Richard S: From a part-time hotel job to Freelance Social Media Manager

Richard S’s journey into freelance social media management didn’t start with a grand business plan – it began with a simple opportunity. At just 17, while working part time in a local hotel, he convinced his supervisor to let him take over the company’s social media. What started as a volunteering opportunity sparked a passion that would shape his career AND launched a series of savings goals!

Now, three years into his MyPocketSkill journey, Richard has built an impressive freelance social media portfolio while saving money for his future.

Finding MyPocketSkill – and Buying His First Car

Richard discovered MyPocketSkill, a platform designed to help young people find flexible work, while searching for opportunities to freelance and gain experience.

"When I read about it, it was exactly what I’d been looking for — a way to freelance and gain real work experience. I liked that it was made for younger people struggling to find work, especially in today’s economy," he explains.

Since joining, he has earned around over £4000  through the platform, using the money to help buy his first car and pay for insurance as a new driver.

"It all went on that," he laughs, "but it was worth it!"

Building a Freelance Portfolio, One Client at a Time

Over the past three years, Richard has worked with a diverse range of clients – from car showrooms and private gyms to antique shops and AI platforms.

"I currently work with a landscaping client — it’s been over a year now," he says proudly. "It’s great to build lasting relationships."

This variety of work has helped him gain valuable skills as a freelance social media manager in the UK, making him more versatile and attractive to potential clients.

Eyes on the Future

Richard isn’t just working for today – he’s planning for tomorrow. He is currently saving for a house deposit in his hometown of Derby, aiming to buy a property within the next three to four years.

After university, his ambitions grow even bigger: he plans to launch his own agency offering marketing, graphic design and social media services.

"MyPocketSkill is giving me the experience I need," he says. "It’s helping me find clients I can work with and hopefully grow with."

Richard’s Top Tips for Aspiring Freelancers

1. Master the tools – "CapCut and Canva are your best friends as a social media manager."
2. Treat clients like gold – "Use your customer service skills for clients. They’re the people who support you and could become long-term collaborators."
3. Remember the practicalities – "If you earn over £1,000 a year, register as self-employed. It’s a legal requirement, so stay on top of it from the start."
4. Push through the tough start – "The beginning is hard — you’re building everything from scratch. Stick with it, ask for help when needed, and remember that every successful freelancer started exactly where you are now."

What Richard Loves About MyPocketSkill

"That’s easy," he says. "It’s really simple to use. I love the e-wallet, the savings goals, the achievement centre — and the fact that everything you do counts as real work experience. You can put it on your CV or LinkedIn, and it shows your commitment."

Final Thoughts

Richard’s story shows how passion and persistence can turn a side hobby into a professional career and some serious earning capacity! With MyPocketSkill providing the platform and opportunities, he’s well on his way to building the future he’s always dreamed of — one client at a time.