Five things I’ve learned since working for myself (and why offices are a good thing)

This article probably won’t be anything new or revolutionary, especially to those who already work for themselves, but as it’s been six months since I officially became self employed, I thought sharing a few lessons I’ve learned along the way might be useful, even if it helps only one other person. There are definitely pros and cons to this path, as there are with working in what I keep calling ‘a real job’ (i.e. working for someone else) because for some reason, being self-employed still doesn’t feel like a real job. Whether that’s because I’m now dictating when, where and what I do, or because it’s doing something I really believe in and enjoy, I’m not sure. But there we go.
- Use Your Network
Part of the reason I thought about writing this post was because the post I did when I started out threw up so many nice interactions, opportunities and people you might never have known could help you. It takes a lot to get a business going and your network is an invaluable resource. You can’t know everything or everyone but you can lean on people to help; friends who can give you advice, family who can help you with direction, partners who can give you the pep talk when you need it, old colleagues who know someone you could speak to, and acquaintances who can provide referrals or leads. Don’t be afraid to reach out and let your network know. You never know who’s in the woodwork. And also, if you can bear it, network the s*** out of life. Shamelessly. But also set a goal. Commit to 2-3 networking events per month so that you don’t constantly beat yourself up about fitting these in – and plan them out – it helps set boundaries.
2. Don’t Compare Yourself to Others
Oh, how I wish everyday that I could delete social media. But sadly it’s basically the biggest marketing channel we have these days. But one, or my, common pitfall is comparing my journey to that of others. Everyone and every business’ path will differ, and success is defined differently for each person. Don’t be naive, or unaware, of what’s going on but try to take a step back, see what others are doing and take inspiration or motivation from it. Concentrate on your own goals and know that just because the best bits of people’s day make it on to social media, there is a whole host of rubbish which doesn’t. Because who wants to see that just because I got one event confirmed, I also had five behind it which toppled over. You can’t do everything, even if social media tries to make you believe that you can.
3. Get comfortable with failure
I initially wrote this as ‘get used to rejection’ but that sends the wrong message. Getting used to it implies that you should feel OK when it happens. But it’s normal to not feel OK and it will drive you to learn why you did get rejected. In reality sometimes it’s not to do with you. It’s just circumstantial. Maybe the client doesn’t have the budget. Or it’s not the right time. Whatever it is, rejection still hurts. Being self-employed means you are going to face that. Get comfortable with the fact that you won’t win every job. It’s part of the journey and you probably learn more from the ones you don’t win than those that you do. It’s mostly not personal. But I get it, it still feels rubbish.
4. Hold Your Nerve
I have to remind myself of this every day. The first week I was self-employed, I spent the majority of it looking for full time jobs. It’s scary. It is always going to be a bit. But you have to keep remembering the reasons that you did it in the first place. One day you’ll lose a job, no one will reply, your post will get no likes or comments and you’ll wonder what the hell you’re doing. But the next, you’ll get a new inquiry, someone will say something complimentary, you’ll hit a productive stride and you’ll feel good again. Ride the wave of emotions.
Oh, and on the days that you can’t, get a pep talk from someone who can help you see a bigger picture, go for a run or do some yoga, and maybe if needed source a glass of wine. This too shall pass. And you’ll learn a lot in those low moments. About your business, what you care about, and what you want.
5. Don’t Work from Home
Last, and the opposite of least, don’t work from home. It’s only really become a talking point in the last few years, and if I was told now to be in the office five days a week, I’d probably baulk at the idea, like lots of my friends. But trust me, working for yourself, from home, is not a vibe. It’s lonely, uninspiring, unmotivating and quite frankly a bit crap. Don’t get me wrong, there are days when it’s great to catch up on some washing or not have to put on makeup, but the majority of the days I work from home end with me wondering what the hell I’m doing and why I’m doing it. The office agents of the world will love me, but don’t work from home.
You don’t get struck by creativity in random moments from an uninspiring environment, you don’t meet interesting people who you might have something in common with or uncover ways you can work together. Going to an office or workspace enables you to create some form of routine and structure to your day that otherwise is hard to find. Having your desk or laptop permanently open on the side and tinkering away all evening isn’t a healthy way to work either. It won’t be your best work and it won’t help you feel productive or motivated when you do actually sit down. Join a workspace, go to a coffee shop, do a ‘work from yours’ day with friends. You’ll feel better for it. Plus there are tons of workspaces out there which will give you added inspiration, look at Old Sessions House, Uncommon, 1 Warwick, Allbright and Soho Works. Or, if you do have an office job, try not to resent it too much, it’s more valuable than you think.
So, this article was more cathartic for me than I was expecting. But I truly believe in these things, especially the last, which is why I’m trying to bring Verte to unexpected places, like the office. Why not go clothes swapping in your lunch break, why not have one at your members club. Plus, with your help, we’re helping to save the planet, one swap at a time. Get in touch if you know an office or space which might be interested in hosting one. I’d love to hear from you.