Should I keep my agency going or look for a job?

I live in a country where expenses are pretty low, so earning in dollars makes a big difference. Let me explain why this is important.

After graduating, I started freelancing on Fiverr. It was great—I was earning well and finally felt like I had some direction. The best part was I didn’t have to work a traditional 9-to-5 job. Freelancing gave me freedom.

For a couple of years, everything was smooth. Then I decided to take a chance. I didn’t want to depend on Fiverr forever, so I started my own software consulting agency.

At first, it was exciting, but over time, I started to miss the steady income Fiverr provided. I hadn’t kept up my profile, so I lost visibility there. I’ve worked with clients from places like the USA, Australia, and Switzerland, but finding new clients is hard now.

I’ve tried advertising and marketing, but it seems like this line of work depends heavily on word-of-mouth. Some potential clients see our lower rates and assume the quality isn’t good, which isn’t true—we just charge less because costs here are lower.

Now, I’m stuck. If I don’t find more clients in six months, I’ll be in trouble financially. I’m debating whether to shut down the agency and find a job instead. It’s tough to even think about giving up, but I don’t know if I can afford the risk anymore.

Any advice would help.

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You mentioned it yourself—try raising your prices. It might make a big difference.

If you’ve never worked in another agency before, it might help to get experience there. You can learn a lot from how others run their businesses.

It’s a tough call, but don’t lose hope. Maybe try going back to Fiverr while working on your agency. Having both income sources could ease the pressure while you figure things out. Also, networking and referrals are great ways to find clients. Keep at it, and don’t hesitate to ask others in the field for advice.

Try raising your prices and investing in SEO to draw clients in over time. I know it takes patience, but it’s worth it. If you build your online presence and offer social proof, people will start trusting your services more. I’ve been where you are—starting on Fiverr, then moving to my own business. It’s not easy, but having control over your clients and work is worth it.

Platforms like Fiverr can be limiting and often attract bargain hunters. Don’t market yourself as the cheapest option. Instead, highlight the quality of your work.

When I’m shopping online and see two similar items, I usually go for the one that costs a little more. Why? It’s a mental thing. We often connect higher prices with better quality.

So, raise your prices. It might change how potential clients see your business. Pricing isn’t just about covering costs—it’s a way to position yourself in the market.

By the way, I’ve tested this before by buying both cheaper and pricier items. They were the same quality!