to get something else, or message you asking why you're offering X and not Y, what's the difference, or place their order for something you clearly stated you wouldn't do, and then get angry when you refuse to deliver what they want you to deliver.

Whatever the reason, it happens. You try offering a certain service, and then you realize that, for whatever reason, you don't want to do that. Sometimes it's possible to modify the gig description, change your offer somewhat, and turn it into something that you enjoy doing, but sometimes it's not. Sometimes it's just not working for you, and you start feeling trapped. You start feeling forced to do something that you have no interest in. Then what?

It's perfectly fine to change your mind, and to stop offering certain gig. Ideally, you should avoid doing it when you have active orders with the buyers waiting for delivery, but even then, if you politely explain them what happened, most will understand, accept cancellation, and find someone else to do it for them. And if they don't? Try doing your best if you can – or take a hit of a negative review and an angry buyer if you can't, and move on with your Fiverr adventure.

Fiverr is not a get rich quick scheme; if you're there, you're there for the long run, and that means that you shouldn't force yourself to provide a service that brings you (next to) nothing of value. It's perfectly fine to try doing something and then, once you discover that it isn't for you, change your mind and move on to something else. Once you discover what truly inspires you and brings you joy, both you and your buyers will be much happier. That way, everybody wins – just as it should be.