It doesn’t matter how long you have “been in business”, or if you even consider yourself a businessperson, there is always more you can learn. Since starting the business five years ago, I’ve seen a steady increase in people considering self-employed as a career option; either as a necessity or a desire. However, it can be hard to navigate through all the reams of information, from legal structures, accountancy to how to sell; it’s no surprise that people get overwhelmed. That is where Fiona Thomas’s book “Out of Office: Ditch your 9-5 and Be Your Own Boss”* comes into play.
I connected with Fiona just over a year ago, through Instagram. That in itself is a testimonial of the power of her approach in business, networking virtually! Our chat quickly moved to an invite to become a guest on her podcast, where we discovered that she lived far closer than we both realised! During that time, she discussed the work she had begun on Out of Office, and just over a year later, the finished item was in my hands.
This is Fiona’s second book; the first “Depression in a Digital Age: The Highs and Lows of Perfectionism”* sets the scene for her career path as a writer and trainer, and reads as if you are talking to her. Approachable, honest, and funny!
Out of Office describes itself as “Filled with must-have information, helpful check-ins, and a strong focus on understanding the whys just as much as the hows, Out of Office will help you dive into freelance life and push you to the next level, while making sure you’re taking time to reflect on your business and state of mind. “
There are two distinct parts to this book; one is the practical sides around starting a business. The HOW, that often stop us starting; you know, areas such as Tax, Pricing, Invoicing, Business Development, Income Streams and Networking. She draws from personal experience and tells us everything she wished she knew at the beginning!
The WHY is the side that rarely is included, in such detail, in business start-up books: the productivity and mental health benefits of working from home as well as the importance of looking after your mental and physical wellbeing when you are carrying all the responsibilities on your shoulders.
Whilst I have now been in business for five years, I still felt like I learned a lot, and it’s helped me go back to basics on many things that I have learned through trial and error. It really is the book I had when I started; I know that I would have actually got my business off the ground a lot quicker than I did, as it really unpicked the fears that I cover up with planning!
So, in true Clara Cliff Notes style, here are the four things that you need to know about “Out of Office”*
Starting a business is scary
It doesn’t matter what title you end up with, Freelancer, Self Employer, MD or General Coffee maker, starting up is scary. It’s a leap into the unknown with a hella’ lot of pressure on your shoulders. Feeling like this doesn’t mean your idea won’t work, or you are resilient enough, it just makes you a human being starting something new. One way to reduce that FEAR? Educate yourself and start setting boundaries from the beginning!
It can be lonely
If you are moving from employment to “being the boss” you may find that you miss your team. The people that are around you, even the ones that grate. On top of that, you get to sort out your own, your own structure. Losing these connections and routine may impact your mental wellbeing, so make sure you schedule in your diary time to connect and create some type of predictability, even if it is just a phone call with a friend and lunch!
It’s exciting
Even with the above, it really is an exciting time. You get to carve out your version of success, your working day and how you interact with the world. Just imagine how that would feel! This book has a coaching approach at times, which helps get clarity of what you want and how you can make it happen!
You are never finished
For many people, especially as a service industry, you ARE your business. As you grow, develop, and learn, so does your business; likewise, the experiences you have through your business help YOU adjust and learn. At times when things can feel like they plateau, you have the chance to revisit what is important to you and to quickly respond to what you need, both personally and professionally.
As you can tell, I’ve really enjoyed this book. It’s helped me take a step back and re-evaluate what I need for my business five-years on, highlighted things I can bring to my business from a new perspective and encourage me to continue paying attention to my wellbeing. It doesn’t matter what stage of you are at, “just thinking about it” or “established and wanting to grow” I highly recommend this book!
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I’m a straight-talking, practical and experienced coach helping clients navigate the tricky waters of returning to work, career changes and professional development. The Balance Collective has social mission, focused a on improving the lives of parents, by working together to build inner confidence and promote a healthy work/life balance. Isn’t it time to you had a career to enjoy not endure?
Clara Wilcox is a straight talking, practical and experienced coach helping clients navigate the tricky waters of returning to work, career changes and professional development. The Balance Collective is a social enterprise focused on improving the lives of parents, by working together to build inner confidence and promote a healthy work/life balance.
