Morning everyone! Time for another peek into the daily life of a freelancer. This week, it’s my freelance friend Elizabeth Sellers, who is the brains behind the blog Rosalillium, and the blogging conference Blognix (which I’ll be speaking at in just over a week).
Blognix is a blogging conference that is fully inclusive for bloggers from all genres and abilities to come learn, connect and be inspired. It takes place in Birmingham on Saturday 14th June (you still have time to grab a ticket!). It is the most affordable blogging conference out there and offer incredible value (seriously, check out all the speakers and workshops)
Tell us a bit about you!
I’m Elizabeth. I’m a freelance blogger, writer, social media botherer and event organiser. I am rather nomadic, moving house every 6 to 10 months or so. Currently based in the Midlands.
How long have you been freelancing, and why did you start?
I’ve been freelancing for a few years now. Initially it was a necessity as I had a back injury and was unable to take up employment so I needed to find ways to make the monies from home. And then it turned out that I love the online life!
Let’s talk about the start of your day – Are you an early riser, or a night owl?
I like a solid eight hours sleep so I probably wake up naturally around 8am. I am pretty slow to get started in the morning. I need a good dose of caffeine and a scroll through my Twitter stream before I really get productive.
What time do you start work?
It varies but mostly around 9.30 to 10am.
Do you work from home?
Yes and various coffee shops around town. I have just managed to secure a cheap office with the boyf, who is also a work-from-home consultant, and so looking forward to separating my tiny living space from work.
What’s your working routine before you start work?
- Check Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
- Get out of bed. Yes, I check social media before I do anything. Don’t judge me!
- Shower and dress.
- Light a candle on my desk.
- Eat a bowl of bran flakes with a cup of tea or coffee whilst going through emails.
- Tidy up my desk and work space.
- Scribble down a to-do list in my notebook.
- Then tackle as many tasks as possible before lunch.
Do you take a lunch break?
Yes, I have to. I get terribly grouchy if I don’t eat. I normally watch some youtube or read blogs whilst I eat. It’s a productive lunch break.
How do you tend to spend your afternoons?
More of the same. Blogging, emailing, creating, photographing, editing, planning etc etc etc.
How do you stay motivated? Do you have any particular techniques?
Sheer terror of failing tends to keep me going. I don’t believe in the word ‘bored’ – there is always something to do!
But if I’m in a rut, I’ll switch off by changing my environment or activity. For example, I enjoy working from coffee shops so will often grab my laptop and leave my desk. And to switch off completely I will either cook, read a book or watching some Buffy on Netflix.
What time do you tend to sign off for the day?
This really depends on what time I got started. If I decided to do yoga or run some errands in the morning then I will make up the time in the evening. I tend to do between 6 and 12 hours a day.
Tell us – what’s your favourite thing about freelancing?
Freedom. I like being in charge of my time, productivity and tasks.
And your least favourite thing about freelancing?
Financial insecurity.
What tools/apps/gadgets/things could you not live without as a freelancer?
- Gmail and all of the Google Apps – Calendar, Hangouts and Drive are rad.
- Hootsuite for social media
- Aweber for delivering my e-course
- Instagram for pretty pictures.
- And my iphone is a saviour.
Where can we find you online?
Blog – http://www.rosalilium.com/
Blognix – http://www.blognix.com
Twitter – https://twitter.com/rosalilium_
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/rosalilium
Instagram – http://instagram.com/rosalilium
Pinterest – http://www.pinterest.com/rosalilium/
Google+ – https://plus.google.com/+RosaliliumUK/
Youtube – http://www.youtube.com/rosaliliumtv
The Big Question – What’s the secret to your success?
Ha! I’m not sure I’m a success yet. But I believe working hard, not giving up and continually learning is the key to success.
Want to share what you get up to on a daily basis as a freelancer? Simply fill in our form!
