Freelancing In London: Lessons Learnt
I realised earlier that I’ve been freelancing in London for nearly two years.
Two years of late nights and early mornings, client meetings at ungodly hours, and last minute brief changes.
Two years of working with clients of all shapes and sizes, learning how to manage my business with no help.
I’ve absolutely loved every second of it. I can’t wait to look back over the next year few years and see how this business is going to grow. But that doesn’t mean it’s been easy. I’ve skipped nights out, lost friends, and annoyed countless friends by having my laptop or phone glued to me. Even visiting my boyfriend at work, one eye is on him and the other is on what I’m typing. There’s just so much to do, and you never quite feel like you’ve done enough.
Just like any other business, the path to becoming a successful freelancer in London is not easy. You make mistakes (bad ones), you get screwed over by clients, spend countless nights working, and work more than you earn. It’s a job not many people are fit for, but those who can tend to take these mistakes in their stride.
Personally, I’m a big believer in viewing these mistakes as lessons learnt. Especially in the competitive fish bowl that is London, it’s essential to make sure that you’re taking something positive out of these potentially negative experiences. How else do you expect to grow and stay ahead of the game?
Freelancing in London
Most of my freelancing experience has been whilst living in London, and to be honest It’s great- you have plenty of opportunities to meet likeminded people and potential clients. but it’s also a very humbling experience, from meeting other freelancers who make it seem easy-peasy, to clients looking to lower the cost and increase the value. It’s enough to make your hair go grey.
But like I said, there’s always a lesson to take, a chance to stay on the learning curve, and just be better. With that in mind, I want to try share some of those life lessons from freelancing in London. After all, who gatekeeper good advice?
Lesson 1: Never compare yourself
Personally I suffered a lot with this one. I started this blog and social media page with a bunch of other girls, looking at their accounts on 15-100k and brand deals coming out of their armpits is definitely an experience… But I know I’m not alone in comparing myself with others.
Human’s are competitive beings, we all want to be better than the next person, and when we’re not that can feel terrible. But I’m trying to break away from the normal reaction and look at these people with pride, not contempt. We’re all on very very different journeys in life, and (especially in London) everyone has a different bunch of assets and disadvantages that make them who they are. It’s absolutely pointless comparing yourself to them, plus sizing each other up only serves to slow down your own journey.
Focus on you, stay in your lane, and only compare yourself to you.
Lesson 2: Facebook isn’t dead
While Facebook feels like a space for crushed velvet Moms and controversial Aunts/in-laws - it’s actually a surprisingly good place to network and connect with other freelancers in London and beyond.
I’ve made some brilliant connections via Facebook groups, and even get some brief clients from networking on the platform.
As much as Millenials and Gen-Z’ers hate to admit, the social media network still has some value. If you’re looking to connect with other freelancers in London, then I wholeheartedly recommend reviving your account and get joining any group about marketing. Try keep your post alerts on too, you never want to miss a #HelpNeededPost.
Lesson 3: In-person networking events
Nothing beats sitting back with a cocktail in central London, while you network with likeminded individuals. Take a look on Instagram and you’ll find plenty of accounts like The Young Professionals that host events across central London and feature amazing keynote speakers like grace Beverly. Again, It’s a case of doing what you can with the time that you have, but if you’re able to snag a ticket to a networking event a few weeks in advance, there are all sort of opportunities available to you.
Lesson 4: Master the work play balance
I’ve spoken A LOT on here about the art of mastering the world life balance. With a full time job, social life, partner, and budding freelance business, I so-very often feel like I’m balancing plates. Even now, whilst writing this article I’m simeltenously trying to have a conversation with my mother about her broken toe (I don’t know either). My brain has mastered the art of doing two things, with no apparent lack in the quality of writing…or at least I hope.
But that shouldn’t be how it goes, there shouldn’t be late nights panicking to finish off your portfolio, proposal, or client submission. In an ideal world, there would be time for everything, as well as a full 8 hours of sleep. But who do you know that’s actually achieved that? Anyone who lives in the capital, let alone freelances in London, understands the severe lack of sleep…more so if you work very central.
I don’t think I’ve met anyone who balances as many plates as me and has still managed to perfect the art of time management…and I truly don’t think I will. But that doesn’t mean I’m not willing to work towards it.
Lesson 5: Whenever there’s a second
Whenever there’s a spare second; in the line for your coffee, stuck on the tube, waiting for your hair appointment, or another situation where you’re twiddling your thumbs…write.
Think of ideas, plan website layouts, look for more communities to be apart of, and grow. Sometimes there’s so little time in the day to spend on these things, the small moments just simply have to do.
All in all, I love freelancing in London. Whether my business flops or thrives, I’ll look back at this time of my life with a level of fondness. I know I’m imperfect, I know I struggle, but I know I work harder than anyone else out there right now, and I will continue to do so.