Lessons from 2020
We love hearing from freelancers in our community and were keen to find out their reflections on 2020. So we asked them “Please tell us one lesson you will take away from 2020 that has helped or will help you to shape your freelancing business in 2021?”
And this is the wonderful range of inspiring responses we got:
“Set Big Goals that seem crazy.” Binita Walia, @Tspaceinbetween
“When the pandemic hit, I got a huge hit of worry as thousands of pounds worth of work disappeared overnight - and with it the fear that I might lose my hard-won career. Then came the excitement and pragmatism: it felt like the beginning of my freelancing life again, when I had no clear plan and next to no work. I found that same starting-out energy and drive, using it to reimagine what I did, try new stuff, and build a more sustainable practice in the digital world. I'd lost my sense of adventure and risk. When things become more stable, I will try to keep the lesson of innovating and risk-taking embedded in what I do.” Dan Simpson, @dansimpsonpoet
“Don't feel greedy or ashamed to add the 20% admin to any schedule of work, every time. Having to take 3 weeks off unpaid with Covid-19 after a two-week unpaid Christmas break scared me into taking that necessity seriously. I often miss it out to try to fit a budget but inevitably end up doing that work for free. I can see now that's a financial risk too far.” Hannah Redler Hawes @hannah_redler
“Don't underestimate the power of a casual conversation or Zoom chat message. I met so many more people online in 2020 than I would have done otherwise. This has led to additional projects and a variety of new work and contacts. It's also a reassuring reminder that as a freelancer, there's a network out there of friendly professionals in a similar situation, and I'm not alone!” Verity Smith, @verity_smith89
“Let go: when you've listened, made recommendations, adapted where possible, and done your best, then let go. As hard as it is, there have always been many elements outside your control and projects don't always land where you'd hoped they would. Everyone's health and wellbeing is the priority.” Devorah Moritz, @CreateImpactCo
“The importance of being able to adapt my business to an online model and offer.” Michael Whitworth
"I started my freelancing business in July, so I needed to create a strategy that allowed me to get through the year with both challenges of starting out and a pandemic! I have made a successful start, and I believe that a flexible approach into work that I would take on and not be afraid to study in order to deliver value in new areas has helped me. Therefore the lesson learned has been to be flexible, agile open to new ideas and work streams but not spreading one’s self too thinly." Rod Barlow
“Communication is more important than ever! With a lack of networking events it's been vital to keep talking via social media, emails, phone and the dreaded video call. It's really helped my mental health to know that other people are out there and that I haven't been forgotten.” Sarah Shaw, @museumtales
The following were anonymous responses:
“I am capable of more than I thought I was. I'm more resilient and adaptable than I thought, I can achieve more than I thought, and I can dig deep and keep ploughing on. Linked to that - no-one is perfect and I should stop striving for some mythical perfection. Life and work are messy and we're all just doing our best. I really want this to translate into more confidence and shake up some choices I make this year.”
“Reaching out to people works. I only ever did a little freelance work in the past as I was employed 4 days a week. Having been made redundant, I decided to focus on freelance work. I contacted lots of people I'd met in the sector, no matter how tenuous the link, and I've had some very positive experiences as a result.”
“Concentrate on what you can do, not what you can’t.”
“Always bill for work partially completed before a project goes on a ‘short pause’!”
“I was solely a freelancer for many years, but luckily got a part time job in a museum several years ago, allowing me to still do freelance work but with a guaranteed income. Without this I would have struggled financially during 2020.”
“Get up to speed with online video platforms! :)”
“Being able to attend seminars and meetings all over the country via Zoom.”
“I experienced the 'feast or famine' nature of freelancing for the first time, where you're feverishly busy on multiple things at once then suddenly have no work at all. But I also learnt how important it is to enjoy the quiet time and not to panic. The work does come back eventually. If that can happen in 2020/21, then it must certainly be true in more 'normal' years!”
“Simply to be more pro-active and creative in how you adapt and change what you do. React quickly to a changing environment and prove yourself to be as flexible as possible. Take every opportunity to use your time constructively, learn new skills and adapt what you can offer. Don't just sit and hope that everything will be ok.”
If you have any lessons to share from 2020, please do feel free to continue the conversation at our LinkedIn Group or on twitter using the hashtag #MuseumFreelance.