I can’t quite believe it either, but next year will be my tenth year in business.
TEN Whole Years as a Yorkshire Copywriter…Almost
As of mid-July though, I’ve been at it for nine years, which I think is achievement enough. When I set out as a copywriter in Yorkshire back in 2014, I didn’t expect to still be ticking along nicely. In fact, I’ve been more than ticking along*; I’ve worked for hundreds of clients - including household names like the NHS and Boots and more one-man bands and brands than I can count.
*Although I realise that sounds like bragging, I’m just glad to be doing what I love daily).
So, if you’re thinking of going freelance too, have a peek at nine things I’ve learned in nine years as a Yorkshire copywriter…
1. Ignoring the b*llocks about ‘getting up at 5am and going for a jog’ is the first step to success
Plenty of LinkedIn' ‘gurus’ will tell you this is the key to doing well as a business owner. The only thing I’ve ever gained from jogging is a stitch. Joking aside, I do like to swim - but I refuse to get up at 5am to do it; the pool’s open til 8pm-ish, so I’ll go after my tea, thank you very much.
2. Getting your tax return done early is always a good idea
Freelance copywriting life can get busy. I’ve left my tax return to the last minute a time or two and I’ve regretted it. Don’t do it too.
3. When you lovingly make a cake for your ‘workplace’, you can look forward to scoffing the lot yourself
The only tip you need. Make that cake - and share it with yourself. You’re welcome.
4. ‘Friday Feeling’ isn’t really a thing when you’re a Yorkshire copywriter (or anyone else, for that matter), working from home and for yourself
That said, if you’re disciplined enough where your workload is concerned, you can treat yourself to a six-day weekend, if you fancy it. Swings and roundabouts and all that.
5. Freelance mates are as important to your sanity as tea and cake on tap
Cake coming out of your taps, you say? Brilliant!
The ‘Being Freelance’ community is well worth checking out if you’re thinking of working for yourself too.
6. Despite emailing your invoice to their accounts dept on time, filling out 6,456 forms and sending in your passport and a weft of your dead dog’s hair, you - and the payment you’re owed - will still slip through the net
Enough said. It’s annoying, but thankfully it doesn’t happen all that often.
7. If you’re fortunate enough to work with fellow freelancers, you can be sure they understand the importance of paying you on time
We’re the best. We really are.
8. Brew rounds don’t take nearly as long when you’re a ‘team’ of one
“Fancy a cuppa, Lauren?”
“Ah, go on then Lauren”
“Oh, and break out December’s mince pies while you’re at it, lass'“
9. Working for yourself is the best thing since sliced cake.
I learned that one in under a year, but it’s true. Come on in; the water’s lovely!
I hope you enjoyed my tongue-in-cheek take on the world of self-employment.
Looking for a Yorkshire-based copywriter? Get in touch!