What an incredible journey I’m on – when I handed my notice in to a job & manager that I hated so many years ago, I could never have imagined that I’d still be my own boss, working in a field that I love 8+ years later. (Well, I’m under the paw of a meeting-loving Tabby & White, but that doesn’t sound quite as #GirlBoss.)
When handing in my notice, I was asked “is that even a job?” And to my surprise it has been, and such a satisfying one. A few years ago I ran into her on the street and I was thrilled to be able to proudly tell her how I was thriving.
Finding a career that I love as a freelance social media consultant – 50/50 creativity and data, being subject to the whirl that is the psychology of marketing – has been a dream. I could never have thought that I’d be working in a field which makes my heart so full, meeting and working with all kinds of incredible people, and being able to work in such a creative manner was possible.
As a badge-dappled sash-wearing child could I have imagined that I’d have been working with Girl Guiding? As an aunty to sweet nephews could I have imagined working with Make-A-Wish UK or Little Village? Or with family affected by Breast Cancer, would I have imagined working with places Breast Cancer Care? As a student in New Zealand pouring over books filled with art, could I ever have imagined working with art loving philanthropists or being paid to wander through the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition on my own? Never.
Would I ever think that I’d have the gall to begin a Digital Marketing degree? Over halfway through now I’m still enjoying it, even as it dives deeper and deeper (we’re talking 35 page assignments each trimester) that I can use my clients to delve into fascinating depths of theory across surprising areas. Being offered potential work by one of my tutors was a surprise albeit a pleasant one!
So, where was I? Oh yes, 8 things I’ve learned (I’m obviously no better at catchy blog post titles, but if it ain’t broke don’t fix it I guess!)
1. Discipline is Paramount
Without a boss looking over your shoulder, you need an incredible amount of self-discipline to stay on track, manage your time, and meet deadlines. Procrastination is the enemy; but can also be a warning sign that I need to set aside creative time, or have some time off.
2. Boundaries Are Crucial for Sanity
The line between work and personal life can blur significantly when self-employed. I’ve learned the hard way that setting clear boundaries (e.g., dedicated work hours, turning off notifications) is essential for preventing burnout and maintaining well-being.
3. Adaptability is Key to Survival
The market changes, client needs evolve, and new technologies emerge. I’ve learned to be flexible, embrace change, and pivot strategies or offerings when necessary to stay relevant and competitive.
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4. Self-Care is Not Selfish, It’s Strategic:
I’ve realized that neglecting my physical and mental health directly impacts my productivity and creativity. Prioritizing breaks, exercise, hobbies, and adequate rest isn’t a luxury; it’s an investment in my business.
5. The Highs are Incredibly Rewarding, and Worth the Lows:
Despite the challenges and uncertainties, I’ve experienced the immense satisfaction of building something of my own, seeing hard work pay off, and having the freedom and autonomy that self-employment offers. The moments of success and independence make all the struggles worthwhile.
6. Set goals, including making sure to re-set and actually take holidays
Each year I set a few goals, and then forget about them until the next New Year, but having a framework helps to set my mind. I try to schedule holidays in, and every so often have a few days working from cafes/co-working spaces when you begin to feel like you’re climbing the walls, and take proper breaks.
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7. Make sure to celebrate your wins, ask for testimonials and set aside time to work on/market YOUR business
8. Communication is Key
Working for yourself means that you can become silo’d really quickly – ambiguity and assumptions are the enemies of good client relationships and efficient operations. Over eight years, I feel like clear, proactive, and consistent communication have become my watchwords – also ‘get it in writing’.
I’m so grateful for all of the opportunities I’ve had – and still have – and I’m so excited to see what comes next as a freelance social media manager!