When I started The Write Path, it was December 2014. The prime minister at the time, Tony Abbott, was making cuts and causing controversy with decisions about paid parental leave and Medicare. Hawthorn won the AFL grand final that year (a very big deal in our household). The MH370 flight disappeared, Brisbane hosted the first Australian G20 Summit and young cricketer Phillip Hughes died.
Personally, I had made the decision to go freelance after a reflective ‘gap year’ from the public service – with the full support of my husband. The gap year was a wonderful time of decluttering, cooking, reading, coffee dates, writing, and being mum and wife. In 2014, my kids were 8 and 5 – we were in the midst of primary school life: grandparents’ days, assemblies, book club, walking to and from school, play dates. Our puppy, Billie, was about to turn one. Life was hectic and wonderful.
My solo operator life suited our family’s life stage. I had the freedom to enjoy activities with the kids, to do drop-off and pick-up without a rushed commute. I baked, prepped meals, walked the dog and was more available for school holiday kid-sitting. On the flip side, I had to squeeze work into a shorter day and work while the kids sat in front of Disney.
As my business became busier, the flexibility was a blessing and a curse. Boundaries between house, work, children, parenting and lifestyle were all blurred. Even so, I believe it was the best arrangement for our family. I was also proud of my professional accomplishments. While I struggled with balance (don’t all mums?), my availability for my children – for a chat or a lift – was important and special.
Now my children are 19 and 17; one is studying in Sydney, the other has her independence to drive herself to work and school. Hubby is 50 and I’m getting far too close to that milestone. Billie is 12 and entering her senior years. What a different life stage we’re in now! Everything feels different.
I continue to work mostly in my home office, yet the home space is quieter and less demanding of my attention. Work continues to come my way (for that I am always grateful) but the freelance life isn’t always as fulfilling. Perhaps because it has become a stronger focal point. Perhaps because I find it less challenging. Perhaps because it can get lonely.
Late last year, I sought business advice (shout out to the Canberra Business Advice & Support Service (CBASS)) as I started to flounder in my desire to continue as a solo operator. They encouraged me to reflect on my patterns and habits, to consider different ways of working (including outside of my home) and to invigorate the search for joy and magic in my day.
So, this year, my twelfth as solo operator of The Write Path, is my year of experiments. My life has changed and so must my business. I’m exploring how I can work differently, where I can meet like-minded peers, what I can do to support my creativity, and where I can leave space for collaborative opportunities (rather than simply saying yes to all the usual projects).
I’m on the hunt for new experiences, so hit me up with your ideas! I’m ready to be inspired.
