Most of my readers will know that last year I left my 9-5 office job to pursue a freelance career. You can see what I learnt throughout the the last year here. Whilst I left the job last February, my freelance career really began in April when I became the editor for Northampton Life magazine. I’ve been through a LOT this last year so here are my thoughts, one year on from what I’ve learnt from freelancing.
Having an office to go to matters to me
Most people presume freelancers all work at home. This is far from the truth. I freelance as an editor but I do so within an office 3/4 days a week. When I began my self employment journey I thought I’d love the idea of working from home all the time but I actually need an office for my own sanity. When I have more than 2 or 3 days working from home, I feel really shut off from the world and feel the cabin-fever hit. I love working from home, don’t get me wrong but I also think having colleagues and people to bounce ideas off is really useful for me even just a few days a week.
A lot of freelancers say that they spend one day a week in a cafe just to get out of the house but personally I found it a waste of time and money just to see faces. If I ever work in cafes or hotel bars/restaurants then I make there a reason to be out. Sometimes I get early to places to work before a meeting or stick around after. That way you’re not just going out for the sake of it. Let that £4 slice of cake be worth your time!
There is no such thing as an unpaid invoice
I don’t want to talk too much about this as it’s quite a personal matter but this last year has involved chasing an overdue invoice by over a year. I took it to the small claims court and finally had it paid this month. For anyone freelancing who complains that they’ve been waiting a year for payment it blows my mind, an email won’t fix these things, the law will. If the money matters to you, fight it.
Morals and honesty counts for something and for the love of god, ALWAYS HAVE A CONTRACT for everything you do.
Don’t worry about what other people are doing
It’s taken me a long time to find my feet in this industry. Your services, products and ideas will never be original, the industry and internet has stopped that – but the way that YOU present yourself, share YOUR thoughts and communicate to your audience matters.
Authenticity and relatability is the best way to do your own thing and it will make your content flow better when you’re not trying to be something/someone else. Plus it looks blooming obvious when someone copies content! I’ve had it happen far too often to the point where I’ve seen social media messages copied word for word… You just have to let it go over your head or it will drive you insane.
Freelancing is incredibly rewarding
It’s crazy how the last year has changed. A year and a half ago I hated my job, I spent most days aimlessly waiting for work to come in that never did, dealing with absolute BS politics and praying for 5pm to hit everyday. Now, I get to decide what happens. I am sometimes gutted when the day is over as there’s more to be done!
Self employment involves being a creator, book keeper, editor, photographer, marketer, salesman and more. You have to be willing to make sacrifices and do some things that scare you to stand out. I can’t imagine myself ever working in a ‘normal’ job again. I pray I can run the magazines forever and ever.
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Have you ever considered freelancing? I’d love to know what your thoughts are on it, maybe you prefer the security of a full time role? Let me know below…
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Photos: Ami Ford Photography