SURVIVING A FREELANCE CHRISTMAS

Christmas is just around the corner and, for freelancers, it tends to be a busy period or deathly quiet. For the former, December can bring with it some financial anxiety as businesses slow wind down and work drys up. To help keep your spirits up and motivation high, here are a few ways you can get productive and continue to progress this December. 

JUMPING INTO THE DEEP END WITHOUT A LIFEJACKET

Notice the word I use in the title?  I don’t say thrown into the deep end. I say jump. That implies it’s done voluntarily. It’s done with ownership and accountability.  Once you make that leap and enter the water — you have zero excuses. You are either a victim or victor to your own ego.  Nobody threw me in against my will. I threw myself in. I may have well ignored all the advice, all the warning signs…as I know I’m a good swimmer

RISE, FREELANCER - MICHAEL'S STORY

In the bustling creative landscape of London, thousands of individuals aspire to turn their passion into a legitimate career. Although the act of registering a business, creating an online presence, and landing a couple of early-stage clients may be relatively achievable, becoming financially sustainable doing something you love is far more challenging. One such individual currently on this journey is Michael Naylor, a talented photographer who has been working in photography for 5 years, assisting and developing his craft, who is now carving a niche for himself in the world of cinematic portrait photography. 

FREELANCER RELATIONSHIP STATUS: IT'S COMPLICATED

There’s a lot of stats out there about freelancing.  There’s stats about freelancer failure rates that raise concern. According to the IFS, 20% of sole traders don’t make it past their first year, 60% will fail to make it past 5 years, rising to 80% by 12 years. On the flipside, there’s stats about new freelancers quitting their day jobs and earning more money than they could ever possibly imagine over their previous full-time employed salaries. There’s stats aplenty covering every nook and cranny about the ‘plunge into the freelance life.’  Some of it exciting…many of it downright depressing.

RISE, FREELANCER - THE REVOLUTION IS HERE

I still remember my first ever client meeting like it was yesterday.  It was right before Christmas, 2017. With a project start date immediately upon return from the holiday break.   And this wasn’t just any client, this was an American tech startup led by a woman who had run a department at the Rio 2016 Games. She’s the type of anxiety inducing high-flyer who budgets every minute of her time. The kind of client who will look at her watch the second you start to bore her.

FREELANCE LIFE IN NYC - MAKEUP EDITION

Over the past couple of years, freelancing has become an increasingly popular career choice for many individuals as its mode of design often offers flexibility and independence in the fast-paced world of work. New York City, a hub of creativity and innovation, attracts many freelancers who seek opportunities across a diverse range of industries. Indeed, New York might for many be synonymous with the ‘land of opportunity’, but as the freelancing industry grows, so does the competition.

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