Hate your job? Maybe there’s a way you can work for yourself by Lou Lavery
There’s no doubt about it – we’re living in a creative age. More and more people are finding ways to baulk against the old industrial system. Whether it’s working from home instead of going into the office, being your own boss or building a business from scratch, today’s working mums are more innovative than ever before.
Probably the best thing to think about when considering alternative employment options is to start looking for ways you can supplement what you’re currently earning.
What special skills do you have? Can you write or edit well? Can you make things? Are you awesome at organisation? Are you intuitive when it comes to using and understanding social media?
Try brain-storming your employable skills based on the stuff you’re already doing. This will help you figure out if there are any online courses you can do to bulk up on pre-existing areas of strength.
Build a foundation
Take a look at your existing network. If you’re a writer – do you have any social connections where you could get started? If you’re a crafter – does a friend have a local market stall? Would they mind if you trialled an item or two?
The biggest stumbling block for women trying to buck the system is often the feeling of overwhelm – they may feel as if they have to have a HUGELY profitable set up immediately to legitimise their decision to try something new. But that’s just not true. Start small, start controlled and start putting yourself out there a little more. Output nearly always leads to input. The more you put yourself out there, the more likely you are to get people looking to you when projects arise.
Start local and use Facebook to your advantage
Facebook local communities are great places to find your feet. They often have weekly ‘share your business’ posts. Facebook is also a great resource of business-driven collectives.
Get noticed
Social media is vital in this new economy. Creating a business Facebook page, a business Instagram and a business website (where appropriate) will get you and your little business literally into the palms of people’s hands. As your business page, you can interact with like-minded businesses and build connections.
A woman is not an island
There will always be people who tell you that you can’t do things. That you need to accept things for the way they are and that you need to stay in your ‘box’.
If you’re reading this then you’re obviously interested in something different. You want something to change but you’re not sure how to start.
The best advice you can get? Just start. Trying something and failing teaches you what to do differently next time. Make connections, put yourself out there, take a risk and see what you get in return. A woman is not an island – we need to rely on each other and help each other to craft the kind of lives that we want for ourselves and for our children.
Who knows? You might be standing at a crossroads and getting ready to jump straight into your new life.
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