Communications for nature, climate and community-focused projects | Founding partner at Wilsome | Co-organiser #ContentRising | leading Birdsong Academy | exploring #RegenerativeComms
"I'm ever so busy and important." This is my hilarious dad joke, given freely in answer to the question 'how are you?'. I say it often to my kids, and occasionally to friends. It amuses me, if no-one else (and there's nothing wrong with keeping yourself amused). The joke, so much as there is one, is that it's ridiculous to feel obliged to project an image like that, isn't it? And yet. How often have I felt compelled to project that image at work? With a little more subtlety than saying, "I'm very busy and important". But only a little. Whether it's on behalf of myself, or the agency I'm working for, to do otherwise has felt... what? Embarrassing? Foolish? Weak? That's why I've never switched on the #OpenToWork badge on LinkedIn before. I did it last week, and so did Tamsin. We've had quite a ride over the summer - my dad's death, two broken arms (both Tamsin's), and a succession of briefs that haven't quite turned into paid work. Honestly I've no idea whether advertising my availability in this way will help. But so far I'm finding it ok to be admitting, a bit more publicly than normally, that I'm not very busy. Has anyone else crossed that gap lately? How's it been for you?
Hi Charlie, my condolences once again. If you and Tamsin are looking for contract work, you may like to consider getting listed on my UCD freelancers and contractors directory which I promote regularly on Cake Design Studio. The listing compromises of a brief profile card with ways of working and industry experience plus sector preference, and a link to your professional’s portfolio, website or LinkedIn profile. Perfect for busy and important people!
It has been a QUIET summer. Hoping that tons of work comes all our way soon and that I get to work with you lovely people again . In the mean time i'm planning to be away all next August...
I’ve reposted this. Hang in there, don’t apologise - it is not you it’s this mad crazy job chaos market. Keep on being open and using this network for what it is actually supposed to do - support you and your work!
This is really refreshing to read in a feed that’s full of people ‘killing it’. I’m with you mate. My summer has been very quiet, like, scarily quiet - to the point I’ve started pivoting my business! My new direction of communication is much like you, honest, vulnerable and real. No one needs another ‘hustler’ telling them what they need to do. I’m really sorry to hear about your dad, Charlie 😔
Thank you Charlie. These kinds of posts are so important. They help blaze a trail for others. I love your reply to your children; my daughter has literally just asked how I am and my reply was so boring in comparison; next time I’m going to use that one! I think we’re in a particular world where there isn’t tons of money flowing around to pay us for what we do. God knows there should be. So much of the work you’ve done for the love of it would have been fairly handsomely paid if you’d done it within the tv or radio industry. The very best of luck with finding work that you will actually receive some money for. But in the meantime also perhaps we ought to normalise the whole buymeacoffee concept!
Great words Charlie. It's the eternal challenge between paid busy and unpaid busy I find hardest to reconcile.
Digital strategy expert specialising in accessible brand management solutions for marketing teams. Co-founder of BrandStencil.
3moA refreshing post, thank you. If you aren't on this already, it might prove useful? https://www.dovetail.network/