Leanne Simons is part of our talented freelance writing team. As a mum of two, Leanne explains how she tackles early mornings, writer’s block and the benefits that freelancing and flexible working bring to her and her family.
I’ve been working as a freelance writer since April 2019 and Sorted was my first client. I love the freelance lifestyle, because it allows me to fit work around life instead of the other way round. I know from experience that some companies distrust remote working but I’m hopeful that the experiences of the pandemic will finally see these staid attitudes left behind. Flexible working really can help people to achieve a much better work-life balance.
Another benefit of freelancing is that I get to work on a wide variety of tasks from social media to report writing, and that balance is something I really enjoy. I also like being able to choose what I do, and I tend to work on projects that I have a genuine interest in, such as healthcare or research – I’ve gained so much knowledge as a result. Ultimately though, it is perfect for parenting, as I don’t need to pay exorbitant childcare costs because I can be free for pick-ups and drop offs!
When it comes to setting myself up for the day, I wish I could say I was a night owl or a morning lark but, since I acquired two tiny dictators, I have little control over what time I wake up. It’s usually somewhere between 5am and 6am and I head straight to the coffee. Looking on the bright side, in some ways the early start is handy because I can attempt to make a start on work before I drop them off.
I don’t enjoy silence, so I always have the radio on in the background when I work. I also like to sit by a window and (hopefully) let the sunshine in. Lists are my life – especially with multiple clients and deadlines. I enjoy a good quality bit of stationery and have a physical planner to schedule my week on, as well as a to-do list for each day.
With several different projects on the go, I often find it helps shift my focus if I take a break before moving between them. I’m lucky to live by a lovely nature reserve, so I often go for a walk around the lake to clear my head, and if the coffee van is there I’ll stop by and treat myself to a flat white. Inevitably, writer’s block does occur from time to time and when that happens, I know it’s best to get up and leave it for a while. There’s no point trying to force something and ending up frustrated; it’s always better to take a break, do something different, and then go back to the task later on.
When I’m not working, I’m usually handing out endless snacks to my two children, engaging in some elaborate role play game, or playing Dobble. I also love escaping to the cinema and getting lost in a film. Pre-pandemic, I would spend a weekend away every month either with a friend, or on my own, to recharge – this is something I am really looking forward to starting again, because there has been more than enough time spent at home over the past couple of years.
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