I just concluded my first week of full-time freelance work. After my final day of the ol' full-time job last Thursday, I've had five work days to start building my business (and two weekend days that could just as easily be workdays too because...why not?) I came away from this first week with three takeaways. Here they are.
My first takeaway is that full-time freelancing gives me balance. I worked full-time from home for the last 2 years. And I took pride in giving my work time the respect it deserved. When I'm working, I may be home, but that doesn't mean I can do the dishes and a load of laundry, Aimee. (Sorry, was that comment directed too pointedly?)
Over the past three months, as I prepared for this transition, my 8 hours of work a day pushed all my other goals and tasks to my nights and weekends. Studying for my UX Design course? An hour here and there in the evening. Building my website for my new company? Very important! But it takes the place of movie night.
So, what did I see this week? I can study for my FAA Drone Pilot test during the day! Updating my website is my work. The end of that UX course may come much faster than it would have before. And I still get to watch The Quiet Place II in the evening.
Now, there's obviously still a tension between billable hours, unbillable work, and personal time. But that's a negotiation I can make based on client needs, my personal schedule, and when I do my best creative work. It feels like a healthy work-life balance again.
Secondly, I have to say that the business side of freelancing is no joke!
This is something I was told to expect, so it comes as no surprise, but I spent quite a bit of time managing finances and client relationships during this first week. With the start of the business, I made some purchases. That means receipts and expenses to track. I received a retainer payment from a client; that means I had to pay quarterly estimated taxes this week. Fortunately, online financial tools clarify much of the confusion I might otherwise have had. And, most importantly, I enjoy managing the business side. But it was a clear takeaway: I can expect the business to take a significant amount of time.
My third takeaway is that I'm ready. I'm ready for the grind. Ready to stretch myself. To put in the work, the time, and the energy to make this new business a success for myself and my clients. I feel confident in my skillset and my gear. I can direct and shoot an interview, take photos, or design a webpage and what I deliver will be something a client can be proud to show off.
And, this first week gives me confidence that small businesses, nonprofits, and organizations of all types want the services that I have to offer. Just this week I've already booked a couple new clients! And I look forward to meeting even more new prospective clients and learning what needs they have for their businesses. I still have some availability in the coming weeks, so please let me know if you have any projects I can help with.
1 week. 3 takeaways. And so much excitement for what's to come.
