Having spent last Friday at a freelancer training day, it hit home during a ‘personal branding’ session that I can do SO much more to market myself as a freelancer. I’ve struggled for a while to actually define what I do as I have several hats, with radio presenting, voice over work, podcasting, hosting events and creating content for various blogs.
I have been guilty in the past of starting projects for myself and not really seeing them through, saying yes to things that I don’t have time to do.
As I’m about to finish a big work contract, I’ve been making a conscious effort to implement a strategy, refine and define what I’m doing. However this takes up a lot of time, along with the paid work that I do on a day to day basis. It can stress you out…it means you’re working more and more.
I’m doing more work bits at the weekend, now this isn’t anything new. As a freelancer, work has never been 9-5 and I’m fine with that, but I wonder whether it’s bad work etiquette to allow work in more on the ‘associated days of rest?’ I’ve heard from friends in the past who have gone part time and been bored, I can’t work out fitting all I want to do into one day!
My other half often has work at the weekend, so neither of us work a ‘normal’ working week. For me, at the moment, my work as a radio presenter at this time of year involves turning on Christmas lights following a stream of Bonfire nights makes the weekends a busy time.
Is it detrimental to your well being?
Personally I don’t think so. As a voice over, I might get scripts in on a Friday and feel like downing tools, only to pick them up again on Sat or Sunday depending what out plans are. If that’s the case, I’ll make that my Monday is less hectic – or if work doesn’t allow then another day in the week. It’s a case for redefining your week. Midweek matinees and cinema trips are allowed, as is a visit to the supermarket which is almost blissful as it’s often so empty.
What is essential about being a freelancer is that it’s down to you to decide what you spend your time doing. Be organised, make lists, build lists, keep an electronic and a paper calendar. Book ahead.. there’s lots more to add, but I think that’s a good starting point x