I've been self-employed for over a year now, and I cannot believe how quickly that year has gone! It's been a wild ride, guys, I'm not going to …
I've been self-employed for over a year now, and I cannot believe how quickly that year has gone! It's been a wild ride, guys, I'm not going to lie! I knew that there'd be a lot of learning curves from working for myself, but I very much underestimated the number of curves there would be to learn. It's been no picnic, but at the same time, it's been rewarding, and a lot of the risks I've taken have paid off. Particularly, the risk of quitting my job to pursue blogging/social media full-time was the biggest.
I've found enjoyment in a lot of things in my freelancing journey (excuse the cliche), and I've come across obstacles and disheartenment, too. It was never going to be perfect, and, as I said, I've certainly learned some things along the way.
Here are the ten lessons I have learned in my first full year of freelancing:
1) The to-do list never ends
Honestly, my to-do list always starts off small in the morning and grows ever bigger by the afternoon. The odd "I need to do this" and "Ooh, I haven't done that yet" or the dreaded "OMG I forgot about that deadline". My daily to-do list is constantly changing and evolving over my working day.
2) It's hard to switch off
This is one aspect of freelancing I have struggled with. If I decide to give myself a few hours off or even a day off, I'll be out and about thinking about what I need to do tomorrow. Also, if I'm out, sometimes I go into full-photographer mode when the creative side of my brain spots an Insta-worthy photo opp. I need to really work and come up with techniques to help me switch off during my non-working hours/days. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated in the comments.
3) Brands will walk over you if you let them/set boundaries
There are many things to consider when working with brands on collaborations. However, there is one thing I won't allow a brand and/or PR agency to do - let them walk all over me. Don't get me wrong, it's fantastic when a brand wants to work with me. It's even more satisfying when it's a brand I've dreamed of working with.
But one important factor I think about is not to let a brand be too controlling and to set my own boundaries. If I'm not 100% comfortable with something a brand has said or plans to do, I will say so immediately. I don't let the excitement of working with said brand take over my thoughts. If I'm not happy about any detail of the collaboration, I'll be honest.
When I'm honest and share any concerns, more often or not, a brand will be understanding and re-negotiate and resolve things. If they're not willing to listen, the brand is simply not worth working with.
4) Notes on my iPhone are my new lifeline
I'm being serious, without Notes, I'd be completely and utterly lost. I rely on the Notes app for everything. Literally EVERYTHING. If I'm out and I come up with an idea, it goes in my Notes. When I remember something I need to do, I jot it down in my Notes. You name it, if it needs to go in my Notes, it will damn well go there.
5) I feel guilty for not working
This kind of ties in with lesson number 2 above. I do feel guilty for not working. My brain is in constant overdrive, thinking of things I could be doing instead of relaxing and switching off. I really do struggle to switch off and feel guilty when I'm not working.
6) Ensuring I go out every day is important
Whether it's a walk outside or buying a couple of things in Morrisons, getting outside is one of the most important parts of my day. I always ensure that I do. WFH can be slightly lonely, and I need human interaction daily to keep my mind sane. I need to start working in cafes a little more now to fight off that feeling of loneliness. I wouldn't say this is a constant feeling, but sometimes I miss working with people. Having that banter or chatting about what we had for tea last night. It's little things like that I miss at times.
7) Finances are going to fluctuate
I already knew this before beginning my freelancing career; finances are NEVER going to be the same every month. Some months are fantastic, some months are awful. I do put about 20% of any work I complete into a savings pot, and it's good to have that backup if needed. I like to keep track of everything I earn (as I should), and I know what I can afford and can't afford for the next few weeks or so. Always plan ahead; you never know.
8) It's ok to ask for help and/or advice (accountant, you're not the only one, let someone take the stress away)
Listen, it's ok to ask for help. I remember when I thought I needed to fill in my first tax return, a wave of panic set in. However, I realised I didn't need to do it until next year - phew! But I don't want to have to worry about doing it in a year. I reached out to an accountant, and it's the best thing I could have done. I can relax knowing she will take care of everything and reach out to me if need be.
The lesson being that asking for help is not only important, but there's nothing wrong with it. It does not mean you're incapable. I'd rather get a professional opinion or help rather than tackle something with uncertainty and completely get it wrong.
9) Knockbacks have made me stronger
Freelancing is no rainbows and unicorns. Just because I've reached out to a brand or work is slow, it does not mean things aren't going to work out for me. Knockbacks will happen, but I'll make sure they don't bring me down for long! Knockbacks make anyone stronger; if anything, it's made me more determined to make a success of this whole thing.
10) Knowing the signs of burnout is important
There is nothing worse than burnout, especially if you're a freelancer. I need to be earning money; I'm not on a set wage. I can't afford to get burned out. It's been a lesson in learning my personal symptoms of burnout. Once I start to feel 1-2 of those symptoms or feelings, I know I need to stop for a day and slow down. Burnout is real, guys. If you experience any signs of burnout, stop before it's too late.
Freelancing is an experience and a half; no day is the same.
