Susan Harwood’s Post

Earning promotions at work feels like progress. But after a while you feel nothing. Climbing the corporate ladder made me feel safe and secure. But it became kind of pointless. I became depressed. I didn't know what was wrong. I got counselling. And I learned a lot about myself. I didn't want better job titles or slightly more money. I wanted to: • Own my time • Use my creativity • Work from anywhere • Do meaningful work • Experience personal freedom • Pick my daughter up from daycare The corporate ladder seems like a dream. But it ends in: • Working long hours • Being told what to do • Never seeing your family • Being laid off at any moment The alternatives to the corporate ladder are worth considering. Consider starting a business, doing consulting/contracting, or becoming a freelancer. Is climbing the corporate ladder overrated? <<<>>> ♻️ Repost to share this idea with your network.

A very good article one that I could relate to because it happened to me. But what is the right answer especially if your goal is to achieve financial independence as quickly as possible? I believe the answer is to work your butt off maintaining a frugal lifestyle until you achieve FI. Then using your hard won FI as a stepping stone to something better something that you can do for a long time. That is what late bloomers are doing. Why retire when you don't have/want to? #retirement #latebloomers #purpose #financialindependence #longevty

Many founders, business owners and leaders get stuck from time to time. “Stuck” looks different for everyone. I’ve helped people with: ✨ A client was stuck in a business that was successful but unfulfilling. We looked at the various factors affecting their wellbeing and motivation, as well as the practicalities of family finance, attitude to risk, industry norms and identification of opportunities. They decided to sell their existing business and launch into the higher risk role of freelancing. Since being able to resume after Covid they have progressed to supervising and designing roles in their chosen field. ✨  Another client was unsure whether to take the next step on a highly successful career. The next step was partner, and this came with high risk as it involved a fundamentally different set of skills, an intensive work culture, and also high financial reward. They proceeded towards the goal, but at a pace that worked for them, fully cognisant of the choices involved and way they wanted to approach it. Where do you get stuck and what do you to free yourself?  

🌟 Seeking Support During Challenging Times 🌟 Reflecting on my financial planning from last year, I marked today, April 16th, as a milestone. Little did I anticipate that I'd still be navigating the uncertainty of inconsistent income. Having been independent since the age of 24, transitioning to freelancing after my contract ended in October seemed like a natural move. However, despite my efforts to secure steady work, I find myself struggling to make ends meet. In times like these, the stigma around asking for help can feel overwhelming. But as I've come to realise, there's no shame in reaching out when you need support. The current UK economy and job market present challenges unlike any I've encountered in my career thus far. This week, I have a meeting with the job centre to explore the possibility of receiving Universal Credit starting May 1st. It's my first time applying for government assistance to help cover living costs, and the process has been daunting. While the payments may not fully alleviate my financial burdens, every bit of support will make a difference. If you're also facing difficulties during this time, I encourage you not to hesitate in seeking assistance. Remember, this period is temporary, and brighter days lie ahead! Let's navigate these challenges together, knowing that support is available when we need it most. #FinancialSupport #JobMarketChallenges #SeekingAssistance #StayStrong #TogetherWeCan

Served over 300+ international clients!! I firmly believe that “The struggle you're in today is developing the strength you need tomorrow” Here is how… You know, although life can be difficult at times. It's these difficulties that help us become better people. No matter how big or small, the challenges we face They serve as stepping stones toward the resilience and fortitude we'll need in the future. Overcoming challenges is how we grow as people. Acquire experience, and realize our actual potential. I always implemented on this: ↳ I transitioned from a stable government job (BPS-16) to a role with a multinational company, where I earned a six-figure salary. ↳ One could never imagine to leave it... ↳ But, I did it for a better and brighter future. ↳ Started freelancing ↳ Used my earning from my freelancing career ↳ Funded my own business. ↳ Fortunately, my business has grown, and we have served over 300+ international clients. Every challenge you encounter, presents an opportunity for personal development. And the possibility of becoming a better version of yourself. You'll overcome this obstacle and come out stronger than before. “It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are.” Happy Wednesday. #OvercomingChallenges #PersonalGrowth #Resilience #StrengthThroughStruggle #InternationalClients #FreelancingSuccess

