The highs, the lows

…and the definite blows!

We always talk about how amazing freelance is, and it absolutely is. I don’t regret the decision for a second. But it hasn’t all been slow mornings, pamper nights, and pretending I have my life together. There have been incredible moments, and others that made me question everything.

When I started this journey, I had a number in my head. A quiet target I thought I could reach each month. For full transparency, I’ve hit that target once in nine months. Once.

At the beginning, I didn’t mind. I had a few clients. I had more free time than I’d ever had before. I could breathe a bit. I’d never experienced that kind of freedom, so I let myself enjoy it.

Too much, maybe.

Let’s just say I got a bit too comfortable. I didn’t post. I didn’t promote myself. I didn’t reach out. I convinced myself that earning less was worth it for the slower pace. I genuinely thought, this feels nice, I could stay here for a while.

And then, the dreaded message…

Two brands I managed were moving everything in-house.

Just like that, 80% of my income was gone. No pipeline. No backup plan. No real idea what I was doing.

I won’t lie. I definitely panicked. (I think anyone would!)

But once the shock wore off, I realised I had two choices, and doing nothing was not one of them. I started showing up. Messaging people. Posting. Talking. Sharing my work. Being visible. And as soon as I moved, things started to move with me. Within two weeks, I had new enquiries. Within a month, I had a new client.

This year has taught me more about myself than any job ever has.

The honest lessons:

○ You can’t get too comfortable. Ever.
○ Promote yourself even when things are good. Especially when things are good.
○ Losing clients isn’t a sign you’re doing something wrong. Sometimes it just happens.
○ Money will go up and down. Your freedom stays the same.
○ You can start again as many times as you need to.
○ Being brave once isn’t enough. You have to keep choosing it.

But despite the dips and the doubt, I wouldn’t trade this life for anything. The flexibility. The creative space. The feeling of building something that is truly mine. I will happily earn less to gain all of that.

For the first time in my entire career, I’m signing off early to celebrate Christmas. Friday 19th December. Anyone who has worked in hospitality or retail will understand what a luxury that is.

I’m spending the next couple of weeks with family and friends in the Cotswolds. Lazy days, cosy nights, and a ridiculous amount of cheese. Then, after recharging my batteries, I’ll be back at my laptop on Monday 5th January. I have lots of ideas for 2026, and I’ve already secured a very special client for the beginning of the year. All will be revealed.

Whether this year was kind, complicated, or a complete mixed bag, I hope you get the chance to relax and enjoy this special time.

Merry Christmas to you and yours, and thank-you for being part of this chapter.