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 I have, 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 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 in a year about doing it. 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!
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