You’d think having done a job for the last 12 years that carrying on doing it, (just for yourself, rather than someone else) wouldn’t feel so radically different… WRONG.
After 12 years in print and digital media – both as a magazine editor and digital head of content and communications – last autumn I decided to launch my own consultancy. Imaginatively named ‘Lydia Mansi Digital Content + Marketing’, I now work with independent brands on their marketing, content and social media strategies to help them flourish, creatively. I’ve got my own website and everything.
I’ve worked in the luxury lifestyle sector for over a decade, it’s what ices my creative doughnut. I love sharing the love – shouting about products that make life better/easier/happier; telling the story behind the brand – the spark behind the idea… but being my own boss? Whole. new. ball. game.
There were 3 things I failed to factor in when I decided to go solo…
The loneliness
I have been super lucky in my career thus far, I’ve never had that ‘mean girls’ vibe in my 9-5 (school, sure) – but from inspiring women bosses to finding my best friends around the editorial desk in my 20s – I’ve always had women to bounce off creatively and share those work stresses with. Starting out solo is a lonely business – so lonely in fact that I only lasted a month working from home before seeking out my nearest co-working space (if you follow me on Insta you’ll have seen it, on the quayside in Exeter – it’s pretty amazing). Now I have real work mates again! From those little things, like someone to chat about last night’s Love Island with, to other creatives going solo and who understand the day-to-day stresses – it’s been brilliant. It also helps me structure my day; I do the morning school drop-off and then get into ‘work Lydia’ mode – I love it – staying home and working in my pjs has never been my thing; I need a bold lip and power jumpsuit to get my creative vibe on.
The ‘me factor’
Perhaps a tad obvious – but when your name IS your brand, it’s all on you. People are buying into me – my personality, experience, knowledge, ‘talent’ (cringe). Whilst that’s an amazing compliment, I also don’t take lightly that independent businesses are trusting me to help them build their brand. The buck stops with me and I can’t hide behind a company or a team, which is Bloody Terrifying.
The pay check
Yep, turns out you don’t get a regular paycheck at the end of the month when you’re your own boss. Who knew? 6 months in, I’ve realised that being self-employed is a double-edged sword – I’ve never worked harder or been more driven in my career; every client I win and every invoice that gets paid gives me a MASSIVE sense of pride I’ve never had before.
That said, it’s been a tough first six months. There is the constant 2am ‘what if work dries up’ panic that never seems to subside, even now when I’m in the amazing position of having a 3-month waiting list for new projects. I’m ‘on call’ to clients evenings and weekends and every ‘down day’ means lost earnings… no 25 days paid holiday here… sometimes I miss the PAYE mentality of leaving work at work, but even just 6 months in, I know 100% I wouldn’t have it any other way…
So apologise that I’ve been a bit quiet of late! More tomorrow on why I’m back in the blogging saddle and a sneak peek of what’s to come for Countryfille.com this summer…