Alexandra what a piece! Similar to Paul, my transition to "full-time" creator was a jumble of consulting and working for friends. One of the ideas that helped me was telling myself I was building a portfolio. While photographing friends who weren't in my line of work or consulting for another friends crypto currency company, I was building the portfolio I needed build to get where I wanted to be.
Part of the reason I didn't go back to corporate life is that I wanted to do more than one thing. Adding a job to your portfolio of experience and income sounds like a win to me. Be on the look out for how your value is exponentially amplified across your personal portfolio. Much like how Elon Musk was able to use Space X technology to make Tesla's cars better, or how Steve Jobs made sure the Pixar team was able to use Apple Computers to make movies, you're going to have a whole new force multiplier in your expertise.
I know many opportunities will come your way and whatever you add to the mix will be a positive, transformative, and valuable experience for everyone involved.
Thanks, Steven. And what a comment! Appreciate the thought and encouragement you put into this. I especially love this gem of wisdom: "You're going to have a whole new force multiplier in your expertise." That's such a powerful way to think about it, and you're right. I'm excited to see what that looks like. Thanks again! :)
This is great, Steven. I like the idea of a portfolio of work, like a modern-day CV but with big projects and different skills you've used in each. Also like the "do work that amplifies other work" suggestion. Right way of looking at things.
Love this reflection! I notice a lot of people feel the pressure to be all or nothing solo. For me I couldn’t have really done it without consulting which is like a pseudo part time job (I just took breaks between gigs) and I’m still doing a little. This year is probably the first year I can say I can cover my cost of living from the work I really want to be doing. I can tell from this reflection though you’re on to something special. Thanks for sharing. Definitely will point people to this.
Thanks, Paul! Means a lot. I love your book and resonated with sooo many aspects of it, from my years abroad to quitting my job to become an entrepreneur, etc. And I appreciate the added context of using consulting work to supplement your income until the creative work generated "enough" in itself. I think a lot of us are deluded into thinking we can replace (hell, even increase!) our employee income within 1-2 years of solopreneurship, when the reality is it takes a lot longer. Likewise, I feel I'm onto something special and I'm excited to see how it unfolds. Stay tuned! :)
Thanks for sharing this, Paul. It's good to know it takes time to get to a point where you can make enough from purely the things you enjoy doing. And in the meantime consulting/part time gigs can supplement that income. Useful to get some perspective from someone who's walked this road.
yeah i mean its "enough" for now...im sort of always pricing in things disappearing...while ive done enough work to not get too anxious about this, i am fine with it because im doing work i want to be doing
Love this so much. I feel it, I get it. Good luck with everything- it's beautiful how honest and vulnerable you're being. I'll keep an ear out for opportunities for you.
Thanks for having the courage to speak up about the drawbacks of going self-employed, Alexandra. I'm also navigating the new mode of work after quitting last year and trying my hand at various things... consulting, a few small bets, some ghostwriting. Some months are great, while others the pipeline is dry. I still believe (long-term) it's a better mode of operating and gives you more potential upside than a normal job, but it's definitely not something to be entered lightly. I like the idea of a blended approach instead of going "all or nothing". Thanks for sharing this! Backing you to figure out your perfect mix - you've got so much talent, it's bound to work out for you given enough time.
Thanks, John! Something self-employment has reaffirmed for me is how your priorities naturally shift over time. Therefore, it’s natural to change your mind.
Case in point, I left my 9-5 in September 2021 to go “all-in” on solopreneurship because in my gut it was the right move. In other (startup) words, I “burned the boats” (I elaborate more on this in a previous newsletter: https://alexandraallen.substack.com/p/41st-edition-burning-the-boats-).
But now, 2 years later, I’m a different woman in a different place. And that calls for change. It’s exciting. I’m curious to see where it leads and confident I can handle wherever it does. :)
As for you, you’re off to a great start by diversifying your portfolio. That seems to be the best course of action and something I wish I’d thought about earlier. My hope is through our sharing, we can help others avoid similar pain points. And as a numbers guy, I know you’ll always be well positioned to make informed business decisions! Keep crushing it. :)
Thank you for sharing your heartfelt, mind-opening, and soul searching reflections! They resonate deeply and surface things so often not expressed, that need and want to be heard, time and time again. Thanks Ali. I'll keep an eye and ear out!
