Hester Bates’ Post

In the world of freelance and creative work, the opportunity to pick and choose projects can be both a blessing and a challenge. A question I have asked myself for for years: How do you decide which gigs are worth your time? Through trial and error and deep work aligning with the life I want to create I have found a pretty good system to making decisions. I made this downloadable worksheet to help evaluate whether a freelance or creative opportunity is right for you! https://lnkd.in/gitKN3td

So I have recently all-but finished up an interesting and enjoyable project with a client. Even though I would dearly like to do nothing for a month or more (!), I've got to turn attention to the ol' pipeline. I've learned over the last year and a bit that managing a pipeline as a sole freelancer can be incredibly frustrating. You're juggling client communications, project timelines, and the actual work itself, all without a team to share the load. It feels like you can do one or the other - work on pipeline, relationships, chasing down leads, etc. Or work on the paying work. But not both at once. At least, not both at once if you also want a life outside of work. And having that life was one of the main reasons for going freelance! But the constant need to balance current projects while seeking new opportunities can certainly create its own cycle of stress. I don't want to sound like I am whinging, although I'm aware I probably do While it can feel isolating as a freelancer, and the pressure to manage everything alone can be exhausting, I am certainly enjoying this challenging new(ish) chapter in my professional life.

What I have learnt from being a freelancer : 1: A good friend Devon first told me the saying, ‘we are not saving lives its just dance’ and I think that is one of the best pieces of advice I have heard. if it’s a stressful time or you feel like you are always getting it wrong, it is okay!!!!! We learn constantly through our career. 2: what to do if two jobs you are applying for clash ? Go for both of them , until you see a contract in front of you, be invested to get either. In our world plans change all the time and many provisional jobs I’ve gone for have not happened and I stayed in work because I was auditioning for something else at the same time. 3: One of the most important tips. Don’t forget to live life! It is a crazy world we live in and working constantly is too easy. Take time to go to the gym , for a walk see friends and above all else find your space. As a freelancer we have a lot of time on our own so we have to find a healthy way to live with ourselves. I hope these first few things help and if you have any graduate friends who are struggling send this to them, it might help. We are all in the same boat and having open discussions is so important. #advice #art #dance #freelancing #performing

💻 Freelance Life: A Journey of Possibilities and Gratitude 💪 As a disabled mom of 4 amazing teens, every day brings its own challenges—and its unique blessings. 💖 Working from home as a freelancer has transformed my life. It’s not just about financial contribution (though that’s a big part); it’s about showing my kids that limitations don’t define us—possibilities do. 🌟 From navigating the ups and downs of teen life to balancing work and family, I’m constantly reminded of how abundant life can be when we choose to embrace it. Freelancing lets me show my kids firsthand that: ✨ You can carve your own path. ✨ The world is full of opportunities. ✨ Every day is a chance to add value and grow. My work isn’t just a job—it’s proof to my family that no matter the challenges, there’s always a way to contribute, thrive, and inspire. To anyone out there wondering if freelancing or working from home is possible for them: I’m here to say—it absolutely is. 🌈 What inspires you in your work or day-to-day life? Share below; I’d love to hear!

𝑭𝒓𝒆𝒆𝒍𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝑭𝒓𝒆𝒆𝒅𝒐𝒎: 𝑳𝒊𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑳𝒊𝒇𝒆 𝒐𝒏 𝑴𝒚 𝑶𝒘𝒏 𝑻𝒆𝒓𝒎𝒔! Every day is a new adventure, with challenges that test my mettle, and rewards that are beyond measure. 💎 𝑰'𝒗𝒆 𝒆𝒎𝒃𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒆𝒅: - the freedom to choose my projects - the thrill of setting my own deadlines - the joy of working from anywhere 𝑩𝒖𝒕 𝒂𝒍𝒔𝒐 𝒇𝒂𝒄𝒆𝒅: - the uncertainty of irregular income - the solitude of working alone - the pressure of being my own boss 𝑰'𝒗𝒆 𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒏𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐: - manage my time effectively ⏰ - network like a pro - constantly upgrade my skills 𝑨𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒕? - I've discovered my true passion - I've built a career on my own terms - I've met incredible people from around the world 🌍 Sure, the freelance life isn't for everyone. But for those who dare to take the leap, the rewards are priceless. So here's to the freelancers, the self-starters, the dreamers. To those who choose their own path, and make their own rules. Because the freelance life isn't just a career choice, it's a way of life. 🌟 #freelance #passion #career

