Going it alone - surviving self-employment
It’s been almost three months since I started working for myself as a freelance writer. I can’t believe I’m actually writing that sentence, because the idea that anybody would ever pay me to write for them had been a dream I never thought I would make come true.
Working every day for myself and doing something I love is amazing, but it can also be unsettling. It struck me recently that the last time I felt this sense of genuine upheaval was when I was going through a divorce. There’s that same reckless sense of having just thrown everything I had up into the air, with no real idea how it would all land. The same stomach-churning sense of relishing my new-found freedom, mixed right in with the fear of whether I could actually handle it.
To find out, I decided I would have to simply plough on forwards, give my absolute best to every opportunity that came my way and…well, just see what happened.
My business is growing every day, and as I approach the end of my first quarter-year, here are a few of the lessons I’ve learned along the way!
1. Scream into the face of things that scare you…
Over the past three months I’ve not only ‘networked effectively’ (translation: actually talked to and worked with strangers masquerading as businesspeople and realised they’re as human and flaw-ful as I am) but I’ve also recorded two Facebook Live videos. I’m a natural introvert, so both of these activities brought me out into a cold sweat just thinking about them, but I knew that if I wanted to progress, I’d have to take a deep breath and simply get on with it.
(I’ve started to notice that every little thing I do that’s different and scary makes me feel stronger, braver and more confident. It’s a fair exchange!)
2.…but not every day
As I got started, one of the most important pieces of advice I received, though I didn’t know it at the time, was to take at least one full day each week and not do anything work-related. At all. Yes, I felt guilty at first, but thankful when I began my next day at work feeling energised and raring to go from the break.
3. Give yourself some structure
One of the things I took for granted in a traditional office was the automatic structure it provided. I may work from home these days, but I still have a set routine during the week that stops every day from blending into one amorphous, terrifying mass.
There’s a lot to manage when you’re out on your own, so I split my business areas into different sections (finances, networking, social media, actual client work), and at the end of each day, record everything I’ve done. I also plan out each week according to the wider goals I’ve set for the month. This doesn’t take half as long as it sounds! – and it helps me focus on days when I’m feeling lost or overwhelmed.
4. Recruit some cheerleaders
It’s so very easy to feel anxious when you work for yourself. After all, I’m responsible for everything, and on some days that’s a lot harder to deal with than others. My daily spreadsheet helps me realise how well I’m doing, but so does my best friend. When I update her, she naturally hones in on all the good stuff and gets excited about it for me, helping me to separate the wood from the trees – and ultimately appreciate how far I’ve come.
I now spend my days translating thoughts and feelings into words people want to read, and I’m quite good at it even if I do say so myself! So if there’s something you’re struggling with – whether it’s your CV, some website copy, a profile or even a personal memoir, then why not contact me?
Related Articles
Is there a secret to good writing?
Why is the Pope "allergic" to adjectives?
(That's not the start of a joke.)
Read moreHow to Tame the Fear That Lurks Behind “I Haven’t Got Time to Write”
Strategies to beat your writing monster into submission
Read moreFun Creative Resolutions to Make You Happy in 2021
How to take the pressure off... and just enjoy being creative.
Read moreThe Art of Asking for Advice (or Why Should I Care if You Want to Be a Writer?)
What's in it for me?
Read more
How to Be (or Stay!) Creative in Lockdown 2
Ideas to help you keep that creative well flowing.
Read moreWhen Schedules, Goals, and Rituals Don’t Work
Why failing to plan could be just what you need to succeed.
Read moreHow Dare They Criticise Me! How To Make Good Use Of Feedback
How not to drown in other people's opinions.
Read moreIf You Want To Be Ultra-Creative, Channel Your Weirdness
What are the events, loves, or random quirks of character that really make you, you?
Read more
Why Should I Write About A Subject, When Others Have Done It Already?
Nobody else can tell a story in quite the same way you can.
Read moreAll Hail September, Month of New Beginnings
Get ready to shed the skin of summer, and begin a new creative project.
Read moreWhy (The Right) Words Matter, More Than Ever Before
In these unprecedented times, words count.
Read more(Don’t) Show Your Work: How To Become A Confident Creator
Create like nobody's watching... so that when they are, you're ready.
Read moreWhy ‘Explain Your Obvious’ is the Secret of Persuasive Writing
Explaining what’s blatantly obvious to you, could turn out to be advertising gold.
