Going Freelance?
As I stated, in the very header of this blog, this is meant to be a chronicle of my attempts to become a full-time professional photographer. Most likely a freelance in my case. My intent was to ease myself into a transition as I built up the motivation and the knowledge and rid myself of the bad habits I have developed over the past few years. Well, thanks to the global economy, it looks like I need to fast track that decision.
When I went into work Monday afternoon, I was promptly given my time sheet for last week with a large, thick envelope attached. Though the content of the letter was sufficiently padded with intentionally distracting garbage, the meat of it was essentially: from next week, I will be working reduced hours. (Fridays off) After four weeks of this shift pattern, the company will then take actions if needed to maintain the sustainability of the business. That means redundancies of up to ten people.
Considering that, on the production floor, each shift is only made up of ten people that would give everyone about a 50% chance.
It's time to take action, I think. Unlike so many others, I do have a skill that I can fall back on. It's just a matter of developing the necessary business and marketing skills to make sure I reach its full potential.
However, here's the big question. Now what? How do I actually go about making this a business? Where do I go? Who do I talk to? What boxes am I obligated to fill under UK and EU law?
I don't know.
This, I think, is going to be my biggest challenge of all.
Unexpected
When I went into work Monday afternoon, I was promptly given my time sheet for last week with a large, thick envelope attached. Though the content of the letter was sufficiently padded with intentionally distracting garbage, the meat of it was essentially: from next week, I will be working reduced hours. (Fridays off) After four weeks of this shift pattern, the company will then take actions if needed to maintain the sustainability of the business. That means redundancies of up to ten people.
Considering that, on the production floor, each shift is only made up of ten people that would give everyone about a 50% chance.
It's time to take action, I think. Unlike so many others, I do have a skill that I can fall back on. It's just a matter of developing the necessary business and marketing skills to make sure I reach its full potential.
One Last Hurdle
However, here's the big question. Now what? How do I actually go about making this a business? Where do I go? Who do I talk to? What boxes am I obligated to fill under UK and EU law?
I don't know.
This, I think, is going to be my biggest challenge of all.
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I couldn't give you any technical or legal advice because of where you live, and to be honest I haven't even gotten my business license here yet. But I can tell you that it feels fucking GREAT to quit your job for what you love. Now, you probably won't quit, but you'll be quietly developing your business on the side and one day... you'll be dropped into it. It does scare the shit out of you, but it's really exciting. :)
ReplyDeleteWell, the issue isn't quitting, it's the high possibility of being laid off in five weeks time!
ReplyDeleteEither way, I've finally stopped procrastinating on a business plan and it actually seems to look bright. I might just be able to pull this off!
Thanks Jenn!