👉What is your career goal for 2025? Perhaps you’ve been thinking about taking the next step – transitioning from freelancer to entrepreneur in the services and consulting business. 📖The book Jump by Kim Perell recently reminded me of a pivotal moment in my career, about 13 years ago, when I took the leap from being a freelancer to a business owner. I transformed my solo public relations consultancy into a communication agency. 💡If you're considering this step, let’s explore the top 4 opportunities and 4 risks you should weigh carefully: 👆Top 4 Opportunities ✅Increased capacity and revenue potential Building a team allows you to handle more clients and larger projects, breaking the limits of solo work. ✅Broader skill set and service range Hiring specialists enables you to offer services beyond your expertise, attracting diverse clients. ✅Creative collaboration A team brings new perspectives and ideas, enhancing creativity for client pitches and project execution. ✅Expanded network Colleagues contribute their connections, broadening your professional reach and creating new opportunities. 👆Top 4 Risks ‼️Financial uncertainty Initial expenses like marketing, hiring, and operations may outweigh income at first, requiring robust financial planning. ‼️Greater responsibility Managing a business adds layers of administrative, legal, and operational duties, increasing your workload and stress. ‼️Market and competition challenges Entering a competitive market without differentiation can pose difficulties in gaining and retaining clients. ‼️Impact on personal life Starting a business is time-intensive and can strain personal relationships without proper support. 🤔Where to Start? 🌟Compare opportunities vs. risks Weigh the TOP 4 opportunities against the TOP 4 risks using a simple matrix with a scale of 1 to 4 (1 = low, 4 = high). Calculate the total score for both opportunities and risks. 🌟Learn from others Don’t hesitate to reach out to others who already run their own business. Even if they don’t respond right away – follow up! As I learned from the fantastic #12DaysOfCareerGoals course with Theresa White – "Following up isn’t annoying; it’s a professional reminder." 🌟Plan your finances In the revenue section, list current clients with a conservative 25% decrease estimate, and add potential clients based on the TOP 4 opportunities. For expenses, include all costs and add a 25% buffer for potential increases. Tools like the Tailwind App created by Kārlis Mikoss and his partners can assist in planning your business finances. 🌟Evaluate your clients Assess your client portfolio by considering repeat clients (ideally, at least 25%), long-term contracts (3 to 6 months, covering your first 3 to 6 months of expenses), and revenue distribution. Relying on a few clients for a large portion of your revenue can be risky. 👉Be brave today, so you can feel accomplished tomorrow!

Excellent risk reward analysis template to be used by potential entrpeneurs. But ultimately you have to trust your gut as to whether you can make it. Your commitmemt to the three P’s will give you insight as to whether you will make it. Planning, Preparation and the most important, Preserverance, are critical.

As I navigate the challenging terrain of freelancing for the past three years, it feels like trudging through thick, clinging mud. The struggle to secure a consistent income has been very real and I am now approaching a crucial crossroads where I must transition into employment to meet my financial commitments. But amidst these challenges, my passion burns bright. To help individuals rediscover fulfilment and harmony in their lives. Whether it's assisting professionals in finding their true calling or empowering young minds to embrace uncertainty with poise, my mission remains rooted in empowerment and resilience. I offer strategic self-care workshops designed to equip individuals with the tools and insight necessary to wade through the world. These workshops not only enhance potential and productivity but also cultivate a sense of balance and wellbeing. So if you know someone stuck in the mud of dissatisfaction or struggling to find their footing, I'm here NOW to offer guidance, support and encouragement. #empowerment #workshop #confidencebuilding #fulfilment #strategicselfcare

On a career break? Here’s how to turn it into a power move! 🔌 🔋 Taking a pause doesn’t mean putting your growth on hold. From upskilling to freelance gigs, there are smart ways to use this time and keep your momentum going. Ready to come back stronger? 💪 👉 Swipe through for 5 practical ways to make your sabbatical count! #CareerGrowth #FreelanceLife #CareerPause #JobSeekers #ProfessionalDevelopment #JobLeads

Happy anniversary to myself! Exactly five years ago, I started my journey as an HR freelancer. 🎉   This decision to become self-employed initially felt like jumping in at the deep end. But I haven't regretted it for a minute. Of all the things I've learned since then, here are my most important lessons:   🕙Time management is everything. Self-employment entails a lot of additional responsibilities on top of working on projects. Arranging these with client needs can be challenging. I plan my week ahead and use my calendar to block out enough time for all my tasks.   🔺As a service provider, you are paid to fix problems. And not to create more. Besides being good at what you do, it's just as important to be easy to work with and reliable.   💆♀️You can't control everything. Resilience also means taking things as they come – and putting your best foot forward regardless of the situation. Stay diligent in down times, for example by improving your online presence and investing in automated processes.   🔎 Focus on treating the root causes. Best practices and templates bring quick results. But for lasting success, you need to fully grasp and address your client's core issues, which are always highly individual.   🌐 Never cut back on networking and connections. I love connecting with people and helping them whenever I can. And in return, they have thanked me by connecting me with potential clients and sharing their own knowledge and experience. These are just some of the things I've learned about running a small business – and about myself. However, probably the most important thing I've realized is that I feel comfortable and confident being my own boss. I love the freedom and autonomy. I love taking complete ownership. And I love nurturing and growing my network.   Looking back, of course, not all moments were a walk in the park. But each one was worth it. A huge thank you to my clients and partners who have joined me on this journey. Here's to the next 5 years! 🥂