Why I decided to freelance
And why I think I have what it takes
Full disclosure: this post was supposed to come out last week but between some busyness and some fear/ shame-induced procrastination I failed to finish writing and publishing it.
I made a commitment to myself to publish on 12 consecutive weeks and on week 3 I already faltered. I’ve managed to talk myself into not beating myself up for it but to take it as a lesson learned and move on with the plan.
Now, on to the actual topic of the day.
I’ve been asked how and why I decided to try freelancing as my plan A in the weeks and months since I’ve set myself on this journey. The first and most important person who asked me was.. me!
It’s been nice to see that this time around it was quicker and easier to get clarity about my reasons. So far it’s also been a game-changer when it comes to keeping me energised, motivated, and doing things. That is, except, of course, when the fear/ shame-based procrastination comes knocking...
Everybody loves a good list so I figured I’d give you two. Read this way for the list bonanza!
The Why
Let’s start with why I decided to freelance. This could be a veeeery long list, but ultimately the strongest pull came from:
Working in marketing & advertising I constantly got frustrated about my work just contributing to “selling things”. I’m a hard worker and I wanted to feel like that hard work goes towards something more meaningful. That’s why the Seed program
was a real godsend; it’s specifically geared to people who want to build a solo business in climate and/ or impact.I have endometriosis. It’s not the very terrible kind (thankfully, and let’s hope it stays that way!) and I finally understood I need to accept it and adjust my lifestyle to it. If I try to ignore it, it would very likely get worse. Being able to have more control over my schedule means I get to do simple but essential things that, really, we probably all should prioritise; like cooking more meals and actually sitting down to eat instead of grabbing something on the go; making more time and space for exercising; resting on a day when the body hits the breaks hard etc.
I have beings I want to spend more time with. I’m an immigrant with aging parents. Being able to work from anywhere and make my own schedule will help me spend more time with them. Also, I’m a crazy dog lady. At this point I’ve got about 7 more years with her at best and I want to make the most of them. I know this might sound absurd, or exaggerated, or terribly privileged to some (and it might well be one or all of these things) but that doesn’t make it less important to me.
The Why Me
The list of why I’ve convinced myself I’ve got what it takes could be very short: “because I can”. But for the sake and love of lists, let me break that down a little bit.
I do think being your own boss comes with its unique set of required skills and I dare believe I have a good mix of them. I am organised, proactive, a self-starter. You know, all those things many companies say they want but they don’t actually value. I don’t need someone telling me what to do or controlling that I do it in order to get things done. When I have the space to focus deeply I get great work done fast. I believe on being paid based on value first and not so much on time.
I ‘underpromise and overdeliver’ and not deliberately or as a sales tactic. Turns out that’s how I am. People I’ve worked with and for have told me versions of this, unprompted. It’s somewhat shameful to say this about myself and it sure feels like bragging. But, in my heart of hearts, I know it’s true. I go above and beyond. As an employee that often got me punished instead or rewarded - in the spirit of ‘at my job, if you do a good job you get to do other people’s jobs too’.
I’m a cautious optimist after having dipped my toe into it before. I am aware of more things than those who’ve never done it. I keep my eye on cashflow. I keep learning. I have a plan to build on and the patience to see it through. I know how to put together contracts that are fair and protect me and my work. I charge part of project-based work in advance. Etc etc.
When I lay it all out like that in a pretty neat list it sounds easy and straightforward. It sounds like I know what I’m doing.
I do have to be honest and admit there are times when I don’t. There are many things I’ll still have to learn on the way.
Stay for the wins, or stay for the failures. Whatever it is, thank you for reading!
What I Did This Week for My Solo Business
Monday
Followed up - reached out to a potential client to rekindle an earlier conversation and schedule a call.
Note to self: Being able to rest when you need it is also what you’re doing this for.
Tuesday
Tested a Notion template for a client portal.
Note to self: Not starting from scratch may get you there faster.
Wednesday
Volunteered at a conference for impact companies. It has tiring. It was fun. I didn’t ‘sell’ anyone on anything and that’s fine.
Note to self: You’re here for the experience.
Thursday
Prepared content for my landing page.
Tried a LinkedIn post that speaks directly about my skills and services.
Note to self: If you’re motivated AND it has the potential to move the needle, go for it.
Friday,
Had a kick off call with a new client.
Put together my landing page & asked some peers for feedback (only an MVP that is very much improvable but it’s something to work with; will share soon).
Note to self: When the alternative is inaction, done *is* better than perfect.