Thank you, Charlotte! That means a lot. I'm so grateful to count you as a friend and inspiration on this journey. I admire you and the work you do so much. :)
Terri's words ring so true. It is a lifestyle and mindset. You have blazed the path for so many of us, and I hope you are able to add that to your portfolio of wins. I like Steven's comment too. Be a Musk (the better parts of him!)
Thank you, Karena! I'm so grateful that our paths crossed on this venture and to count you as a friend and mentor. Thank you for always encouraging me. You, Terri, and Steven are kindred spirits and I admire you all! :)
I admire your transparency and willingness to share your struggle with so much openness.
Lately, I've been questioning my choices and desire to go solo as well. Life is so much simpler with a steady income, and the "freedom" we chase isn't always the freedom we think we're chasing. I still wouldn't want to go back to a 9–5 job, and I'm definitely not looking to go back to the office, but yeah, it doesn't have to be all or nothing!
"The "freedom" we chase isn't always the freedom we think we're chasing." Truer words have never been spoken! It reminds me of the old adage "Be careful what you wish for." For a long time, I romanticized working solo. But as it turns out, I've been finding it really lonely and I'm keen to get back in my element with great teammates to bounce ideas off and get feedback from. It definitely doesn't have to be all or nothing!
Building a business is truly one of the most challenging endeavors you can take on. I think you've hit the nail on the head with the status issue, and “What will people think?” based on HOW you decide to build YOUR business. It's a silly mindset (put mildly) that we all develop.
I think your idea of joining a team part time, or in a fractional role, is smart. It allows you to keep your skills sharp with a dedicated team, but also allows you to continue to build your business at the same time.
I'll keep my eyes out in my network for any opportunities that fit that outline you provided.
Alexandra what a piece! Similar to Paul, my transition to "full-time" creator was a jumble of consulting and working for friends. One of the ideas that helped me was telling myself I was building a portfolio. While photographing friends who weren't in my line of work or consulting for another friends crypto currency company, I was building the portfolio I needed build to get where I wanted to be.
Part of the reason I didn't go back to corporate life is that I wanted to do more than one thing. Adding a job to your portfolio of experience and income sounds like a win to me. Be on the look out for how your value is exponentially amplified across your personal portfolio. Much like how Elon Musk was able to use Space X technology to make Tesla's cars better, or how Steve Jobs made sure the Pixar team was able to use Apple Computers to make movies, you're going to have a whole new force multiplier in your expertise.
I know many opportunities will come your way and whatever you add to the mix will be a positive, transformative, and valuable experience for everyone involved.
Thanks, Steven. And what a comment! Appreciate the thought and encouragement you put into this. I especially love this gem of wisdom: "You're going to have a whole new force multiplier in your expertise." That's such a powerful way to think about it, and you're right. I'm excited to see what that looks like. Thanks again! :)
This is great, Steven. I like the idea of a portfolio of work, like a modern-day CV but with big projects and different skills you've used in each. Also like the "do work that amplifies other work" suggestion. Right way of looking at things.
Love this reflection! I notice a lot of people feel the pressure to be all or nothing solo. For me I couldn’t have really done it without consulting which is like a pseudo part time job (I just took breaks between gigs) and I’m still doing a little. This year is probably the first year I can say I can cover my cost of living from the work I really want to be doing. I can tell from this reflection though you’re on to something special. Thanks for sharing. Definitely will point people to this.
Thanks, Paul! Means a lot. I love your book and resonated with sooo many aspects of it, from my years abroad to quitting my job to become an entrepreneur, etc. And I appreciate the added context of using consulting work to supplement your income until the creative work generated "enough" in itself. I think a lot of us are deluded into thinking we can replace (hell, even increase!) our employee income within 1-2 years of solopreneurship, when the reality is it takes a lot longer. Likewise, I feel I'm onto something special and I'm excited to see how it unfolds. Stay tuned! :)
Thanks for sharing this, Paul. It's good to know it takes time to get to a point where you can make enough from purely the things you enjoy doing. And in the meantime consulting/part time gigs can supplement that income. Useful to get some perspective from someone who's walked this road.
yeah i mean its "enough" for now...im sort of always pricing in things disappearing...while ive done enough work to not get too anxious about this, i am fine with it because im doing work i want to be doing
Love this so much. I feel it, I get it. Good luck with everything- it's beautiful how honest and vulnerable you're being. I'll keep an ear out for opportunities for you.