Read moreLife in the Time of Coronavirus
There’s something reassuring about businesses carrying on as ‘normally’ as they can...
Read moreGSOH Required: How to Write an (Effective) Online Dating Profile
"...it’s detail that will make you stand out, and most people aren’t mind readers."
Read moreWho Do You Want to Be Today?
This is a story about a career transformation. And Take That.
Read moreWant to Write Like A Human? Mine Your Inner Monologue
"You can’t be on somebody’s side, if you don’t know what they think or how they feel".
Read moreBlogging, and the Importance of Bodacious Self-Expression
...they were learning how to express their true feelings in words, and the results were honest, uplifting, and totally magnetic.
Read moreSecret Sauce to Give Your Blog Posts Added Spice
"If you want to grab readers’ attention, you have to start with the heart."
Read moreHow to Transform Your Blog Into a Book
If you have trouble motivating yourself to write that next blog post, whisper a little reminder: this could be a book one day.
Read moreHow to Plan Your Career Change CV (Hint: Be Selfish!)
"If you really want to change your career, you have to be determined, and you have to be selfish."
Read moreThe Trials and Tribulations of the Freelance Holiday
As a freelance writer, taking a break is always a challenge. But I push on through the guilt, and here's why.
Read moreThe Magic of Kismet Marketing
Has your marketing strategy got room for some unexpected magic?
Read moreSEO Copywriting (and Other Ways to Make Your Business Sound Boring)
Don't write for search engines, write for people.
Read more
The Art of the Written Compliment
If you're too embarrassed to give (or receive!) compliments, writing it all down can work wonders
Read moreLooking for a way to beat the January blues? Start with a letter
It's Universal Letter Writing Week - how will you celebrate?
Read moreStraight from the heart: how to write irresistible words
When you give people a piece of yourself, you will naturally engage them.
Read moreIf you can’t take criticism, don’t be a writer!*
You can always learn from other people's insights - good or bad
Read moreWhy a degree doesn't equal real-world competence
Sometimes, just putting the work in is enough.
Read moreFreelance reflections in the snow
Just like building the perfect snowman, carving out your freelance identity can be tough!
Read moreLone wolf or team worker - which is best?
How to write interesting content for any business (even yours)
Got a book or blog to write? Beat the block and get it done!
November means #NaNoWriMo - so whatever you're working on, it's time to get it done!
Read moreHow will I sound like me, when you're doing the writing?
Ironically, it's when you're writing about yourself that you will sound least like you. Hiring a writer to do it for you can bring a whole host of benefits.
Read moreWhy storytelling is your secret weapon in business (and how to do it properly)
Learn how to live happily ever after through the power of storytelling
Read moreDecoding the mystery of SEO
"SEO" is an often confusing term for those not well-versed in website maintenance. In reality, it's not quite as confusing as you might think!
Read moreTake control of your career this summer
Take advantage of summer downtime to learn and grow in your career - or discover a new one!
Read moreWhy being old is great for business
Age aint nothing but a number, right? Wrong - here's how getting older can be great for business.
Read moreHow to brief your copywriter
Trusting someone else with your words can be one of the best things you do for your business - but it has to be done properly!
Read moreWhy you definitely shouldn't write a book in a weekend!
Writing books is big business - or at least it can be, if you get it right. For starters, this means not rushing the process!
Read moreRead this before you publish you're next blog post!
Do you edit your work before you publish it?
Read moreHow to beat those pre-presentation jitters
Standing up and presenting to a group of people is something that strikes fear into the hearts of even the most confident people - so if you're an introvert like me, it can really be the stuff of nightmares! Here's how I tackle my nerves head-on, with some careful preparation and relatable content.
Read moreCreate a schedule you can stick to (it's not as hard as you think!)
Creating a schedule can be a difficult task, especially when you're planning for work you're not being paid for - or that nobody is expecting! Here's how to get started on crafting a time plan that will work for you.
Read moreHome truths for aspiring remote workers
Remote working is on the increase - so here's some advice on how to work it well!
Read moreReal-life lessons I learned from changing my career
I'm a 'Success Story'! My career change journey was featured on Careershifters' website this week, and I'm incredibly proud of it. But I wouldn't want anybody to think changing my career has been easy. And so this is a reflection of sorts, on where I was when I began, and how I've ended up where I am now.
