Well it has been a little while eh? I almost panicked that I wouldn’t remember how to write a blog today, but it turns out spilling my thoughts onto paper is something that comes quite easily for me (perhaps too easily, I should really try and hold some thoughts back).
In short, the past few months have been a crazy, brilliant and mad time. The world has continued to surprise us in horrifying ways, while I sit safely at home and write about daytime TV or fictional people in fictional worlds.
Let’s rewind a little though.
Back in December 2020, I took the leap (though it’s more of a plunge/fall) and went freelance and registered as a self-employed soul after running a few side hustles alongside my full-time marketing job.
After the initial months of figuring out what on earth I was on doing, I gained some momentum with my freelance commissions (as a journalist) and started writing about film, TV and mental health as much as I could – well as much as editors would let me.
Last summer, I landed my first in house freelance writing job as an SEO writer, covering product reviews and roundups for News UK. Before I got my first TV focused role (oooh) at OK! Magazine writing about entertainment, showbiz and celebrity news.
Fast forward a few months and I’m now a live TV reporter so I sit glued to the TV from 7am to see if daytime telly offers anything that would make a good story for the website. It’s great fun and they’re a lovely team to work with.
In February, I started another role as a Freelance News Reporter at one of my *dream* publications, Digital Spy (all the squeals). It means that I get to fan girl for a living, which I am all about.
I also got bumped up to one of the head writers at The Happy Newspaper, which brings me SO much joy as the title suggests.
My freelance jobs have all been about trial and error, learning as I go and attempting to drown out the voice inside my head that tells me I’m not good enough or doing enough (you know the voice).
Throw in dating, socialising more often and a weekly wrestle with self-doubt (read daily) and you’re pretty up to date with my life.
Life has moved so much faster being freelance that sometimes I forget to take a moment to slow down, enjoy how far I’ve come and assess where I’m going.
What’s next?
It’s time for a shake up.
In the New Year, I increased my days at my different outlets and I have been working early morning shifts four days a week. I have absolutely loved it, it’s great experience and most companies that hire freelances would like you for at least one day a week, if not more.
However, from next month I’m dropping down to three days (though I can always pick up last minute shifts here and there if I fancy it too) so I’ll have more time to focus on other projects and reclaim my weekends and evenings.
My other projects include writing my young adult fantasy novel (yes still), being silly on social media, and a few other jobs.
Alongside my own social media work, I also help brands and businesses with their social media content, writing copy or creating graphics, photos and reels.
I also started a small business in December, which I have been DYING to return to, but it’s been practically impossible the past few weeks as I simply could not dedicate the time to it that it needed.
But that’s all starting back up in April and I cannot wait! Basically just give me a chance to fan girl for a living in as many ways as possible and I’m happy.
I’ve got a few trips booked in already this year, including finally visiting my pal in Gibraltar in the summer! I also plan to make the most of being freelance and being able to work from anywhere.
So yes, hello, I’m back, and in need of a space to write that isn’t paid or about film and TV. I just need to share a ramble that contains some of the little thoughts in my little head.
Are you currently self-employed? What freelance jobs are you hoping to do this year?
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