Recently I have been very lucky to be getting a fair amount of freelance work in. Perfect, considering how close to Christmas it as and due to some personal upheaval (yes…thats a good word for it). Going or even being a long term freelancer in this financial climate is a challenge to say the least. I have been working as such for sometime but admittedly not full time. Whilst my work as a performer keeps me very busy, not to mention the teaching and admin that goes along with it; I cant help but feel the need to do more. So over the last few months I have been branching out. I have in the last two weeks worked as a stylist, a photographer, a writer, a proof reader and a copywriter. It is mad to think what I have been up to. One day it is shooting a fashion shoot at Missenden Abbey to the next where I am eyes deep in research on brogues. Yep I am a busy woman.

There are those who ask me how I do it. Well I dont have a child or a family so to speak so those are not a factor in my day (god knows how the super moms and wives do it). With my pup to keep me company it is surprising how quick I can get through my work. I take regular breaks and walk the pooch. Its all about balance. There are days where I dont seem to make any headway. Those are the days I tend to be less focused through one reason or another.

Here are my tips on going freelance and maintaining your sanity doing it:

1. Don’t think you can pay the bills in the click of a few buttons with freelance. The key is only go full time freelance if you can afford to have a bad month (or three).
2. Really focus on your talents and push yourself to improve continually.
3. The power of social media. I have gotten many jobs from comedy writing to proof reading via my social media work.
4. Take regular breaks. It helps with your well-being and even inspiration. I like to do 30 mins break from any editing as I often find staring at something continually dulls the perception.
5. Search for the jobs. I mean it, they wont simply fall into your lap. I am on a number of sites and check in regularly.
6. Reputation. Gain one for all the right reasons and keep it. It is key to survival.
7. Meet up with other freelancers. If nothing else it is simply to realise you are not alone and you can gain valuable experience from such people.
8. Setting up the office. It doesn’t matter where it is but it should be fit for purpose. No point attempting to write articles perched on the stairs. (I have seen this).
9. Switch off. Learn when to switch off. Over-saturating the mind and inbox will only end up with tears and frustration.
10. Tax. Its a foul word but read up on it and seek advise. You may be able to claim for all sorts of things on your tax return.
11. Enjoy it. Stop every now and then and look back at all the work you have finished.

Now run along and play. I have another article to draft. x