To say that my life has changed over the past year feels like a bit of an understatement. One year ago today I left my full-time office job. I took a leap into the semi-unknown and hoped that my gamble would pay off; that I’d be good enough to find and retain clients; that I’d find a bit more of the balance I’d been craving.
A year later I’m still working as a freelance copywriter and SUP instructor and not once have I regretted my decision. I have certainly had moments of panic over my workload (there’s too much, I can’t cope/there’s too little, how will I pay my mortgage?), but I’ve pulled through.
Taking a moment out, a deep breath and remembering what’s important helps me focus. So does Franklin, who constantly reminds me I’d rather be napping.
My last 12 months has had some difficult personal patches too, which have led to wobbles. Every time I hit one of those though, I’d tell myself I’d worked too hard and for too long to get to this point to lose it now; that things had been hard before and I’d always come out the other side stronger.
I’ll admit there have been times I’ve buried myself in work this year, partly from a fear of the work running out (as all freelancers have) and partly to avoid other things happening in my life. But that’s also made me realise the importance of taking time for myself.
My time as a freelancer has taught me a lot of things. I know I still have a lot to learn and that I’ll keep developing and changing my working habits as I do.
I’ve learned that taking time for me is just as important as hitting that deadline. I’m not working at my best when I’m tired and run down. That means the hours I spend walking the dog, doing yoga or reading a book are just as valuable as those spent in front of my laptop.
Now when I start to feel as though I should skip my morning yoga practice, or work late into the night, I’m better at stopping myself. There’s always something else I could be doing, so at some point I have to draw a line.
I’ve learned that I love the variety of working as a freelancer. One day I’m at the beach teaching kids how to paddleboard. The next I’m writing a series of blog articles. A week later I’m jumping into a big project with a new client. It’s never boring and I constantly feel as though I have to push myself to be better.
Professional development is something I want to make more time for in the coming year. There’s so much more for me to learn, and so many incredible people out there who I can learn from.
I’ve also learned not to take earnings for granted. Until the money is in my bank account I don’t factor it into my calculations. I’ve been lucky that I’ve only had one person not pay me for work I did for them, and I was luckier still that it was a very small job, but it served as a bit of a wake-up call.
Similarly, you shouldn’t count your chickens before they come home to roost (as the saying goes). I’ve had jobs that have just taken longer than I anticipated, meaning I don’t get paid until the following month. The money always arrives, just maybe not when I’d originally hoped.
I’ve learned the value of flexibility in my approach to work and my finances. I’m gradually getting better at letting go of the stress attached to money, but I know the importance of keeping on top of my records and invoicing.
Away from work, I’ve been grateful to have such supportive family and friends who have always been there when I needed a rant, a confidence boost, a large glass of wine or a bar of chocolate (or sometimes all of them at once). Spending time with those wonderful people has become even more important now that I’m not going into an office and interacting with people every day.
This year seems to have lasted a long time and it seems to have flown by all at once. I’m excited for what the next 12 months have in store.
