Hi all, I started out as a freelancer about 5 months ago and some days I love it, others I am not so sure. I was wondering if anyone knew of any mentoring schemes about for people like me who feel like they aren't really sure of what is going on. I feel like I have no one to turn to about problems! There are some people I have worked with in the past i can chat to but always feel like I am being a pain. If there was a more official setup, I wouldn't feel so bad. I work in arts management/research thanks Rebecca
Hi Rebecca, Welcome to the forum! The first year or two are without doubt the hardest and the thoughts are always there concerning returning to the ease and comfort of a day job. Have a look at this recent article in the guardian: You're not the boss of me now | Work | Guardian Unlimited Money As for mentoring schemes for freelancers - I have never heard of any, I guess you can look for small business support from a variety of places though, your bank may well have networking meetings for its small businesses, the FSB (federation of small businesses) may also help. Don't forget to come here and have a moan or ask questions, we will be here for you Arts management / research sounds like a pretty niche market, how do you find clients? All from contacts you have already made?
Hi Rebecca I guess from what you're saying that you're writing mostly? Yeah .. a lonely life, or it can be. Having just recently taken the plunge, I've got a 'new freelance business day course' type thang with my local tax office in January - I'm thinking that there may be others there I might click in with. In fact, if there aren't other freelance writers on that course I might ask my tax office if there are other freelancers in the area who might like the idea of getting together as an ideas/gripes/biting the carpet/suggestion group and meet up every so often. Worth an ask. Nothing ventured .. I belong to a writers workshop too, and although I don't discuss my confidential projects with them it's a good source of support and feedback as a freelancer. Most of them are dear friends and so we can go for a walk or have dinner and VENT about the problems we're all having! lol ahem .... I think also it's about identifying what it is you need - I know I need to be able to share experience, confirm my thinking, develop my client base .. so I need to find outlets where I can do that. It can be isolating, I agree. So a support network is important, I'd say.
Try contacting your local business link, they should be able to let you know of local networking and business community groups in your area.
Why do you feel you need mentoring? surely being in business on your own account means just that - perhaps freelancing is not for everyone
Don't worry be happy I go freelance in just over a week, I'm an Art Director never gone freelance got over 10 years experience fulltime and needed a change. My copywriter is staying on fulltime not ready for the plunge. Can't wait to get started and if I don't get any work for a week or so then I'll worry about it WHEN it happens. I'm guessing if you need to chat then forums like this are best to get a lot off your chest. PS: any freelance copyriters working for through the line agencies looking for a partner for a project or contract (day-week etc) hola back .
