Heading into the lonely unknown of freelancing

All professionals need feedback from time to time – positive as well as negative – and freelancers more than most. When, more than 20 years ago, I gave up my steady job in journalism and decided to head off into the lonely unknown of self-employment, 

Freelancing needn't be scary or lonely if you build relationships and make the most of professional networks

Solitary walker on high Lakeland ridge

Is it so lonely out there...?

All professionals need feedback from time to time – positive as well as negative – and freelancers more than most. When, more than 20 years ago, I gave up my steady job in journalism and decided to head off into the lonely unknown of self-employment, I realised this was something that could be problematic. I’d be working in isolation – away from the comments and suggestions I’d normally get from colleagues, line managers etc – and I’d have numerous clients with potentially little continuity. I do still miss the contact I had with colleagues in the office environment, but my initial fears were unfounded.       

Three emails I received a few weeks ago are typical of the small morale boosts I’ve come to appreciate. One was a quick response to a message I’d sent to an editor with whom I work regularly. Her reply read: “Viv, you’re such a pro.” Maybe just a throwaway remark, but, as someone who takes pride in their professionalism, appreciated nonetheless. Another was from a reader who often walks my published routes. He was letting me know that his walking group were doing another one of them over the Easter weekend. For me, it was a reminder that I’m not working in a vacuum. The third was from an editor, forwarding an email she’d received from a reader expressing appreciation of my work. The reader had taken the time to contact the editor, the editor had taken the time to forward the comments to me… These little things all make a difference.

And the point of this post? Well, I guess I’m just saying that freelancing isn’t as scary or as lonely as it might sometimes appear. I could go on to discuss the groups on social media that exist to enable freelance journalists and other self-employed professionals to seek advice from their peers, or the support I’ve received over the years from being a member of the Outdoor Writers and Photographers Guild… But maybe that’s all for another post…

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