Just me,myself and I
Working for myself definitely has its perks...
I set my own schedule, enjoy the freedom of taking time when I like and I don’t have to commute, result! But there are times when it can feel kinda, lonely!
If I mess up, I can only be mad at myself. If I achieve something great, there’s only me to celebrate with. There’s also no-one working around me to just chat to when I make a coffee or take a break.
Being of a conscientious and disciplined nature, working freelance generally suits me down to the ground, but it’s not conducive for getting to know other people in business.
So, in the spirit of being open to the wonderful world of communication, here are a few things you may or may not know about me and my work to date...
Putting pen to paper: I started out writing scripts for other voiceovers to read. Being a Creative at an audio production house was a blast and I love the power that words have to bring a story to life. I still write scripts for clients, only now I get to voice and produce them too.
Getting the voiceover job: I landed one of my first voiceover jobs in 2007 and I’m delighted to stay I still have it to this day. That voiceover was for a UK supermarket and I was chosen for my natural, friendly, “real person” style of voice. Down to earth voiceovers are one of my favourite kinds, there’s something about keeping it real that adds such warmth and resonates with an audience, however long the campaign.
Accepting my differences: If my career has taught me one thing, it’s that I’m definitely not a person who likes to shout the loudest. Flashback to a hideous "The Apprentice" style interview at the age of 24 where in a room of circa 40 people (including other candidates) I had to describe myself as an object. My multi-faceted “Dodecahedron” idea seemed great outside of that room, but fast forward to a hugely competitive interview and it seemed absolutely ludicrous. In hindsight, I’m glad it didn’t go to plan as I wouldn’t be doing what I love now!
Life rarely takes us where we expect it to, I suppose the key is to follow the twists and turns, and ups and downs until you reach that point, where you accept how everything before has added something to the end result.
If you mostly work alone, how do you fill that void in face-to-face communication? Any tips or challenges you’d like to air?
Here’s to another Tuesday and another week to conquer...
Keep on keeping on! I'll keep on bleating on!