Ready to get uncomfortable?
Venturing solo into climate and social impact? Brace yourself for some discomfort – it's almost an unwritten rule in this field. Challenging, yes, but worthwhile for you and all of us together.
For those of us who grew up with privilege, comfort often feels like a right. But in the world of sustainability, this mindset can be a barrier to true change.
Turning away from what makes us uncomfortable is a luxury many don't have. Their daily reality is a constant struggle with discomfort – something we need to acknowledge and embrace if we are going to make this world a better place... oh gosh, how I’m starting to hate this last sentence 😅
Three ways in which you will feel uncomfortable
1. Building a Business is Uncomfortable
Working for yourself in the climate and social impact space is a journey into the unknown. It's about not knowing where your next project will come from, what you should offer, and if it will resonate. It’s scary and unsettling. But it’s also where growth happens. In this uncertainty, we learn to be resilient and adaptable – skills we desperately need for the future.
2. Confronting Uncomfortable Truths
If you want to go beyond just making incremental improvements, get ready to face some ugly truths about colonialism, capitalism, patriarchy, and white supremacy, and our role in maintaining these systems of oppression, for example, through our silence. When you start to see the real picture, it's like a punch to the gut.
Understanding the full extent of the climate crisis brings grief and a sense of alienation from a world that often pretends everything is "normal". Finding a community that shares this understanding and journey becomes vital for support and shared unlearning. (Btw, there are a few limited places to join IMMA in February).
3. Challenging Others and Ourselves
Once you start seeing the world for what it is, you can't just sit back. Whether it's discussing climate change or addressing global injustices (#FreePalestine), speaking up will make others, and ourselves, uncomfortable.
For me, this represented a significant shift. I was raised to “be a good girl,” to prioritise making others feel comfortable rather than confronting them with uncomfortable truths. Now, I'm learning to be okay with not always being liked or seeking approval. It’s not easy, but my goal has evolved: rather than striving to always make everyone feel at ease, I want to master delivering hard truths with a blend of irony and wit.
I understand if people don’t want or have the capacity to embrace all this discomfort. It’s scary, painful, and isolating.
But what if more of us joined in? Imagine the shift we could create.
We'd move from lonely discomfort to a shared, purposeful struggle towards a world where we're all a bit more at ease.
I hope you join me in embracing discomfort because it's in these challenging moments that real change begins. And whether you like it or not, we're in this together – one honest, uncomfortable conversation at a time.
The spotlight
This week, I want to highlight the work of Pelin, one of the local hosts behind the in-person gatherings in London. Pelin, a Strategic Design Consultant specialising in UX and product design, is passionate about holistic well-being and is also a part-time yogi.
I help designers and creatives, create with well-being and mindfulness, while designing for a better future.
Check our Pelin’s work and connect with her.
Interesting opportunities for you
Explore 10 handpicked freelance opportunities in the climate and impact space. We've dedicated hours each week combing through job boards to save you time. This January alone, we've shared over 50 opportunities with our members.
UX/UI Interaction Designer - Open Archive
📍Remote
⏰ 1st of February
Graphic Designer - Spherical
📍Remote, US
💰 $95-$110/Hour
⏰ ASAP
Researcher - Network for Social Change
📍UK
💰 £350-£400/day
⏰ 23 February 2024
Research Officer - Wiego
📍Remote
⏰ 22nd of January
Baseline Study Consultant - Civicus
📍Remote
⏰ 22nd of January
Content Creator - Movement industries
📍Remote
⏰ 22 of January
Associate, Digital Engagement - Climate Power
📍Remote, US
💰$26.92 - $32.07 an hour
⏰ ASAP
Senior Operations Consultant - New Economy Research Project
📍US
💰10-20k
⏰ ASAP
Mid-Term Project Evaluation Consultant - Global Partners Digital
📍Remote
💰USD 5,000 (inclusive of VAT)
⏰ 25 January 2024.
Circular Tender - Circular PSP
https://circularpsp.eu/tender/
Become a member for full access to exclusive opportunities. We welcome a limited number of new members monthly, ensuring a more intimate and connected community experience.
Behind the Scenes at IMMA:
Join 40+ attendees at this week's online networking session, or catch us in person next week in London and Berlin.
Let me give you a glimpse into our community platform. discussions and initiatives, connecting members from Chicago to the Netherlands online and in person.
I will visit your inbox next week in the meantime why not try one thing that makes you uncomfortable. I’ll promise it get’s better and you gain more confidence with time.
Lilli
Work for yourself, not by yourself.
We are a community of independents building our impact-drive business together.
Love that line “what can I do?” Said 7 bn people.