The hidden benefits of free-lancing

Earlier this year I took the plunge and went free-lance. I felt that it was a solid decision to take despite the recession, as I had done my homework and believed that I would be able to attract enough work for this to be a viable work option for me.


I had been encouraged to go free-lance by my mentor. He believed that setting up my own business and working across a range of new organisations would re-energise me. He also suggested that, as it had been some years since I last undertook any formal education, I should consider undertaking further study.

And he was right. Although I'm working harder than I can remember, my work is stimulating, at my convenience and I do feel re-energised.


But the best part about going free-lance? The hidden benefits - the incredible amount of development and learning opportunities I have had. Let me describe these to you:

1) In the last six months, I have worked on key projects with four different HR professionals or coaches that I didn't know a year ago.

In the course of our work, we have had the opportunity to discuss and implement a wide range of ideas, thoughts, and concepts: I have been introduced to new models of behaviour, discovered different ways of approaching certain subjects, experimented (with success) my delivery style when giving training or presentations and delved into the world of social networking. I now co-host an on-line forum called Minerva's Mind (www.facebook.com/minervasmind).

2) I've also been engaged in a range of diverse projects. As par for the course, I've undertaken research on each subject matter in order to develop a greater understanding. On more than one occaision, I have been able to cross-reference my learning across different organisations. In this way, both the client and myself have been the beneficiaries of my learning.

3) At the end of each project, I have disciplined myself to capture the learning opportunities. This is encapsulated either in an "End of Engagement" report or a reflective diary. It is rare "in-service" to define the end-point of a project. They merely fizzle out - or one becomes frustrated with the snagging problems that arise post-implementation. Reflecting back on the decisions that were made (right and wrong), on how successful particular interventions were, and the long-term impact on the client have been fundamental to my learning.

4) I've also developed relationships with a whole range of other individuals who indirectly support my work. This has either been through formal networks such as the CIPD, the University of Hertfordshire's Coaching & Mentoring Forum, or on-line social networking sites such as Twitter.

When I was working "in-service", I did not have the time to network either on-line or off-line. I have learnt an incredible amount from reading other professional's blogs or just chatting to them about how to make the most out of my on-line presence. This part of my development I couldn't have learnt from reading a book; I could only learn about it from interacting with people who share the same challenges, inspirations and goals as I do.

For those who might be wondering - yes - I did go back to University & I'm in the middle of studying for Masters Degree in Coaching Pyschology. This course has been stimulating, and I have learnt an incredible amount. It's also had a tangible and positive impact in my work. But over the last year - the most valuable learning for me has been the informal kind that I've described above.

So, when someone next asks me about my business, and how life is like working for myself, I'm going to tell them about how much I've grown as an individual and a professional over the last few months. This is without doubt, one of the greatest (yet hidden) benefits of going free-lance.

And the most exciting part? This is only the start of the journey.

My Little Bit of English Heaven

As we come to realise that it's the end of Summer, it's the time to reflect back on the last few months. I like to recall those perfect, fantastic moments I had that will always reminds me of Summer 2009.

This year, I will always remember one Wednesday in August. The weather was fantastic and so I seized the opportunity to go to the place I call "My Little Bit of English Heaven".


My old next door neighbour originally told me about this place. When she described it, it sounded idyllic and I was immediately drawn to what it could potentially offer. She doesn't drive and isn't great at directions....but I was determined to find it. I did my research with a map and used some common sense. And on a sunny day in Summer 2008, I bravely set off with my two kids, unsure as to whether or not I was heading to the right place.


After I'd managed to get everyone out of the car, I set off down a country lane. I was relieved to find that the path was robust enough for a buggy. I had prepared for all eventualities, and on my first visit I was carrying my 4 month old baby boy in a sling. But this visit, I enthusiastically pushed the buggy along the lane.


After passing a couple of houses, we walked into a field. You could feel the hush, as the noise fro the traffic from the nearby roads faded into the distance. We walked along, accompanied by the click-clicking of insects and the incessant chatter of my 2 year old. The field then turned into a clearing surrounded by trees. There were hundreds of bunnies, who as soon as they heard us they scurried into the undergrowth.


We reached the river bank a few yards ahead. There was no-one around. We set up a picnic and my daughter spent the next few hours playing in the river, catching tiddlers and generally running around. This was heaven. What more could I ask for? Sun, cold running water to cool down in, tranquillity all within a beautiful setting.


I've been back numerous times. This summer, when the temperature promised to reach 30 degrees, and the Veralanium (St Alban's main park) was full of day-trippers, my Little Bit of English Heaven remained idyllic. This year, I had two children running around, splashing in the river and enjoying a traditionally picnic. It has such a natural appeal that I can see our family visiting this spot for many years.

I would love to tell you where this beautiful place is, but it's best kept as a secret.