Work Anniversary: 5 Lessons Learned After One Year of Working for Myself

Oh what a year it has been! My one year work anniversary of sharing my career news with you all has somehow arrived already! Last May, I had no idea what to expect of the upcoming year. I feel so blessed looking back now at the growth I’ve seen in my company, from even six months ago, to also the incredible support I’ve had this past year. Now with one year under my belt of working for myself, I wanted to share 5 lessons I’ve learned along the way!

WORK ANNIVERSARY: 5 LESSONS LEARNED AFTER ONE YEAR OF WORKING FOR MYSELF

1. Have A Support System

I think one of the hardest things I wasn’t expecting this past year is how lonely it can be to work alone. I don’t have colleagues to chat with or work through problems with it so I have definitely felt very overwhelmed many times this past year. However, luckily with almost everyone at home this past year, I have been able to work with my roommates or chat with my friends and family during the day. I feel really grateful for letting them vent to them and ask for their advice when I don’t have coworkers or a boss to do so!

2. It’s Okay To Say No

When I first started my company, I was saying yes to any job that came my way. It was necessary in the beginning when trying to build things up (and not knowing where my next paycheck was coming from). Now looking ahead of this work anniversary, I will only say yes to people and projects I truly believe in. This allows me to work with positive and inspiring people and projects and truly do my best work for them!

3. Save Save Save

When it comes to money, the most important thing to do with owning your own business is save as much as you can. My monthly income varies each month from the commission I receive from my clients partnerships, my own blog partnerships and the freelance projects I take on that month. So when it comes to planning ahead, it’s not very easy to predict how much I could be earning in certain months.

With that said, I recently started working The Financial Gym (not sponsored but just obsessed!) who helped me a find a financial advisor and create a plan for me. You pay a monthly fee with them for personalized calls and plans with them and it’s been a huge stress relief working with them. I’m really proud to say I’ve doubled my income in the past year and it was really important that I am saving and investing the best possible way.

4. Create A Work Environment You Love

When I started working for myself, we were in the beginning of COVID and very cramped inside our small apartment. I was working from the couch or kitchen counter and felt so unmotivated. When we finally moved into our new place this fall, it was such a game changer. I now sit underneath my happy gallery wall at my desk everyday and have my own routine of burning my favorite candles, having fresh flowers on my desk and listening to my work playlists. Best of all, I love how much natural light I receive in my room, which helps me feel energized and motivated for the day ahead!

5. Outsource Help

If you’re in a good financial place to hire help, DO IT. I was so afraid to take that step and luckily found a great assistant to help me with a few projects a week. Not only does it give me more time to focus on other areas of my business and clients, it allows me to be a better and calmer worker. Never be afraid to ask for help!

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Location: Williamsburg
Photos: Allie Provost