Thanks, Yehudis! That's high compliment from a writer as talented as yourself. Appreciate you keeping an ear out! :)
re taking status out of the equation, and ‘wondering’ what people think of us.
Two quotes that really helped me get over people’s opinions of me…..
1. We wouldn’t worry about what people thought about us if we knew how seldom they did.
2. No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.
Enjoyed your excellent article👍
Love these, Mary Lou! Saving them for future reference. Thank you so much for reading and sharing. You’re the best! 💛
Thanks for having the courage to speak up about the drawbacks of going self-employed, Alexandra. I'm also navigating the new mode of work after quitting last year and trying my hand at various things... consulting, a few small bets, some ghostwriting. Some months are great, while others the pipeline is dry. I still believe (long-term) it's a better mode of operating and gives you more potential upside than a normal job, but it's definitely not something to be entered lightly. I like the idea of a blended approach instead of going "all or nothing". Thanks for sharing this! Backing you to figure out your perfect mix - you've got so much talent, it's bound to work out for you given enough time.
Thanks, John! Something self-employment has reaffirmed for me is how your priorities naturally shift over time. Therefore, it’s natural to change your mind.
Case in point, I left my 9-5 in September 2021 to go “all-in” on solopreneurship because in my gut it was the right move. In other (startup) words, I “burned the boats” (I elaborate more on this in a previous newsletter: https://alexandraallen.substack.com/p/41st-edition-burning-the-boats-).
But now, 2 years later, I’m a different woman in a different place. And that calls for change. It’s exciting. I’m curious to see where it leads and confident I can handle wherever it does. :)
As for you, you’re off to a great start by diversifying your portfolio. That seems to be the best course of action and something I wish I’d thought about earlier. My hope is through our sharing, we can help others avoid similar pain points. And as a numbers guy, I know you’ll always be well positioned to make informed business decisions! Keep crushing it. :)
Thank you for sharing your heartfelt, mind-opening, and soul searching reflections! They resonate deeply and surface things so often not expressed, that need and want to be heard, time and time again. Thanks Ali. I'll keep an eye and ear out!
Thank you, Charlotte! That means a lot. I'm so grateful to count you as a friend and inspiration on this journey. I admire you and the work you do so much. :)
Terri's words ring so true. It is a lifestyle and mindset. You have blazed the path for so many of us, and I hope you are able to add that to your portfolio of wins. I like Steven's comment too. Be a Musk (the better parts of him!)
Thank you, Karena! I'm so grateful that our paths crossed on this venture and to count you as a friend and mentor. Thank you for always encouraging me. You, Terri, and Steven are kindred spirits and I admire you all! :)
I absolutely love this! ❤️
I admire your transparency and willingness to share your struggle with so much openness.
Lately, I've been questioning my choices and desire to go solo as well. Life is so much simpler with a steady income, and the "freedom" we chase isn't always the freedom we think we're chasing. I still wouldn't want to go back to a 9–5 job, and I'm definitely not looking to go back to the office, but yeah, it doesn't have to be all or nothing!
"The "freedom" we chase isn't always the freedom we think we're chasing." Truer words have never been spoken! It reminds me of the old adage "Be careful what you wish for." For a long time, I romanticized working solo. But as it turns out, I've been finding it really lonely and I'm keen to get back in my element with great teammates to bounce ideas off and get feedback from. It definitely doesn't have to be all or nothing!
Building a business is truly one of the most challenging endeavors you can take on. I think you've hit the nail on the head with the status issue, and “What will people think?” based on HOW you decide to build YOUR business. It's a silly mindset (put mildly) that we all develop.
I think your idea of joining a team part time, or in a fractional role, is smart. It allows you to keep your skills sharp with a dedicated team, but also allows you to continue to build your business at the same time.
I'll keep my eyes out in my network for any opportunities that fit that outline you provided.
Thanks, James! Much appreciated. And 100% with you on how the mindset of "What will people think?" is one we all seem to develop and need to reverse.