Welcome back to #FreelanceLife, we hope you enjoyed the Easter break and are raring to get back into the swing of things (hopefully without any snow now!) It feels like just yesterday Copywriter Marcus kicked off FreelanceLife but now we are on our 10th Freelancer and 12th post dedicated to all things freelance. We're so glad you came on this journey with us and if there is anything you want to see #FreelanceLife cover, let us know.
We return this week with a newer freelancer, Emmaline. Emmaline is an experienced digital marketing professional with years of big brand digital marketing experience at a senior level. Now a freelance digital marketing consultant and content strategist, she works with brands of all industry, type, and size.
1. What is your favourite thing about being a Freelancer?
The freedom it brings me. I choose which days I work and for how long, which works perfectly for me since my personal life is pretty busy with my family of seven.
2. What is your least favourite thing about being a Freelancer?
Not having a team of people to support on tasks. For example, when I’m providing content for a client, I really miss having a proofreader that I can call on to double-check my work, or another creative mind to bounce ideas around with.
3. What skills are essential for a Freelancer?
Flexibility, adaptability, and self-motivation. You need to be able to work around what your clients need, what your personal life demands of you, and anything else that may crop up during the day. You should also be able to motivate yourself as you won’t have colleagues to keep you going.
4. On average, what time do you start and finish work? How does your day map out?
I start at around 6:30am, when I wake up. I check my emails first in case anything urgent has come in overnight then I sort out the kids for school, do the school run, then get back home and make breakfast while my MacBook boots up. If I’m feeling particularly resolute, I’ll put a wash on at the same time! I get down to client work around 10:00am and finish around 3:00pm when it’s back to the school run (checking emails as I go), feed the kids, then finish off any remaining work in the evening.
5. How often do you work remotely?
Almost 100%. I do have a few clients that require monthly planning meetings, but overall, my clients trust me enough to just get on with it.
6. What do you wish someone had told you when you were starting out?
I’ve been self-employed before (I was a freelance web developer in the late 1990s) so luckily, I knew what I was letting myself in for before I started.
7. Would you ever consider going for a permanent position?
I’ve only recently left a senior creative position, but if the job was right and offered a lot of flexibility, I would definitely consider it. That said, it would be quite hard to go back to an office environment as I’m very used to working in my pyjamas for most of the day now!
8. What is the most standout memory from your Freelance Career?
How I got back into freelancing was pretty sad for me. Unfortunately, I developed a chronic illness which was the reason I left my 9-5 job. I needed to cut out the two-hour commute to the office and make other lifestyle changes to accommodate my condition, so I decided to start up on my own from home. As it happens, it’s worked out great as I’ve managed to stabilise my condition and continue to work on the things I love.
9. What song best represents your Freelance state of mind? Metal, Hip Hop, Classical?
You Get What You Give by the New Radicals. This song is all about being yourself instead of aspiring to be like somebody else. In my line of work, everything I do needs to be unique and tailored to a particular audience.
Inspiring read from Emmaline. You can catch up on all the other freelancers we have had share their tips and tricks here. If you are a freelancer looking to share your #FreelanceLife you can! Drop us a line and we will get back to you.
Keep your eyes peeled for the next #FreelanceLife.
