From a Confused Engineering Student to a Fiverr Level 1 Seller
My freelancing journey began with a simple source of inspiration: Hisham Sarwar. Like many students in Pakistan, I came across his content while searching for ways to develop skills and earn online. At that time, I had just secured admission to UET Taxila, one of Pakistan’s leading engineering universities, and started my degree in Mechanical Engineering.
Life was exciting but challenging. I moved into the hostel, attended classes regularly, and tried to adjust to university life. During my first year, I heard professors frequently discussing the importance of skills, freelancing, and practical learning. The problem was that I didn’t even understand what a “skill” meant in the professional world. I was focused on lectures and exams, but I felt disconnected whenever these topics came up.
Curiosity pushed me to start researching. I wanted to know what mechanical engineers were doing outside the university. During my search, I discovered that many engineers were working online in product design, CAD modeling, and 3D design services. Since I was already interested in design and engineering, I decided to learn more.
I started practicing daily. Every day after classes, I would spend hours exploring design software, watching tutorials, and improving my skills. Around that time, my roommate introduced me to Fiverr. I created my Fiverr account in 2023 without having any real understanding of how freelancing platforms worked.
I had no idea about algorithms, gig optimization, client communication, or Fiverr policies. I followed random advice from people online. Some even told me to stay online 24 hours a day because that would increase my chances of getting orders. Looking back, I realize how little I knew.
After creating my gigs, I waited for clients. Occasionally, inquiries arrived, but I struggled to communicate professionally. The most common question clients asked was, “How much will you charge?” I didn’t know how to price my services. Sometimes I would quote $50, and the client would disappear immediately.
Months passed without success.
After almost six to seven months of waiting, I finally received my first order worth only $15. It was not a large project, but for me it meant everything. It proved that someone trusted me enough to pay for my work. After completing that order successfully, more opportunities started appearing.
For the first time, I felt that my hard work was paying off.
Then something happened that completely changed my journey.
One day, I received an email from Fiverr stating that my account had been permanently banned. I was shocked. Due to my lack of knowledge about platform rules and policies, I had unknowingly made mistakes that violated Fiverr’s terms and conditions.
At that moment, I had active orders and future opportunities waiting for me. Everything disappeared instantly.
I cannot describe how disappointed I felt. I had spent nearly a year building my profile, learning skills, and attracting clients. Suddenly, it was all gone. Every day I emailed Fiverr support, hoping for a solution. Each response was the same: the account would remain permanently banned.
The experience affected me deeply. I became stressed, frustrated, and distracted from my studies. It felt as if all my effort had been wasted. Eventually, I decided to stop freelancing and move on.
For almost a year, I stayed away from Fiverr.
However, deep inside, I knew I wasn’t ready to quit forever.
In 2024, I decided to start again. This time, I approached freelancing differently. I created a new account with a fresh mindset and a new identity inspired by my field of product design. I named it “TurboCAD.”
The beginning was difficult once again. Like every new seller, I faced fake clients, low visibility, and uncertainty. But unlike before, I had experience. I understood the mistakes I had made and knew how to avoid them.
Then, in 2025, I received my first order on the new account.
I was excited but also nervous. My previous experience had left me with constant doubts. I worried that the order might be canceled or that something could go wrong. Fortunately, the client was satisfied with my work and left a 5-star review. More importantly, he became a long-term client.
That moment changed everything.
Within five months, I achieved Fiverr Level 1 Seller status. The milestone was not just a badge; it was proof that persistence works. The same person who had lost everything and almost quit was now rebuilding successfully.
Today, I continue to work as a freelance product designer while completing my Mechanical Engineering degree. The journey still includes challenges, sleepless nights, and continuous learning, but I am moving forward with confidence. My next target is reaching Level 2 Seller and expanding my freelancing career even further.
If there is one lesson I would share with every student and beginner freelancer, it is this:
Success does not belong to the people who never fail. It belongs to those who keep going after failure.
I lost an account, clients, and months of hard work. But I gained experience, resilience, and a stronger mindset. Looking back, every setback became part of the foundation for my future success.
Never give up. Stay focused. Sometimes your second start becomes your real beginning.
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