Who was it who said talking to yourself is the first sign of madness?
When you’re all roles wrapped into one as a freelancer, you don’t have a lot of choice. Since January marked 6 months of freelancing as my only job, I thought it was high time I sat myself down for a probation review…..
Probation Summary
Bids: 12 – I submitted 12 bids over the last 6 months and secured a 60% success rate. Work was sourced through new networks, existing contacts and LinkedIn.
CPD: 18 – I undertook 18 CPD sessions, from podcasts to TedTalks to online workshops, in-person training and a conference. I’ve also lined up a new specialism for 2023.
Clients: 5 – I’ve worked with five clients, all of which are charities. Their focuses range from volunteer management, employability, child mentoring to community development and advice.
Specialisms: 6 – I’ve enjoyed a range of work, including event factilitation, strategy and planning, evaluation and impact, comms, policy position design and development resource building.
Income – Averaged over the last 6 months, my income freelancing has matched my last employed role
Repeats: 5 – I’ve been lucky enough to have two further event request from a repeat client and 3 contract extensions across another two.
1. What are you proudest of during your first months?
Feedback from clients about the work I’ve done, there’s nothing like hearing you’ve had an impact, particularly since my focus has been with small charities.
I’ve run away days, evaluated Lottery-funded advice work, provided interim cover, built resources and helped raise the profile of charities doing great work. The feedback I’ve had has been some of the most validating of my career to date – I’ve even collated some of the best bits.
Second is the practical side that I’ve still managed earn enough to uphold my side of mortgage, bills etc and I’m hugely proud of achieving that so early on.
Third, that I was brave enough to make the leap and stick with it. Anyone who tells you there aren’t moments of being terrified/overwhelmed by going self-employed isn’t being honest!
2. What areas of your role could you improve?
Reminding myself that I’m still part-time, that one of my primary motivations for going freelance was a better work/life balance – and this is only going to work if I’m really boundaried with my time.
Overcoming scarcity mindset of what work is round the corner, and not taking on too much “just in case.”
Safeguarding the vital space for business admin, CPD, connecting with colleagues, blogging etc which so easily gets bumped when you’re busy.
3. What would your goals be for the next six months in your current role?
Making a significant (financial and time-wise) investment in my CPD to further my passion around facilitation.
Follow the lead of the wonderful network of freelancers I’ve met so far and be an active and generous member of that community. Explore more joint-bids as part of this.
Continue to be able to pay the mortgage!
Take more holiday. Some for spending with the kids in the school holidays, some to spend with my husband, and some just for me.
Follow my heart and keep work focused on what excites, motivates and develops me.
Keep an open mind about what areas of work might come next.
4. Do you have any concerns about your job?
Honestly, I don’t think so. The bravery needed to start out is paying off, I feel more comfortable in the business space with all the extra aspects you have to learn, like tax.
I feel incredibly lucky to be doing work I love, the freedom/flexibility to take on different bits of work is keeping me energised and if I’m bold enough to say it, the future feels strong.
Verdict?
I’m keen to stay, let’s see if the boss decides to keep me on….
Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash