At the start of the year, I made the decision to quit freelancing.
Part of that decision was because showing up and marketing myself just felt gross. Maybe it’s because I’ve been doing this for too long, maybe it’s because social media is over-saturated.
But mainly, it felt like a real ‘read the room’ moment where it seemed like selling myself online was just plain wrong. There is a literal genocide happening in Palestine, and I simply couldn’t do business as usual. If you’re not sure what I’m talking about, you can read more on this resources page I put together.
Attempting to leave freelancing
So I started looking for a staff job in content writing. There have been interviews and rejections, near wins and lucky escapes. One of the questions that I’ve been asked LOADS at job interviews recently has been about my book Out of Office, something along the lines of: “So, you literally wrote a book about ditching the 9-5 and being your own boss… why are applying for a job with us?”
The thing I find most disheartening about this question is how often it’s asked – because it’s a symptom of a larger, deep-rooted problem in the culture of work.
The culture that tells you:
- “success is a linear, upwards path!”
- “make a plan and stick to it”
- “changing direction makes you look like a flight risk”
But what my experience tells me is that choosing the road less travelled, changing the plan, and taking a new direction is evidence of growth, compassion and integrity. People who have the confidence to change their minds, take on new information and alter their behaviour as a result, are the kind of people I want to work with.
Mostly, the process of looking for employment has made me realise that I need to work for a charity or non-profit in order to be OK in employment again.
Look, I haven’t FULLY quit freelancing. Even though that was the plan, some gigs have landed in my inbox and y’know….. I need to pay them bills.
Using business as a vehicle for change
But I’ve also been using Instagram to speak up for the people of Palestine. And although I’ve lost 500 followers, it’s felt right to use my platform to give a voice to people who are being so brutally victimised.
In the same way that using writing as a tool to talk openly about my mental health has been a source of comfort to me, using social media to scream on behalf of those less fortunate seems like a true vocation.
That’s why email marketing expert Alex Fearon and I have partnered to create Indie Biz for Change. Working together, we want to empower you to stand up for what you believe in and take positive action to incite change, making the world a better place.
Recently, we launched our first fundraising campaign, selling an Email Marketing Bundle in exchange for donations to charity. Wanna show us support? Here’s how you can help:
1️⃣ BUY: The Email Marketing Bundle is on sale for a limited time, and you can get access when you make a donation (starts from £10 to get two really great products)
2️⃣ SHARE: If you can’t donate, share the campaign with your community to spread the word, just like I have. Every. Click. Helps.
