#8 Breadcrumbs: 5 years a freelancer
10 things I’ve learnt about working alone.
Recently I keep getting notifications that my iPhone storage is full. This has a knock-on effect for everything else in my life: a cumulative disaster. WhatsApp crashes, my camera won’t take photos and Hacks won’t download.
It’s my own fault. I refuse to buy more iCloud storage. This warning sign has been popping up for quite a few months now and it’s starting to feel a little too much like a reflection on my current state-of-mind.
System overload.
The vulnerability of being entirely reliant on this piece of tech having enough ‘memory’ to deal with my day to day is becoming increasingly uncomfortable, and quite frankly, silly. If my iPhone doesn’t have enough storage space to handle life right now, how am I meant to?
As a freelancer, it can be challenging to even admit that sometimes things can just get a bit much.
I’ve had a bit of a block around sharing recently and wanted to honour that, rather than persist and push through. Whilst I believe there should be gentle space given to this feeling, deep down I know that often it’s my way of hiding. Once I stop creating because it feels scary, the spiral begins and the block gets bigger. It’s the same with my exercise. 🙄 It’s the same with my acting. 😬 It’s the same with my design. 🫣
But I realised today that it’s almost my 5 year anniversary of being freelancer (to the day!) and the meaning behind passages of time feels significant. So in a bid to break up the block I thought that instead of rotting, I would create a list of 10 things I’ve learnt over the past 5 years. Lists are all the rage these days, but hopefully if there’s nothing new in there, there are at least some reminders of things you already know.
10 things I’ve leant running my own biz:
Spend Monday’s OOH. Work somewhere, anywhere, around other people; it helps you feel part of the bigger picture.
Schedule your time to focus on one thing - per hour, per day - whatever feels good. But for me, allocation is key. My good friend Emily recommended this soothing sound app to help.
Productivity isn’t everything, not everyday needs big wins, but working through a list can really ease your mental load. This has helped somewhat.
You get cranky and anxious when you have too much on (not to mention unpleasant to be around). Strip it back. You have nothing to prove.
Keep a notebook purely for new ideas. Call it your Ideas Garden (inspired by my current mentor Lisa Thompson) Sow seeds whenever you feel an idea coming on, don’t chide yourself for having ‘yet another idea you won’t follow through.’ Keep it nourished for when the time is right.
If you catch yourself scrolling sadly on Instagram, close the app and remind yourself that real community comes from connected conversation, this is often found IRL. Quick thrills and instant gratification on Instagram are all tempting, but challenge yourself to think bigger and beyond a like or two. Excellent inspo here from pal Matilda Lucy.
Soothing yourself should be a non-negotiable and not just for weekends. Roll around on the floor, breathe in for 6, out for 6, tip your pelvis to the sky and thank God your alive.
Find your voice when it comes to expressing the value you add. Money is integral; it’s part of being alive; it’s not shameful; it’s freedom.
It’s generous to share your work with the world, not arrogant. This is how change happens. Collaborate and keep talking about the change you think is possible.
Just show up. Eat a croissant. Do the work. Go pub. Do some more work. Eat tacos. More work. More tacos. Repeat.
Back up your shit.
That was 11, but the last one is actually probably the most important.
I have had a firm word with myself and in a bid to manage my storage, I have begun to back up the photos from my phone to my Dropbox. It took two seconds. Done in one click. That’s my big win for June I’d say.
As ever,
Keep Daydreamin’
✨ Luce ✨
