Saturday was my halfiversary of self-employment! Already! Remember when I quit my job and it was super scary?! That was half a year ago!
I’m happy to tell you that things are going well. Better than well. Things are going great! Soon (once I get through this dreaded Tax Season) I will even begin looking into attaining the elusive health insurance!
Of course it’s still scary at times, but overall, it’s much easier. A lot of that is because I’ve taken a crash-course in running a business — a learning-by-doing/sink-or-swim crash course, that is. (So far I’m passing.)
I’ve learned when to say, “No, I’m sorry, but I don’t think we should work together.” I’ve learned when to give potential clients time to think things over and when to nudge them to get started because they’re ready, just nervous. I’ve learned when, “I don’t have much money” is going to mean “I don’t have much money so I’m really, really grateful that you’re giving me such a great deal” and when it’s going to mean, “I don’t have much money so I’m going to undervalue you and what you’re providing for me” and make decisions accordingly. I’ve also learned that just because you can’t afford me doesn’t mean I’m charging too much and to let go of the guilt that I can’t help everyone.
A couple of weeks ago I learned the lesson of “If they sound like they’re going to flake, they’re probably going to flake, so don’t count on ever seeing that money.” I’ve also recently learned (thanks to a suggestion from Melissa) that my offers need to come with expiration dates, so that’s a new thing I’ll be doing going forward.
There’s still a lot that I’m learning, of course. OF COURSE. Like, how to make it through tax season – specifically, how to make it through tax season when your accountant is your friend and still have her for a friend when all is said and done because, oops, remember that time you told me to save all of my receipts? I didn’t do that.
Exciting things are coming!
Within the next few weeks, I will be unveiling my new offer – consulting services! I hear all the time, “I want to work with you, but I don’t know where to begin! I just need to sort myself out, and then I’ll be in touch again.” But wait, I say! That’s just silly! I’m the professional, remember? I can help you sort everything out! It’s all part of the process! Take me along for the ride!
Those packages are coming. If you just can’t wait, email me and I’ll put a special offer together just for you.
In closing…
Six months and I’m not homeless yet!
Six months and the $1600 I started out with in my savings account is still there!
Six months!
Self-employment gets easier. I want to sing it. I PROMIIIIISE IT WILL NOTTT ALWAYYYYS BE SO SCARRYYYY. (No, I can’t sing in real life, either.)
For those of you friends that are just starting out – It’s worth it, I promise. Let me know if you need someone to help you celebrate your small victories.
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7 Responses to “Self-Employment: The First Six Months”
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I remember some moments, Leah, when you really thought you were going to sink, but you just kept going, and now look at you!!!
You are so impressive.
And HUGE KUDOS about keeping your savings cushion!
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leah Reply:
January 18th, 2010 at 2:34 pm
I remember those moments too, Christine! I still have them sometimes, but they are fewer and further between now!
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congrats Leah! I too remember the tweets from those many months ago bout your indecision etc. SO fantastic! You should be really proud.
i am still in the process of weighing my options about starting my own business/website. i have a feeling this could take YEARS at this rate! (you may remember exchanging e-mails with me THREE months ago about a new web site… ugh)
keep going
keeley
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i wish you sang that song in real life.
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Congratulations Leah! I’m all for anyone who decides to take the leap into being their own boss
I’m really glad you shared your experience. It gives me encouragement as I tried the solo thing once, at a horrible time to try it. Since then I’ve been hesitant to brave those waters ago, but long for it so desperately.
Great idea to have expiration dates on offers! I never thought to do that. I do have contracts, which I make every client sign before any work begins.
I’m glad I’m not the only who has that pang of guilt when someone says they can’t afford my services.
You’re doing awesome! And have quite a bit figured out and secured so early on. Keep it up!!! I’m glad I discovered you via Jessa, and of course you live in my favorite state to visit.
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[...] I have the hardest problem with is #5 self-doubt. Which lead me to remember Leah’s post about Self-Employment: The First Six Months. She mentioned previously feeling guilty when a potential client would say they couldn’t [...]
way to go! I just hit Month 7, and I’m not homeless yet either
Scary, but exciting, and it does get easier, thank goodness!
(Launched a photog business).
Found you twitter, glad I did
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