June 2024 recap: Restoring balance to the Force 🌌 Went from freelance mode to full-time job mode again. BUT. But. The job ticks off all the boxes. ✅️ 100% remote, flexible work ✅️ Young international team ✅️ No micromanagement ✅️ No corporate bull ✅️ Purpose in what I do ✅️ Building something worthwhile It feels like I found the perfect Eva recipe: - 1/2 cup freedom to live as I want - 450 g doing something I actually believe in - A pinch of stable income There was no reason to keep chasing anything else. Especially because I was free to keep some freelance projects I liked. You should try things out, always. The freelance mode made me grow from size M to XXXL in a year. But in the end, your gut is all you need. And a bit of universe being on your side 🎇 P.S. What is your dream recipe? These swans swear on grass:

When you step away from the aegis of a company and start pitching your work as a freelancer, you are making a bold statement. What you are saying to the industry is: 1. I have a rich repertoire of experience that I bring to the table and am willing to share it with not just a single company but anyone in the industry who is willing to benefit from it. 2. I am willing to take the risk of rejection as well as of acceptance and success on my own merit and brand. What I am essentially saying is that I am mature enough to understand that your acceptance or rejection of me has nothing to do with my own value but the fitment of my skills with your requirement. 3. I am willing to embrace the uncertainty of not having a monthly paycheck as long as I am free to explore and find the best match for my skillsets and interest. In essence, Freelancing embodies resilience in the face of potential rejection and the courage to pursue opportunities that align with individual strengths and aspirations. It is a testament to the confidence and adaptability required to thrive in an ever-evolving professional landscape. #Freelancing #ProfessionalGrowth #resilience #newworkinghabits #newworkingstyles #corporate #futureofwork

𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝟰 of my Freelance Journey🫠 As I sit down to write this, I can’t help but feel a little silly for not starting sooner. I’ve spent so much time doubting myself, caught up in endless “what ifs”... • What if it doesn’t work out? • What if I don’t get the order? • What if the client doesn’t like my work? • What if I can’t handle it all? These thoughts made everything seem impossible, and I let fear hold me back for so long. But this time, I decided to push all those doubts aside and just go for it. I didn’t expect anything—not even one order. I simply focused on giving it my all, doing what I could to get some leads, and worked hard. Today, I’m nowhere near my goal, but things are finally starting to come together and I can’t thank myself enough for that. . . . P.S. Connect with me to follow my freelance journey! Let’s grow together 💼🚀 #SelfGrowth #OvercomingDoubt #EntrepreneurJourney #MindsetMatters #TakingAction #WorkInProgress #PersonalDevelopment #SuccessMindset #GrowthMindset #KeepPushing

As a person with an anxiety disorder, I relate a LOT to this sentiment. Here's how I manage the anxiety so it doesn't prevent me from, you know...enjoying life and my job. First, I remind myself that I have the power to change my situation. Not enough work? That means I need to pitch more. Too much work? Maybe I need to scale back the number of assignments I take on next month. Regardless of whether I have too much or not enough work, my situation can be changed with a bit of effort. Second, I remind myself that feeling anxious about a job I LOVE is completely normal. I want to do a good job for my clients, so of course I get a bit anxious when I have too much on my plate. I never want my work quality to be compromised because I'm busy, so this feeling makes a lot of sense. By reminding myself that a little anxiety is normal, I'm able to reframe my negative thought patterns and get on with my day. Finally, I make sure I take some time to step back and look at the bigger picture. When I first started freelancing 1.5 years ago, I would have LOVED to be so busy I had to start saying no to projects. As a freelancer, there are ebbs and flows in workload, and you have to learn to take them in stride. Fellow freelancers, how do you deal with the anxieties that accompany being a freelancer? I'd love to hear your tips! #freelancer #freelancewriter #freelancelife

🌟Are you on the journey to becoming a successful freelancer?🌟 I vividly recall taking the leap 2 years ago, filled with excitement, and embracing the challenges ahead. Every project has been a unique adventure, imparting valuable lessons and fortifying my resilience. Developing a freelance career encompasses more than just the work itself; it involves networking, self-growth, and continuous learning. I've had the pleasure of meeting incredible individuals along the way, all of whom have contributed to my remarkable transformation. Let's empower each other on this journey! Feel free to share your experiences and tips in the comments. #Freelancing #CareerJourney #Networking #ContinuousLearning #SupportEachOther #Adventure #Transformation #Resilience #Growth