10 Keys to Happiness as a Freelancer or work bitch
It simply dawned on me now sitting at The Common Room ... as a freelancer we can be seen as the whores of work places. The only difference being we do not get paid for any sexual favours, but we do get paid to do a job using the talents and skill sets we have.
In my mind, that means make me your work bitch, I will work for you but no strings attached.
I will satisfy you in ways no one else can because I love what I do and that is what makes me great!
I am a personal trainer, yoga teacher and an image consultant, so people pay for me, my time and services I offer.
You are either reading this as a freelancer wanting advice, or you are playing with the idea of being a freelancer. Either way, you are looking for what we all crave; Freedom.
As William Wallace in the movie Braveheart said "Your heart is free... have the courage to follow it."
Do not misunderstand living as a freelancer you work five times harder, you crave knowledge, you are competitive with everyone and yet no one, as you are an individual and that is your only value proposition, your uniqueness!
1. Live live a rock star in the day and like a yoga teacher at night
If you have ever been to a concert, the artist sings his heart and soul out at every concert. He gives 200%, he gives his audience their monies worth. Have you seen Michael Jackson's last movie? Every rehearsal, he dressed up, was part of the rehersal and he gave his absolute best daily.
Do exactly that!
Give your best for every client, not because they are paying you but because you absolutely LOVE what you do.
2. Live like a yogi at night
You have to have balance, I suggest you have relaxed wind down. That may mean a glass of wine and a delicious tender fillet steak or a hot bubble bath. Relax, take your "me time" so the next day you can give you full attention.
3. Deal with your job personally but not the people
As with my earlier correlation to being a whore, you cannot take what people say personally. People speak from their past experiences, and this shows more about who they are. Deal with people on a professional level, take criticism, use that to your advantage and do not let the compliments go to your head.
4. Add Value - "and I didn't even order the fruit platter"
Think of going to a restaurant, finished a delicious meal, then the waiter brings a fruit platter.
Its that added extra benefit. That little something extra that makes all the difference.
Time and the extra services is now a currency, and more valuable than money!
5. Be Unique
Many people don't like Lady Gaga or Madonna. However, she managed to make the world stand and take notice. They used their skills, talents and singled out their unique value propositions.
6. You are not your career and job title, you are however what you do.
Explore various options, I chose more than one career because I refuse to be put into a box.
When asked what do I do, I simply say: "I am Maylene, I am a freelance Lifestyle consultant." That generally starts a whole conversation, which I love.
7. Have a hobby to keep sane
One day you may wake up and find all your friends married, and out partying and feel like you lost out on life.
8. Network
Networking is crucial to freelancing. You cannot and will not get jobs if you are sitting behind your desk sending emails all day.
You have to get your name out there, so sign up on various social networks, and go to meet up groups.
9. Dress up daily
I am an Image consultant, that is not why I have added this to my list.
If you wake up and do not have clients, you will be tempted to stay in, watch television and eat comfort food. I can see in your mind you are smiling and you agree...
Get out of bed and go to gym.. Have a routine, as a freelancer you will find it easier to skip gym, postpone meetings and take it easy till you get bills that need to be paid. Avoid the rut, avoid that depressing moment.
Start now, get into a new habit that will benefit you daily.
10. Be passionately in love with your life
You will get busy, you may only focus on your career, and you should but do not neglect your life. Meaning allow our job to consume you because you are passionate, but be passionate about life and the people in your life!
In my mind, that means make me your work bitch, I will work for you but no strings attached.
I will satisfy you in ways no one else can because I love what I do and that is what makes me great!
I am a personal trainer, yoga teacher and an image consultant, so people pay for me, my time and services I offer.
You are either reading this as a freelancer wanting advice, or you are playing with the idea of being a freelancer. Either way, you are looking for what we all crave; Freedom.
As William Wallace in the movie Braveheart said "Your heart is free... have the courage to follow it."
Do not misunderstand living as a freelancer you work five times harder, you crave knowledge, you are competitive with everyone and yet no one, as you are an individual and that is your only value proposition, your uniqueness!
1. Live live a rock star in the day and like a yoga teacher at night
If you have ever been to a concert, the artist sings his heart and soul out at every concert. He gives 200%, he gives his audience their monies worth. Have you seen Michael Jackson's last movie? Every rehearsal, he dressed up, was part of the rehersal and he gave his absolute best daily.
Do exactly that!
Give your best for every client, not because they are paying you but because you absolutely LOVE what you do.
2. Live like a yogi at night
You have to have balance, I suggest you have relaxed wind down. That may mean a glass of wine and a delicious tender fillet steak or a hot bubble bath. Relax, take your "me time" so the next day you can give you full attention.
3. Deal with your job personally but not the people
As with my earlier correlation to being a whore, you cannot take what people say personally. People speak from their past experiences, and this shows more about who they are. Deal with people on a professional level, take criticism, use that to your advantage and do not let the compliments go to your head.
4. Add Value - "and I didn't even order the fruit platter"
Think of going to a restaurant, finished a delicious meal, then the waiter brings a fruit platter.
Its that added extra benefit. That little something extra that makes all the difference.
Time and the extra services is now a currency, and more valuable than money!
5. Be Unique
Many people don't like Lady Gaga or Madonna. However, she managed to make the world stand and take notice. They used their skills, talents and singled out their unique value propositions.
6. You are not your career and job title, you are however what you do.
Explore various options, I chose more than one career because I refuse to be put into a box.
When asked what do I do, I simply say: "I am Maylene, I am a freelance Lifestyle consultant." That generally starts a whole conversation, which I love.
7. Have a hobby to keep sane
One day you may wake up and find all your friends married, and out partying and feel like you lost out on life.
8. Network
Networking is crucial to freelancing. You cannot and will not get jobs if you are sitting behind your desk sending emails all day.
You have to get your name out there, so sign up on various social networks, and go to meet up groups.
9. Dress up daily
I am an Image consultant, that is not why I have added this to my list.
If you wake up and do not have clients, you will be tempted to stay in, watch television and eat comfort food. I can see in your mind you are smiling and you agree...
Get out of bed and go to gym.. Have a routine, as a freelancer you will find it easier to skip gym, postpone meetings and take it easy till you get bills that need to be paid. Avoid the rut, avoid that depressing moment.
Start now, get into a new habit that will benefit you daily.
10. Be passionately in love with your life
You will get busy, you may only focus on your career, and you should but do not neglect your life. Meaning allow our job to consume you because you are passionate, but be passionate about life and the people in your life!
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