Read moreFor that special person who has everything, give the gift of words
If you know someone who already has everything, give them something truly unique - special words.
Read moreThe truth about blogging for business
Are you reading this over coffee, or maybe as you wait for a late train? Blogging for business is a handy way to keep in regular contact with your followers and show them the human side of your company, but it can be difficult to keep it going once you've started. It's worth it, though - so here are a few tips to keep your blog posts consistent and entertaining.
Read more“Telling it like it is” – giving effective feedback in writing
There's a new trend sweeping Silicon Valley - giving honest and direct feedback to your colleagues. Before you go rushing in, focus your message by writing it down first...your colleagues and your career will thank you for it!
Read moreShare your expertise - write a business book!
All those celebrated business gurus had to start somewhere...and the most successful ones know how to tell their stories in a relatable way that inspires others to act on their dreams and ideas. By writing a business book, you can do just that yourself!
Read moreRead this before you write your next recruitment ad!
Writing a recruitment ad is often a rushed activity, with the words used ones you've read many times before ("dynamic" anyone?) Here's how the Banks children managed to recruit their ideal candidate - Mary Poppins! - by using clear and creative words that stood out.
Read moreThe bracing benefits of a car-free business life
What better way to kick off a new year by getting out into the fresh air? Here's how I manage a busy working life as a non-driver - and it's not as hard as you might think!
Read moreGive yourself a special Christmas gift...a happy working life in 2017!
If you're stuck in a job you don't particularly like, mindlessly searching job boards for something else, it can be hard to dredge up any enthusiasm to make a change. But that little bit of rest time between Christmas and a brand new year beginning is perfect for considering exactly what you want, and how to take the very first step towards making 2017 your happy work year!
Read moreHow to write your life story
With a new year on the horizon, why not make a resolution to tell your life story? Committing your personal tales to paper can be a rich and rewarding experience for you to write and others to read...for generations to come. Here's how to get started.
Read moreWriting to get what you want at work!
Have you ever thought that making a few tweaks to your working life would help make living it much easier? Harness the power of well-chosen words to state your case and win better work-life balance in the process.
Read moreHow to pinpoint useful e-information for your business…without going crazy in the crowd!
Are you often left with the feeling that you don't quite know enough about all the online tools you can use to promote your business? How about website analytics...shouldn't you be checking them every five minutes just like the experts say? Relax - here's how to take advantage of all the advice available online, by defining exactly what YOU want to know.
Read moreFitting in ‘me’ projects – five panic-free time management tips for the professionally overwhelmed
Is time getting the better of you? With a growing business, several passion projects on the go, books to read and friends I'd quite like to see, I was starting to feel overwhelmed...until I decided to take a closer look at planning my time more effectively. Here's how you can do the same.
Read moreUse your sense of style to build trust and win business!
Looking for ways to sound consistent and authentic in your written communications? Here are a few tried, tested and original ways to do just that.
Read moreGhost stories…how shadowy script can light up your life and work
BOO! Like a ripe pumpkin Hallowe'en has rolled around yet again, so what better time to extol the benefits of ghostwriting, definitely not just the province of bargain-bin bound celebrities.
Read more"I'm a Quiet Revolutionary..." she whispered
I'm very proud indeed to be featured as this week's 'Quiet Revolutionary' - a celebration of all things introverted.
Read moreHow I escaped the corporate cage and set myself firmly on the ‘write’ career path!
An encounter with a corporate headhunter made me question my career - why was I still doing something I didn't love? Here's how I formulated my corporate escape plan and found a career I truly enjoy.
Read moreThe (Not-So) Secret Life of an HR Manager
Ever wonder what your HR Manager is really thinking, or what they do all day? I worked in this oft-misunderstood profession for a number of years and now I'm safely out of it, I'm free to vent!
Read moreGoing it alone - surviving self-employment
Going it alone, releasing yourself from the shackles of a traditional nine-to-five, is exhilarating. It's also incredibly scary! To celebrate my first quarter-year in business, here are some of the most important lessons I've learned from the front line.
Read moreBlogging - not just for hipsters and sicksters*
Regular blog posts - especially if you run a business - can drastically increase your following, as well as helping you beat the competition by describing how you do things your way. Read on for a few more great reasons why you should join the blogging revolution!
Read more