Working for yourself can attract quite a lot of unsolicited comments and questions. People usually mean well, but their ignorance can show when they’ve only ever experienced the traditional 9-5.
Only freelancers and small business owners really know what it’s like to go solo and take that big, liberating risk. There’s always some sacrifice and frustration involved, but loads of upsides too. These tweeters understand.
1- When the client thinks they’ve briefed you, but they really haven’t...
Client: We just need something simple and generic, but still looks good. Can you do that?
— Mitchell McCleary (@Mjmccleary) March 13, 2019
Me: pic.twitter.com/nrqVbfojKD
Penetrating a difficult brief is a unique experience. How can there be such a gulf between what the client means and what they’ve written down? Vague words and phrases like ‘make it pop’ always require a few extra questions, otherwise you risk giving them the opposite of what they think they asked for.
2- When your hand is hovering over the espresso machine. Again.
I don't know who needs to hear this, but: that fourth cup of coffee won't save you.
— Chris Gonzalez (@livesinpages) March 11, 2019
Everyone has their vices. For freelancers, it’s usually caffeine. When you’ve got deadlines to hit, a bit of artificial energy can really do the trick. Whatever your brew of choice - good old-fashioned instant, an Italian espresso, or a perfectly frothed latte made by someone else - try and stop before you get the jitters.
3- When you’ve been in your home office bubble for a while.
Took the bus in with other commuters for the first time in a long time 😳 #freelancelife pic.twitter.com/hB9ttJFT5C
— L.A. Londoner (@dinoboy89) March 14, 2019
We all get a bit of cabin fever now and again. If you ever need a reminder that working from home is a privilege, we’ve got just the thing. Thrust yourself into rush hour traffic or commuter time at a train station. You’ll soon remember why you don’t have a ‘normal job’ anymore...
4- When you know the client has seen your invoice.
Sending the client invoices... pic.twitter.com/w47a2rEagA
— Designers Humor (@designershumor) March 9, 2019
“I haven’t got that, could you send it again?” Sure...
Psst! Solna has read receipts, so you’ll know who’s read your invoice and who’s yet to get to that part of their inbox.
5- When you fancy a change of scenery.
Good afternoon from Hyderabad, India.
— María 🇪🇸🧚♀️🧳✈️ (@flybyday63) June 3, 2018
🌴🌞🌴🌞🌴
It’s very hot today, so this is my office for the day. pic.twitter.com/7nzTLBPWlQ
You don’t have to do your best work sitting at the same desk. As long as there’s an internet connection, you can work anywhere. Coffee shop, airport lounge, poolside deck chair...
6- When you go from twiddling your thumbs one week, to calculating how much sleep you can realistically miss out on the next.
#FreelanceLife From no work for the first 2 weeks of the month to “How the F%¥k am I going to cope with all of this” 😂
— 🆂🅷🅰🆈🅽🅴🅿🅸🆇 (@ShaynePix) March 13, 2019
Depending on the kind of business you’re in, ‘feast and famine’ is fairly common. A lot of freelancers spend their busy periods longing for a rest, and then find they’re pacing up and down when work is a bit scarce.
7- When you’re so sick of chasing invoices you’re willing to create fake people to do it for you!
This bit of Advice For Freelancers was given to me by a pal a couple of years ago. I still haven’t enacted it, but you may wish to. You could create a whole imaginary business with various departments headed by shrill, angry advocates, all willing to say things you wouldn’t. pic.twitter.com/hTaU3bStD7
— Rhodri Marsden (@rhodri) March 9, 2019
Twitter is full of freelancers swapping tricks and techniques for getting late invoices paid. There’s no single method that works every time, but automatic reminders can definitely help.
Solna sends payment reminders to your late clients with very little effort from you. You just decide on the frequency and write the message, the rest is automated.
8- When you know you’ve done a good job.
I love getting clients feedback 🤗💕
— BARBIEDoll (@sabreea_) March 12, 2019
A job well done always feels great. If you’re used to no feedback or just a quick ‘thank you’, getting a proper response from a happy client can be all the encouragement you need.
9- When your only colleague has fur, a collar, and a very loud bark.
Phew. Doggie Sadie was good while I was doing a phone interview just now. No attacking throw pillows, dog beds, or throws. She more than earned her doggie treat! #workingfromhome
— Paula Hendrickson (@P_Hendrickson) March 13, 2019
Got a furry friend wandering around your house while you work? They’re usually a nice distraction, but they can make that important conference call a tense experience. Cats are generally pretty quiet (apart from the odd demanding meow), but dogs don’t always shut up when you need them to. It might be time for some extra training...
10- When you couldn’t care less about a dress code.
Lmao look me working from home in my PJs in front of a computer is a “real job”. Also this pays better than those “real jobs” so 🤷♂️.
— Emman Vazz (@IssaAnchorBaby) March 10, 2019
Proper clothes can be the first thing to go when you start working for yourself. If you’re productive in your PJs - go for it! If you still prefer to get dressed in the morning, it’s great to know even the ugliest jumper and oddest socks will do just fine.
There are 2 million freelancers in the UK, and the numbers are only getting higher. When you can choose your own work/life balance and set up your desk anywhere, who can blame you? If invoicing admin is getting you down though, Solna can help.
Solna is the smart invoicing tool every freelancer needs. You can find out more about your clients before you start working with them, send automated reminders, and get paid faster.
Do more of what you love and less of what you don’t. Get started now.
in LND