So I’ve worked my notice, I’ve met with a selection of recommended recruitment consultants, I’ve drafted and distributed about eight versions of my CV (split by role then sector, of course), I’ve bought a laptop for home-working and i’ve almost loaded all of my software. But now D-Day has passed, the leaving do is but a hazy memory and it’s a damp, rainy Monday morning in Autumn.
So what next?
When I made the decision to go freelance and explore the different avenues of digital comms it was mainly because I was unsure of the best ‘next step’ to take. I wasn’t confident I could pick and choose my next move , in-house or agency, and didn’t know exactly what kind of office would make me happy. Add in to that my ‘hybrid’ background – all roles, one man – and it quickly became clear that freelancing is the opportunity to take control and make clear, conscious strides to steer my career. More choice, more freedom, and responsibility for my own surroundings. Now I know that all of this can be applied in a full time position but I’m a keeping, a long-termer, even my part time jobs growing up lasted five years before I quit. If I sign up, I’m in. My roots are laid. So freelancing appeals as the perfect answer, non-committal entrepreneurial, flexible and adaptive… so long as I can make it work.
Now in order to make it work I need to make sure there’s no idling by waiting for thing to happen. Its tempting to say ‘CVs – done; Emails – sent; LinkedIn – checked; … must be time for a a bit of Doctors on the telly.’ BUT I MUST RESIST! I’m not on leave, I’m not employed, my new job is to get employed, so there’s lots to get done.
If I aim to build a business I need to get on and build a business. Any time I spend NOT building a business is laziness creeping in. It’s a waste. The longer i go without a contract the more time I have to build my business. The more I build my business, the higher the chance I’ll be given a contract. So, without further ado…