From part-time to full-time soloist

When Karen Morath wrote about what it’s like going from full-time soloist to part-time employed a swarm of soloists sent their condolences.

I’ve recently had the inverse experience, giving up my part-time job to become a full-time soloist.

The part-time job was only two mornings a week. I didn’t take it for the extra cash, but because I found it hard, being home alone full-time. In fact I was losing my marbles - talking to the cat about my clients and explaining what an orphan line was to the fridge magnets.

The job was great: straightforward administration tasks for a community health organisation. They had trouble finding juice money for their AGMs, so my pay packet wasn’t exactly bulging but I stayed in the job for well over a year. It was worth it for the office buzz and good conversation.

I also learned a few things.

Staff meetings began by asking each person how they were feeling at that moment. All sorts of things were expressed like: “I’ve got a heap of work on, so I’m pretty stressed” or “Yesterday’s group session was a nightmare, so I’m still recovering” or “My housemate stole my heater and corn chips again – I’m going to kill him.” Their honesty surprised me at first, but within three minutes everyone understood the tone of the table and was able to discuss important matters, and minor ones, with impressive success.

Meanwhile my solo biz was really cranking. I realised, though, that I was having trouble finding time for business planning and the creative things I wanted to do.

So I took a deep breath and quit the part-time admin job. The big-hearted staff sent me off with warm wishes after a buffet lunch of dips AND juice. I was so touched, I almost cried.

To prevent unsavoury relations resuming with my fridge magnets, I have made a point of meeting clients face-to-face where possible. I’ve also upped my coffee outings with friends and other soloists. And I’m writing this article to you.

The resignation was a good decision. I’m glad I don’t have to get up at 5.30am to beat the peak hour traffic and have more time to attend to my clients and myself.

Admittedly, I do forget to say how I’m really feeling like I used to at those staff meetings. Right now? Well, I’m a bit tired, but am looking forward to sinking my teeth into a great job from a new client.

How are you feeling right now? Share it with us via the comments box below.

Megan Hills is a freelance writer and editor who enjoys helping others be engaging and understood. Through her marketing, publicity and graphic design nous, she can maximise the power of what you want to communicate to the people you want to reach.

10 Sep 08

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5 comments | Add your own

When I first went full time "at-home" I made a point of going out for coffee, befriending professional colleagues and support structures (which allowed me to have office morning tea. Which was partly networking and partly sanity. Now that work is at-office with staff, I go out less often, but probably still need it for the sanity. The coffee housing was great for picking up work - when starting out people refer to you because they know you. Then when your work gets known, they refer to you because of your work. Denise Maffey CA from Kumeu NZ
I'm feeling great but mainly because I take the time to breathe and appreciate my lack of commuting time, my (potential and realised) freedom and the increased capacity to be creative. I also appreciate having a concentrated focus on work now rather than a diluted 9-5 day.......(apologies - not sure if that analogy came from pouring too many Ribena's for children) Rich from Sydney
Thanks for sharing Megan. What a beautiful article. I love how your appreciation of your part-time workmates just shines through (I want to work with them!), and how you weren't bound to the full-time soloist life when things got a little surreal with the fridge magnets. It's funny how we eventually find our own way to make the soloist-thing work (and perhaps paradoxically , I find it always involves connecting with other people!). Me? I'm a little tired. But very excited about everything on my todo list in front of me. Thanks for asking! Trish Weston from Noosa Heads | Read my articles
The company of colleagues, sick, pay holiday pay (even just regular pay) that go with employment are great - I just feel that the freedom of deciding for myself what my work day will be is too rewarding to sacrifice! (Of course, we all look to have a full client calendar, which means we have lots of bosses and scheduled commitments, but...........you know what I mean). Grant Hyman from Sydney | Read my articles
Megan I loved this article and can relate to both your part-time and full-time experiences. I am still trying to work out a good balance between being a soloist at home with my son and the pets, and getting that grown-up business interaction I really need.
To try and make it all work I have joined a few business/social networking websites and contribute to the forums, taken on a client where I work in their office one day a week and saying yes to coffee with friends as much as I can. This all keeps me sane and helps me remember why I love having the home office to myself too. Johanna Baker-Dowdell from Wamberal, NSW | Read my articles

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