Develop strategies for the unique set of challenges that arise in the move from employment to independent work.
When starting out as a freelancer there’s a whole load of information, guidance and support around the practicalities of running a business. There’s workshops, courses and accelerator programmes to help with business planning, finance, marketing, finding clients and much more.
But what’s available to help address the fact that taking those first steps as a freelancer is really scary! Total autonomy in how we work can bring many benefits…. there are also a whole new set of challenges.
- Unknowns — raising questions about how we work and/or what is appropriate
- Unlearning — the need to shake off the habits and structures of employment
- Overwhelm — taking on all the behind the scenes jobs as well as providing your service or creating products
- Isolation — the lack of a safety net or support and validation from a team
How do we deal with the inevitable emotions that these challenges raise without someone in a similar boat to talk to?
The aim of this workshop series is to help:
- normalise the challenges new freelancers experience
- identify specific obstacles and approaches to tackle them
- improve your self-awareness and create opportunities for reflection
- increase your confidence
- create connections and opportunities for ongoing peer support
“If you find yourself quieting your voice as a freelancer because you don’t feel you know who you are or what’s important, and you want an encouraging, validating space to define those things, you need this programme.”
— Maddie, Copywriter
What the workshops cover
There are four workshops in the series. You can join any session as a one-off, or come along to them all. Each workshop will have a theme to guide our activities and discussion.
The themes we’ll explore include:
- Values (what’s important to you about the work you do and how you do it)
- Identity (owning it and communicating it to others)
- Boundaries (personal and professional)
- Getting things done (motivation, time and energy management, accountability etc)
- Community and support (isolation, loneliness, asking for help etc)
We’ll also leave space to explore any themes that emerge from our discussions.
Who they are for
These workshops are for freelancers, the self-employed and companies of one in their first three years of working independently. They are not aimed at any particular profession or sector.
There is no assumption that once you’re beyond the first three years that you’ll have it all figured out. So if you’re a few more years in and feel that these workshops would benefit you, you’re welcome to join in.
“Find the money, prioritise spending the time and put your trust in Emma. You will be more aware, effective and efficient as a result.”
— Lynda, Market researcher
When they run
The series will run twice a year in May and October.
To get updates when the dates are announced join the wait list, or if you’d like to find out more about the programme, and whether it’s right for you, book a chat.