It’s a phrase I’ve heard so many times – that freelancing is all about feast or famine. Newbies and established players seem to agree on it, there will be times when you have more work than you know what to do with, and times when you worry how you’ll pay the mortgage. It’s simply a roller-coaster you have to ride.
So, after a frustratingly busy summer (when I’d hoped to have more time off for the school holidays), I entered autumn in a quieter period of work. Having done one period like it earlier in the year, I was ready, and I had a plan. Here’s how it worked.
Financial buffer
The great thing about being really busy over summer was that I banked more work, and more income, and it was able to sit there was a buffer for my quieter autumn. My side of the mortgage and bills was covered for a while and that really took the pressure off. I’m regularly grateful for my savers mindset, and I realise now it’s one of the greatest strengths I bring to running my own business.
Investing in Myself
My biggest focus was myself. I suddenly had the space to do the two big courses I’ve been dreaming about for a year, with very little to stop me other than some childcare juggling and gritting my teeth about the expense. I’m now a certified coach and certified in the LEGO® Serious Play® facilitation method and both have brought a huge amount of learning, new connections and joy over the last few months. I couldn’t be more glad that I got the chance to do both.
Space to Explore
I consciously put a chunk of this time towards offering pro bono support in areas I want to do more in – mentoring, coaching and action learning sets. I’ve loved the opportunity to test new concepts, practice and develop myself.
Downtime
The other area of focus was downtime – I managed more lunchtime swims, walking a friend’s dog and book reading than ever before. It did me the world of good. I even managed tv in the day once – and managed to feel hugely guilty I wasn’t working in the middle of a random Wednesday. Action point to myself, let go of the guilt about downtime. When you’ve earnt it, luxuriate in it!
Photo by Jon Flobrant on Unsplash