Hello Everyone and Happy Monday,
Last week, I had the pleasure of visiting a new institution that is interested in me working for them in September.
It’s always a nice opportunity to visit a new team, new campus, and new energy of creatives, but I would be lying if I said I didn’t leave feeling quite… stressed.
No one prepares you for the pressure and guilt of accepting opportunities in the freelancer/self-employed world. When I first entered, I thought of saying yes to absolutely everything. I wanted to try everything out; this even energized me. I was likely acting out of fear of it all going away.
Now, I think I’m in a different place. I feel more secure in my work and less “frantic.” I am less interested in spreading my energy across multiple institutions but instead, enjoy focusing on one or two. I’m in a place where I feel as though I’m really thinking about what I want my lifestyle to look like… and running around London isn’t in the picture.
So, when I left the institution last week, I felt stressed. I thought of the idea of trying to make it work, running to catch the tube from one part of the city to head to this part, and then head to another institution that evening. And this was stressful. But, I also thought about letting this opportunity go, letting down these hard-working people, and realizing that this may all go away in 6 weeks and that was also stressful.
I feel guilty even having these thoughts as it’s a privilege to even be in this position! However, it's also a reminder to listen to my own needs and boundaries.
As I navigate these decisions, I'm learning the importance of aligning my professional choices with my personal well-being. It's not just about the opportunities we accept, but also about how they fit into the broader picture of our lives. And sometimes, it's okay to say no if it means saying yes to a more balanced and fulfilling life.
Thank you for letting me share this with you all. I hope you have a wonderful week ahead, filled with opportunities that align with your passions and priorities.
M x