Looking back at four months freelancing

I wrote this for LinkedIn originally, but now I'm hosting it here. 

At the end of 2024, I spent a lot of time on LinkedIn looking for a new job, and, after I got one, I wanted to write something to mark an end. After all, I am a writer.

In January, I was very happy to start a new role as Senior Copywriter at Barclays. I now lead their UK Unlocked section which delivers finance insights and thought leadership. My mum is excited that I finally have to wear proper trousers.

Prior to that, I did some work for Mace, where I completed a project doing content design and SEO guidance. I also completed lots of work for TechRadar, Shortlist and Ticketmaster. 

Now the sad part.

In the middle of September last year, I got hit by unexpected redundancy. It’s one of the most challenging things I’ve gone through in my adult life. I've lost my job once before, I was 24. Then, I had no kids, no partner, and I could fit all my stuff into the back of a Honda Civic.

Now I’m 38, I have two wonderful children, a wife who has been so incredible through all this, and an amazing family, but also bills to pay. Nursery fees, speech therapy, mortgage, and a staggering yoghurt bill. I haven’t watched any box sets. I have, however, learned a few things and I thought I’d share them in case they provide any comfort to people who go through the same thing.

LinkedIn is addictive
When you’re looking for your next role, it’s very hard to take your eyes off this site. Every recruiter’s request for a copywriter quickly has 20 comments beneath it, and it’s always a race to get your hat in the ring. I found myself looking at the site everywhere, even in the playground and even in the cinema, switching off felt impossible. If I ever do go freelance, I’ll be looking for tips on how to keep a balance.

I am more resilient than I thought
Maybe it’s the overheads or the fact you’re always thinking about how you explain things to small children, but I’ve done very little looking back. I learnt a lot in my last job. The ending was brutal, but it’s over now. No need to dwell.

I will not learn the wrong lessons
Redundancy is brutal and unpleasant; naturally, you want to make sure you're never in that situation again. That doesn’t mean you need a personality transplant. I'm a shy person, but I have other strengths.

Redundancy can supercharge you
The day I got let go, I slept terribly, and I was fully expecting the days after to feel utterly deflated. Not so much. I’d never felt so motivated and ready to crack on as I did then. I've tried to channel that charge to get things done. 

What’s that Barcelona shirt all about?
I bought this shirt six months, but I was horribly stressed at work, not exercising enough and eating badly so it didn’t fit. Now, in this little chapter, I’ve been on my bike a lot, sorted out my diet and now it fits nicely. Another positive to take.

If you ever get hit by unexpected redundancy, I wish you well. And by all means, reach out for support.