by Pretty soon it will be 3 years to the day that I decided to take the first shaky steps in making a living for myself as a copywriter.
Over the past years I have refined and tweaked my business and continue to do so, so that it builds a lifestyle I want.
I’ve taken a number of training courses, programs and memberships to help me along the way.
One of the pivitol courses I took was The Creative Entrepreneur Roadmap. Mark McGuinness who runs it asked me recently how my life and business had changed since then.
As I mention to Mark in this interview I continue to reflect, react and change as I go along in my business, but from my corporate job 3 years ago, things are already very different…
Creative Living
You might already know that I don’t like wearing shoes when I work. Fortunately I no longer have to rely on them for a promotion.
I always hated spoiling food with meetings in the ridiculous concept of a “working lunch” – now I eat when I want, how I want, and whatever I want (which sometimes leads to disgusting combinations – Pot Noodle sandwich anyone?)
Recently I took a last minute trip for 5 days to visit Malc’s brother in hospital. Because I now have amazing clients (a far cry from my mining report days…), they understood a delay of 2 days as a result of the trip. I could take time out and be there for family.
Every day I’m creating work out of my head that brings in more business for my clients. Or I’m creating products and content that help people improve their copywriting to get sales, guest posts and newsletter subscribers.
That marriage of creativity and hard sales data blows my flipping mind at times. For once in my life, my left and right brain exist harmoniously – sometimes they even hug it out.
Not Without A Challenge
Boy oh boy have I done some crying / running around screaming “what the hell am I doing??!”
I’ve wasted months early on watching others, feeling jealous, then overwhelmed and being defeated with analysis paralysis.
There’s been plenty of days where that regular pay check looked really good… even if I had to dance for it. (Mum I’m joking – I was never going to dance in bars honest!)
But I wouldn’t change it.
I feel alive.
Uncertain, scared, excited, thrilled, on top of the world and vulnerable.
All at the same flippin’ time.
There’s nothing like it. 🙂
Love your post! And have to say, as someone who just left the 9 – 5 world of office work to start my own freelance copywriting business, I can definitely admit to having those days where I feel like crying/running… but then the benefits outweigh the costs when I get great feedback from a client.
Hey Kimberly!
Congrats on making the jump. I know what you mean, I haven’t looked back even when I’ve wanted to bang my head against the keyboard! It does get easier, or maybe you get stronger – a little of both probably! Let us know how you get on! 🙂
Isn’t it great when you get to do something you so enjoy? I love it as well.
Working at being your own boss is reward, succeeding when others doubt you!
Great post! Very inspiring.