Those balmy summer months are becoming a distant memory, as the leaves have turned from green to rich brown and reds and the evenings draw in. Parents may find that their life has entered a new phase as their little ones begin full time schooling. Perhaps a new job could be on the cards? Perhaps returning to a career you had pre-children might be a possibility?
Looking ahead, there is one (or two, or three) little areas to bear in mind…… is your chosen role flexible for your children? For pick-ups, drop offs, illness or the other many possibilities our children need us for. Many positions can suddenly appear very rigid, with little or no provision for flexibility, which can be very frustrating during your job search.
There are many options to consider that could work with the school run, ranging from part-time, contract, freelance, full-time or flexi-time to name a few.
Today, I want to discuss freelancing, a self-employed status allowing you to choose your hours, your clients and your ideal role.
So, what do you know about being a freelancer? You could be a web designer or a social media manager wanting to set up your own business venture. The thought of self-employment can fill people with dread or delight, depending on how good your sales, time management and self-motivation is. Many freelancers will usually have been working on their ‘side hustle’, alongside their full-time position, gaining momentum and building their profile. Before you consider freelancing as a career option, cast your eye over these key areas to see if it could be an option for you.
Working from home
We have all heard colleagues say, ‘I’m working from home today’. As a freelancer, you will most likely be doing this every day. You will experience freedom to work without interruptions, choosing your own hours around family commitments and scheduling time for your own personal growth. However, this way of working can come with some negatives in the shape of temptations to derail you from your projects. To combat this, you must operate with a strict workplace mentality and have a designated place to work. Planning and diary management will become your best friends to ensure you stay on focus for your clients.
Stay organised
Organisation is key to staying motivated as a freelancer. Maintaining your admin and ensuring that you have a tidy workspace, will help you to keep on top of your game and feel more confident and in control.
Be realistic, say no!
Managing expectations of not just your clients, but your family and scheduled commitments is crucial. Over committing to too many things will leave you feeling overwhelmed and lacking in motivation. Having lots of clients is on every freelancer wish list, but having the right client, who is a good fit for you and your goals, will make you feel much more focused and driven.
Job security
As a freelancer, it is wise to gain retainable work, so you have a monthly income from your clients. This is also an opportunity to build a long term relationship with them, so you can get to know their business and become part of the team. Great for you and great for them. There is however, little protection if the company needs change and your role is no longer needed. At best, you may receive a month’s notice and at it's worst, it's with immediate effect, which can be a worrying time if you only have a few clients. It may be worth trying to get a notice period written into your contract or terms of service, however that is not always a possibility.
There are many positive aspects of choosing freelancing as a career to work around your family. You can release your inner creative and strive forward to pave your way for your new business. The rewards of freedom and being your own boss are certainly a plus, however could you live with the vulnerability of gaining and keeping clients, that is a choice only you can make.
Why not share your ideas for staying motivated? Are you a freelancer and if so, how are you enjoying your chosen career? That is it for now, thanks, Allyson
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