I've been in Montreal for a couple months now, and I thought this would be a good time to check in and do a little self-reflection on where I am at right now with English Muffin and this new working at home situation.
I can begin by saying that I am definitely starting to get my working routine established. I am a creature of habit, so when things get shaken up it takes me a little while to find my bearings and settling in to the new 'swing of things'. Over the past few weeks I have been feeling more at ease in my new circumstances; working from home and being my own boss. The biggest change for me is that my time seems so much freer. The days, and nights, are mine to organize as I see fit. I can work well into the evening when I get a second wind of creative energy and take a break in the afternoon when I often feel a little unfocused. (I've also noticed the snooze button has been playing a larger role in my morning routine!) I no longer have to fight to make every second in my day über-productive because I know tomorrow I'll have to go to my 'real' job. I can fit appointments, errands and household chores into time slots where I'm not at my desk. It's been really wonderful and liberating.
While this is all true, there are definitely still some challenges. I am still a procrastinator, but I'm working on it - I swear! Thanks to @modernemotive, a Twitter friend, I managed to finish the 2011 English Muffin calendar ahead of schedule and I am going to get the first one printed later today.
I do still get scared about where all this is leading, but I think those moments are becoming less frequent (at least for now), in part because I feel like I have more control over where my time is going and what I am spending it working on. I'm getting over the loneliness, to be honest I kind of like being here alone all day, I've got my dog and my podcasts and the good ol' CBC, what more does a girl need?!
So, two months in and I think I'm doing pretty well. The dollar bills aren't knocking down my door just yet, but I have a feeling things will start to pick up soon. I also have a wonderful husband (!) who has given me the space and support to try this self-employed hat on for a little while.
How about you? Have you, or are you thinking of, making the shift to the self-employed life? How did you fare? Any tips for me?
Have a great day!
Bess
image via ModernEmotive
Thanks so much for the shout out Bess. It was so much fun having a coworker to work through the calendars with. It really made a difference. Can't wait for our next deadline. ;)
ReplyDeletePersonally I've had a hard time with the self-employed life. It's so easy to get distracted, discouraged and all that other jazz. I still feel as though I'm yet to find what works for me.