As of this moment, I am so glad I took the plunge and quit my job to make a go of this. In terms of my career path, this is the best job I've ever had. I always wanted to be in a job where I don't see it as work - I am pretty much feeling this way every day.
I wouldn't change the position I am in for anything - and long may it continue!
I'd love to know your thoughts!
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Skincare devices are my thing. I love trying new skincare devices - if they have huge benefits for me. Whether it's an LED mask, a cleansing device, or a microcurrent device, I love trying new devices to see if they have a positive impact on my skin and help me feel more skin-confident. Now, I have a confession - I'm not a big acne-sufferer. I know I said I only try skin devices that have a beneficial impact on my skin, so I'm kind of being slightly hypocritical. But I do get the odd spot here and there, particularly on my jawline or cheeks. When I do, the ZIIP Dot becomes my best friend.
Like anyone else, when a spot appears, the temptation to squeeze is irresistible. Before getting the *ZIIP Dot, I used to want to squeeze a new spot so badly. For those who don't already know, there are slight repercussions to squeezing a spot, such as a temporary blemish turning into a long-lasting mark and slight hyperpigmentation.
There are many acne treatments, such as salicylic acid, retinoids or even prescribed topical creams/antibiotics. But if you're running out of options, this is the perfect time to look at the ZIIP Dot. I've used it to get rid of spots in the past, and it honestly works wonders.
Firstly, who is ZIIP Beauty?
ZIIP Beauty was founded by Melanie Simon and David Mason. They were the first brand to introduce the app-connected device, the ZIIP GX. Fast forward to today, ZIIP Beauty has produced the ZIIP Dot and the viral ZIIP Halo.
You can read a full, in-depth of the ZIIP Dot I wrote here.
Here are 5 reasons why the ZIIP Dot works for acne:
1) It only takes 90 seconds per treatment
You read that right - it only takes 90 SECONDS to carry out a treatment. What is 90 seconds really? It takes less time for the ZIIP Dot to help vanish acne than it does to brush your teeth for the recommended two minutes.
The ZIIP Dot offers two different treatment modes: a 90-second treatment or a 6-minute treatment. The 90-second treatment goes into 'Treat' mode for 60 seconds to target the blemish. It'll then beep for the final 30 seconds and transfer to 'Calm' mode by calming and soothing the skin. The 90-second treatment is perfect if you're targeting just 1 spot.
The 6-minute treatment is the full face treatment. Long-press the power button to start this treatment mode. In this case, 'Treat' mode lasts for 4 minutes, and the 'Calm' treatment lasts for 2 minutes.
The device comes with a Clear Gel, which you apply around the treatment area before treatment.
2) It's easy to use
Literally, it could not be any simpler to use the ZIIP Dot. When treating one spot, you just need to ensure that the spot is in the centre of the two silver electrodes so it can zap the little invader. You may feel a slight tingling, but it's not at all painful or uncomfortable! Also, ensure you rotate the device clockwise and anticlockwise when in use. Once you do that, it's really a piece of cake!
For those who use the ZIIP Halo, you won't need to access the app to use the ZIIP Dot.
3) It's value for money
When you think of all the creams, patches and other acne treatments there is to spend money on, the ZIIP Dot really is value for money. It's currently priced at £169.99. I know that is a chunk of money to invest in a device like this. But when you think of the amount of acne treatments you spend your money on, this is well worth the investment in the long run.
4) It's portable & travel-friendly
The ZIIP Dot is as light and as travel-friendly as any skincare device you'll see on the market. Imagine this - you're on holiday, and suddenly, as you're applying makeup for your evening out, you see a little red invader on your face. Panic ensues, and you're praying that your concealer can cover it. If you have the ZIIP Dot nearby, a couple of daily treatments later, the spot will be no more.
It's pocket-sized, so it's perfect to take with you for your holidays.
5) It genuinely works
Guys, this doughnut-shaped device works. If you don't believe me, see these before-and-after photos for yourself:
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Told you!
In seriousness, this device is a godsend in treating spots and acne. Coming in four different device colours, the ZIIP Dot uses microcurrents (to treat) and nanocurrents (to calm) to zap spots.
These are the other features of the ZIIP Dot:
- It calms the skin and reduces redness.
- It reduces blemishes by 44% within 12 weeks.
- Rebalances the skin's microbiome.
- Reduces inflamed spots by 62%.
- Maximises skincare absorption by up to 120%.
So not only does the microcurrent and nanocurrent acne device help eliminate acne, but it has other benefits and features which will help your skin.
I'd totally recommend the ZIIP Dot to anyone who wants help with their acne.
I love the ZIIP Dot and will continue to reach for it should a little unwanted visitor appear. As I've said, it's easy to use, it's travel-friendly, and it genuinely works.
If you have any questions that I haven't addressed in this post, ask me in the comments below.
I'd love to know your thoughts on the ZIIP Dot! Would this acne device be beneficial for you?
*This device contains affiliate links. They are marked with an asterisk (*). For more information, please read my disclaimer. Thank you for your support!
*This post contains affiliate links. Please see the end of the post for more details. Skincare devices are my thing. I love trying new skincare devices - if…
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