It’s my 5th anniversary as a freelance copywriter!
Yep, around this time in 2015, I was dropped from my last full time job and decided that I didn’t want to work for anybody other than myself any more.
In the five years since then, I have:
- Written for for international companies
- Worked with some absolutely huge software clients
- Created the tone of voice for multiple businesses
- Represented clients at global events
- Led workshops and seminars for beginners and industry stalwarts alike.
And all while working for the best boss in the world, me. I give myself time off when I need it, and there’s always a ready supply of tea and biscuits in the office. What more could anyone need?
Of course, the course of business ownership never runs entirely smoothly. The pay off for flexibility, time at home and lack of management that comes with being a freelance copywriter is that you lose the safety net of being a cog in a larger machine, and almost everything is immediately put on your shoulders.
With that in mind, here’s just a few things that I’ve learned, both good and bad. in that time.Let’s start with the less good, shall we?
- You can’t win ’em all. Factors outside your control mean that work sometimes doesn’t materialise.
- You’re not everyone’s cup of tea. You can’t be right for every job, and that’s okay.
- Sometimes you have to know when to walk away.
- Imposter syndrome is real, and it’s hard not to judge yourself against others.
- Sometimes your brain just won’t let you work and it’s best to step away.
NOW FOR THE GOOD!
- You are good enough, and there are people who will love what you do for them.
- Being your own boss gives you the time and space you need to do your best work.
- Working smarter is real, you don’t have to chain yourself to the desk for 8 hours.
- You don’t need to be able to do everything, find your core skills and don’t pretend you can do it all.
- Other practitioners aren’t competition, they’re a community and each of them has dealt with the same issues.
Phew. Looking back over five years of business ownership is really great for seeing how much things have changed since those first, faltering steps into freelancing.
On to the next five years? Oh, go on then.