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| My (unusually tidy) desk at home. Wearing shirt: MHL Margaret Howell. Skirt: Zara. |
It has been 3 months now since I took the leap into the world of freelance. It has been a bit of a shock to the system, going from super (pretty much unmanageably) busy to sometimes not having much of a plan (!) but I think I am beginning to adjust slowly. I spend A LOT of time in our tiny study, which I tend to monopolise (luckily I’m the only one who works from home) and am learning what I need to keep motivated but all in all, I think I’ve found a good balance.
What I’ve learnt from Freelancing:
- There are quiet patches. Now I (sort of) knew there would be, and luckily I have my blog to keep me busy but I mean real quiet patches. I didn’t really work much in April at all, and started to think I’d never work again…but next year (if I’m still freelancing), I will learn that it’s a quiet month and other months outweigh it with work.
- Family time is so important. I’ve always put work first, and although it still often takes priority, I’ve slowed down enough to make my free time all about my husband, nan, close family and new nephew.
- It’s very difficult to find motivation to get changed out of my pyjamas! I often get up, brush my teeth and sit straight at my desk with a coffee – and it’s so easy to stay in that routine. This is why my blog is helpful for me as well, it forces me to try trends, get out to Press Days etc to see new products etc.
- I’ve started working in sectors I never really dabbled in before: social media consulting, personal styling etc. And then, through this, I can figure out which bits I enjoy and which to pursue.
- Not to stress about money. As long as I have enough to live, I’m fine (for the time being!). I pay myself a wage, like any job – so I still live within my means and get excited for PayDay.
- I sometimes get serious FOMO…sometimes when I’m on my own at home, I think the world is carrying on without me – and it is, but the freedom I have to be at home is very special.
- And lastly? I’ve learnt that I CAN do it. I’ve got enough confidence in myself that I work really hard and put 100% into everything I do. And it’s paying off.
Well done! I've recently started working for myself and your point about quiet patches rang so true. Yet when I'm super busy I just want to stop for a bit!
Thank you! I've never ever had a quiet patch with work, so I suppose it just take a while of getting used to. I'm sure my family have never seen so much of me before!
Oh I didn't realise you had gone freelance! How exciting! I've just passed my 1 year of freelancing mark and I have to say I've never looked back, being your own boss and having the ability to choose the projects you really love is a luxury! Your right on the quiet periods, I had a quiet April too but then suddenly just as you are starting to panic it all picks up again and you are busier than ever so I definitely try to stop and appreciate those quiet times now! Good luck with it all, I'm sure you are doing great! I'm very jealous of your study, I'm still surviving on the kitchen table!
Jac
xx
http://www.bumpkinbetty.com
I don't know how you do it – I need a separate room, or I'm too distracted by the washing up!
Hi Alex I run my own business and can say that April August and late December are my quiet times but I have grown used to that. I love being my own boss. All the best with your work. Hx (ps the PJ working is a mixed blessing – am sure my postman thinks I am a not very high class call girl – forever answering the door in my dressing gown!)
Thanks so much for making me feel better – I suppose once you know the quiet months, then it makes it easier to book your holidays!
Gah how terrifying! Congrats on being freelance 🙂
I totally get the pj problem – fortunately I have a dog so enforced dog walks make me get dressed on the days I'm not at the day job…
Thankfifi
Thank you! I am currently in my PJs….but they're cute cotton ones from Gap with a cool oversized shirt, so that's allowed, right?!
Hi Alex, I've recently discovered your blog and I really love it! I'm a huge fan of Red mag and I love your tips for living and dressing well on a budget. I just left my job a little over a week ago and have 3 months worth of savings before I need to earn again. In that time I'm launching my blog (http://dared-determined-done.blogspot.co.uk) which will track my journey trying to work as a freelance careers consultant. It's all pretty scary and I'm looking for all the support possible. I'd love to hear more about how you stay motivated, how you secure new projects and what made you decide to go freelance in the first place. A networking group / London meetup for freelancers would be a good idea – maybe we should set one up?! Keep up the great work on your blog! Celia