The idea of going freelance is f*cking terrifying.
I've spent 10+ years in the safety of office jobs. All of which offered a regular salary, pension payments, and the opportunity to develop as a writer.
Even now, as I list out the benefits of my office jobs, my inner voice is yelling at me to shut up, show some goddamn respect for office life, and be grateful that I get to use an office keycard for the next 30+ years.
Yet, here I am. Beginning to turn up the volume on the second voice in my head. One that I've always known deserves more attention, yet I've kept brushing to one side. The voice that says there's more to life.
But, how do you break free from office jobs when your strongest skill is writing marketing copy (ads, blogs, landing pages…). And there's little use for that outside of an office environment.
But, there it is, the end goal that gives me hope (but also makes me quake at the keyboard): going freelance.
- I can choose when I work.
- I can decide where I work.
- I can make a tea without having to face the disappointment of there being no plant-based milk in the fridge.
Okay, that last one might be specific to me, but you get the point.
Fortunately, I've been given a gift
In 2021, I moved to Estonia. A country with stunning forests, a rich history, and generous parental leave.
I'm writing this article 60 days into 9 months of paternity leave. A time that I can use to bond with my son, change nappies, and dip my toes into the freelance waters.
If it doesn't work out, the comfort of my office job (a job that I love) will be waiting for me with open arms — and I can pretend it never happened.
Make it a challenge, Adam
Oh, and to make starting a freelance career even harder, I won't allow myself to use the freelancer's best friend: LinkedIn. Or any social media tool, for that matter.
Let's see how it goes. Subscribe and follow the journey.