I had a exceptionally productive day this week as I start to get the hang of this freelance malarky and I was inspired to right down my thoughts into a series. Going from a full-time position with a photographer was a shock to the system, it took a while to adjust but I've got into my new routine. I left to concentrate in production, my starting point was to introduce myself and start gaining experience which has so far led to some amazing experiences. This pocket of the industry that has freelance and permanent positions and I am looking out for both. I work in photography but this could be relevant to other industries. Let's begin...
1. Set up a home office
Let's start at home, you're going to be here a lot more than you used to and you're going to need to get things organised. The first day, coping with a hella hangover from my leaving drinks, I set up a home office. I have a imac and did a switcheroo in my room to give more space to sit comfortably at my desk, so not the bed/sofa - getting too comfortable will end up getting lazy. I also gave everything a good spring clean. All set up and ready to go. The first week or so was actually a lot of admin and accounts before I could go 'putting the feelers' out as they say.
2. Your new 9-5ish
I see myself as an owl, coming awake at night and struggle to sleep before midnight, however I am still pretty productive in the mornings and can get lot done before luncheon. Everyone is different, but spotting where you're more engaged will make the most of your time. I take a slump in the later afternoon which is my cue for walkies. Working a 9-5ish day is important so you remain in a routine while giving yourself free evenings.
A priority for me was to carry on looking after myself, this meant not let my eating and exercise habits slide. Both vital for a healthy mind. With the extra time I've been able to make more meals from scratch. This doubles up being relaxing and saving the pennies. Jamie Oliver's latest book 'Save with Jamie' is proving to be pretty helpful to make batch meals. I haven't been doing the 45 min walking commute anymore so made a point to get a walk in every day, that lovely Crouch End fresh air is good for the soul and a good break, even if it is literally just round the block. Cooking more meals means I've had more trips to the green grocers.
4. Socialising
There will be a time where you start to feel isolated, especially in these short winter days but you need to stay in to work and crack on. I live with flatmates, seeing their lovely squishy faces in the evening gives me some cheering up and takes mind off things. With pennies more tight, eating out is temporarily a luxury I cannot afford, but meeting friends is still important so even if its free drinks down the local.
Next in the series- what I am actually doing to find work, what I do to let off steam to stop me going crazy and self promotion.
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