Hello freelancers and freelancers-to-be! I’ve got a big batch of new freelance interviews coming up in the next few weeks, and we’re kicking things off with the lovely Chloe Brotheridge. If you suffer at all with stress and anxiety (*raises hand*), this one is a must-read.
Tell us a bit about you!
Hi! I’m Chloe Brotheridge, hypnotherapist and expert in helping clients to feel calmer, happier and more confident. I live in London Fields in Hackney but see clients in the city near to Old Street as well as via Skype.
How long have you been freelancing, and why did you start?
Previously I worked as a nutritionist within the NHS part time and saw hypnotherapy clients on my days off while I built up my business.
Let’s talk about the start of your day – Are you an early riser, or a night owl?
I’m definitely a morning person, usually up at 6 or 6:30am. I’m terrible at staying up late!
What time do you start work?
I’ll often do some social media stuff quite early and perhaps respond to a few emails. I usually sit down properly at about 9:30am.
Do you work from home?
Yes, at the kitchen table, although I see clients at my practise on Old Street.
What’s your working routine before you start work?
Usually I’ll to the gym or for a run. Then I have breakfast, something like a protein shake and then I try to fit in some meditation and journalling. Of course this doesn’t always happen if I have to be out really early!
Do you take a lunch break?
I’ll often try to sit away from my computer so I can focus on my food, other times I’ll watch a training video or a TED talk.
How do you tend to spend your afternoons?
If I’m not seeing clients that day, I’ll prepare for the next days hypnotherapy sessions, write blog posts, go to meetings or networking events, interact on social media or read books and websites relating to hypnotherapy to update my skills. I also try to fit in a walk if I happen to be at home all day.
How do you stay motivated? Do you have any particular techniques?
I write my to do list the night before, making sure I don’t put too much on the list so it’s not too overwhelming! I use a pomodoro timer to time 25 minutes where I’ll work steadily on a single task, before taking 5 minutes break for guilt free internet surfing or Facebooking!
What time do you tend to sign off for the day?
I’ll often see clients until 9:30pm in the evening, however if I’ve got the evening off it’s usually around 6pm. However the work is never finished and I may return to it later on. Actually, it doesn’t feel too much like work since I do a lot of social media and that’s just fun!
Tell us – what’s your favourite thing about freelancing?
Being in control of my own life. Not having to get the tube at rush hour. Making my own lunch at home 🙂
And your least favourite thing about freelancing?
Seasonal variation; December can be quieter for clients, but it just means more free time to invest in other things.
What tools/apps/gadgets/things could you not live without as a freelancer?
I love ‘Audible’ so I can listen to audio books at the gym or while walking to work – it literally changed my life!
Where can we find you online?
My new website is focused on helping clients to feel calmer and to manage stress and anxiety www.calmer-me.com (editor note: She’s also got a brilliant free hypnotherapy mp3 on there!)
On Twitter @Cbrotheridge
Instagram chloebrotheridge
Facebook www.facebook.com/easywaytochange
The Big Question – What’s the secret to your success?
Getting advice from people who know more, not being afraid to fail and getting plenty of sleep.
