Transitioning to freelancing? Embrace 5 Mindset Changes

Career changes are a moment of transformation, even more so when working for yourself. To set yourself up for a successful journey you need to gain awareness and make space for change.

Are you contemplating the freelancing leap? One of the first things you'll realise is that the biggest shift often happens internally. Once you grasp that, the journey becomes smoother. Here are five mindset shifts crucial for your transition.

1. From Fixed Salary to Variable Income

Say goodbye to that fixed salary and welcome variable income. It can be unsettling, but there's potential for higher earnings here.

Tip:

Start a 'buffer fund' to help you through lean periods and keep a pipeline of projects to forecast your upcoming earnings.

2. From Defined Roles to Many Hats

Remember your clearly defined role in a job? In freelancing, you'll juggle multiple roles - CEO, marketer, accountant, and more.

Tip:

Allocate specific 'office hours' for each role. Use digital tools to streamline some activities (👋 hello to our friend Automation) or consider outsourcing some tasks.

3. From Relying on a Team to Relying on a Network

You used to lean on your team, but in freelancing, your network is your primary support. Afraid of being lonely? Consider it this way: You get to choose who is on your team.

Tip:

Make a list of who you would like to have in your closer team, ask if they want to be part of it and set up rituals. Attend networking events. I’ve currently paused our Impactful Connections, but we are working on bringing it back online and in person. ✨

4. From Fitting In to Standing Out

Being an employee often meant fitting into the company culture. In freelancing, it's all about showcasing your unique traits.

Tip:

Note down your core values and skills. Share them on your professional profiles to let potential clients see what sets you apart.

5. From External Validation to Self-validation

In freelancing, feedback isn't as frequent. That's why self-validation becomes key.

Tip:

Maintain a 'win journal'. Log your achievements, whether weekly or monthly. It’s a handy confidence booster.

Now, for women and marginalised groups, navigating the last two shifts can feel like an uphill battle. Women, in particular, have often been taught to be likable and seek validation. So, when you stand out, and external approval diminishes, it’s tough.
This experience is called the ‘Tall Poppy Syndrome’, and a recent study showed that 90% of women worldwide have faced backlash for their accomplishments at work.

When you introduce intersectionality, the situation becomes even more intricate. Reflect on Alexander Leon’s words:

If you're part of a group discouraged from standing out and conditioned to seek external approval, brace yourself. This shift might be more demanding. There could even be instances where authenticity might cost you opportunities.
So, let's strive for a world where everyone can wholeheartedly embrace their true selves without perpetually placing others' comfort first.

If you crave support starting out, we will run a two-part workshop, ‘Get ready to work for yourself’ on Wednesday, the 18th of October and the 8th of November.

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The shortcut

I bet you're yearning for a solid plan to predict your income. Hang tight! We're crafting one using the best insights from seven diverse templates and models. But let’s tackle the most transformative shift: self-validation.

Your Homework:

• How can you become your own best friend?

• Start a 'wins journal' to capture your achievements daily, weekly, or monthly. Begin small and determine the format and timing that suits you best.

• If you find setting aside time for this challenging, consider joining our free monthly reflective practice, the "Sense & Respond" session. We take a pause, look back at the past month, and celebrate our wins together.

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Interesting opportunities for you

I have hand-picked 27 freelance opportunities from job boards, Slack channels and Linkedin to save you some time:

User research & Design

• Communication Designer - YLabs

• Freelance Designer - Irrational Labs

• Lead Service Designer - Normally (not really freelance but maternity cover)

• Product Design Engineering Program Manager - Mill

• Human rights and AI expert researchers - Global Index on Responsible AI

• Research Consultant - Health Policy Partnership

• Wellbeing Design Fellowship - Joan Ganz Cooney Centre

Consulting

• RFP Strategic Planning - The Freedom Fund

• Sr. Associate - Value for Women Ltd

• Associate Consultant - Good Innovation
  

Operations & Product

• Project Manager - Icecore

• Fundraising Strategy Lead - Tern
  

Data & tech

• Statistics Consultant - UN Woman

• Trail Data Consultant - All Trails

• Co-Founder/ CTO - Wildya

Communication & engagement

• Facilitation Partner - Paul Hamlyn Foundation

• Facilitator - City Bridge Foundation

• Facilitator, Knowledge Exchange - Public Knowledge

• Digital Campaigner - The Syria Campaign

• Senior Community Organiser - Stop Funding Heat

• Head of Individual Giving - The Talent Set

• Content Writer - We are Futures - Scotland

• Communications Consultant- Health Policy Partnership

• Content Specialist - Internews
  

Other gigs

• Evaluation Partner - Impact on Urban Health

• Career Advisors - Schools in London

• Arborist - Overstory

🫶 Thanks, Katherine and Hannah, for sharing some great opportunities.
☕️ If you found this valuable and want to say thanks, buy me a coffee ☕️
♥️ If you found an exciting opportunity and want to share it with the community, click here.

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What's happening at IMMA?

🎬 A sneak peek behind the scenes:

• Megan, IMMA’s amazing intern, has taken up a new role in Seattle. I'll miss her energy here at IMMA, but I’m thrilled for her next adventure. Best of luck, Megan!✨

• This month offers many chances to delve deeper into freelancing. Here is a list of events.

• I'm also hard at work refining our 'Get Ready to Work for Yourself' workshop. After spending countless hours and 12.3k in learning from the best, I'm curating the top tools and insights to guide your freelancing journey. Sign'-up before the 15th to take advantage of the early bird price.
  

Catch me in your inbox again on October 12th. 👋

Take care, and hey, if you liked this newsletter, why not share it with someone? 

Talk soon,
Lilli