Career Flexibility Considerations

I became self-employed, safe in the knowledge that we could “survive” on my maternity pay. If I could make just £1500 per month, we’d be good. Only, they don’t tell you at “entrepreneur school” that you can’t just work for 20 hours per week at £25 per hour, minus a bit of expenses, and take your £1500. So I will. Here are 16 things you have to know about becoming self-employed: 1. “Self-employed” is completely the wrong way to think of this. You are NOT employed. If you think like an employee, you’ve already missed the point. 2. Every friend or family member you know will think you're mad or will be worried about you failing, or both. 3. Nobody will check in on you. If you want this to work, you have to make it work. 4. You will have no structure. Nothing. You have to decide what the heck you’re going to spend your time doing. My suggestion: do the things that bring in money. 5. You will have no priorities. You have to decide what deserves your attention. And just to say, ten-gazillion things could make it onto that list if you let them. 6. You can live without a logo. This is not a reason not to get started. 7. You are your own everything department.
When tech goes wrong, it's on you to fix it or find someone who can. Your accounts aren’t filed, also, this is on you. Make systems. 8. Clients can be unpredictable. Some may vanish without a word, and others might demand more than agreed upon. Set the rules for working together. Hold the power in the relationship. 9. Holidays will be a luxury if you don’t factor them into your business. Systemise your business so you can take time off. Price so you can take time off. 10. Marketing yourself is a daily job. If you’re not out there promoting, you won’t have clients when you need them. 11. You'll need to be a financial planner. Budgeting, saving for taxes, and managing irregular income is all part of the package. Find someone who can do this for you if you can’t. 12. You’ll crave the simplicity of a job you can go to and forget at the end of the day. You’ll also feel like a caged anminal if you ever try to be an employee again. 13. You’ll need to ignore everyone else. Comparison will make you paranoid. Stay in your lane. Stay focussed. Get really damn good at what you do. 14. There will be failures. Not everything will go according to plan. The first business might not even be “the one”. Learn and move on. 15. It won’t happen overnight. Overnight success is months and months of getting out of your comfort zone and sitting at your laptop in the evenings. 16. Support networks are invaluable. Find people who understand what you’re doing, they know how to get there faster. ——————————— I’m Zoe and I share posts like this that help you be the entrepreneur you want to be. Follow me for more.

JOB SEEKERS: Out of work and need to get back? Consider contract positions, if you've been ruling them out. I consistently get the instant "no thanks" emails back when reaching out with contract openings, even to people who have end dates on their profiles / resumes! "No thanks, I am only targeting permanent positions." Usually this is for benefits - guess what, tons of contract positions include benefits. They may not be as robust as what you might get in a perm job, but they're better than nothing and again, that contract is probably going to pay better than unemployment. Despite what many people say, contracts CAN lead to permanent positions, or last a very long time. I, personally, have consultants who have been on contract for 3-4 years and more. And many who were on contract for months or years, then eventually converted to perm. And stability? Yes, contracts can be ended at anytime. But guess what? So can your "permanent" job...just ask all the people who've been laid off over the last 24 months+. And I've had people working at companies as contractors who stayed on despite the company laying off permanent employees. Many times whether you stay on not is not dependent on the type of worker you are, it's dependent on the department in which you are working. And lastly, taking a contract role doesn't preclude you from continuing to search for a permanent one. You know what it DOES do? Pay better than unemployment. Help build a new network of people who can vouch for your work. If a contract role comes up and you really need to make some money, consider it, and keep the perm job search going on the side. So if someone reaches out to you with a contract opening, ask some questions to help you decide if it might work for you: 1) How does the end client treat contractors? 2) What is their history of extending or converting contractors? 3) What benefits, if any, does the contracting company offer? We offer medical (and pay a portion of premiums) and a 401K to our W2 consultants, for example. 4) What is the end client's history of layoffs? Don't be so quick to rule out a job just because it's a "contract." Gather more info first and make an informed decision.

Job shares have always been a slow burn. Especially amongst men and dads. Out of all the flexible working options, it's always been the one with low take-up. Sometimes it's been due to a lack of organisational support. Sometimes it's been due to a lack of good practise role models to learn from. Sometimes it's a lack of facilitation and help in finding a job share partner. According to the latest UK labour data, around 121,000 employees were on job-sharing contracts in 2025, up from about 88,000 in 2024. This is a good sign. But those in job share roles are nearly always women. Men are around three times less likely to be in a job share. So I think we are missing a trick here. A job share, when done well, can be incredible for work life balance. It can support dads to be more active at home, take on more care responsibilities while still pursuing their career. Imagine if we had many more examples of dads doing job shares, Parenting Out Loud and using the arrangement as a way to take the full parental leave available. It would be a game changer. It would have an amazing impact on wellbeing and gender equality at work and at home. Here's what's companies can do: ✅️ Promote job sharing as a visible, legitimate option in recruitment and internal career pathways for men and dads ✅️ Ensure flexible working (including job share requests) is easier to access — especially as men are less likely to have flexible working requests approved. ✅️ Equip managers with tools and training on how to structure shared roles effectively so that both employees and the business benefit. Read the BBC article with a great example of a dad in a job share here: https://lnkd.in/eHzbwkzY #ParentingOutLoud #FlexibleWorking #JobShare #PaternityLeave

JOB SHARING is the workplace equivalent of a tandem bike ... Gone are the days when traditional nine-to-five roles ruled the roost. Today’s workforce is looking for options that fit their lives, not the other way around. Job sharing – where two employees split the responsibilities of a single position – is emerging as an appealing way to keep careers on track without overloading the to-do list. For employees, the appeal of job sharing often boils down to winning back precious hours. Whether it is for family commitments, personal pursuits or even side hustles, job sharing allows workers to tap into their potential without feeling overclocked. In an era where burnout can feel like an occupational hazard, sharing the load can make all the difference. Employers, on the other hand, are finding that job sharing keeps the talent pool brimming. Instead of losing skilled workers to the off-ramp of resignation, organisations are offering a more flexible lane. Workers who might otherwise hand in their notice are staying on, grateful for the chance to shift gears rather than park their careers altogether. For industries grappling with talent shortages, job sharing is a clever way to keep both wheels of the workforce spinning. The arrangement also brings a fresh set of tyres to the workplace. Two people sharing one job means a wider range of skills and perspectives. While one person might excel in strategy, the other could bring expertise in execution. Technology is also driving the job-sharing trend. Tools like shared calendars, messaging apps and project management software ensure partners stay in sync even if they are clocking in at different times. The days of scribbled handover notes are over. Today, a quick email can keep the handover as smooth as a freshly waxed floor. But job sharing is not without speed bumps. Coordinating tasks requires careful communication while finding two individuals whose work styles mesh well can sometimes feel like trying to match socks in the dark. But when it works, it really works – and the effort pays off in spades. Offering job sharing as an option signals that an organisation values its employees’ wellbeing, not just their output. Job sharing is not just a workplace trend but a workplace tune-up. It allows employees to keep their engines running without risking burnout and gives employers the tools to retain and attract talent. While it might take some adjustment, this arrangement is proving to be a win-win that keeps everyone firing on all cylinders. In a world where flexibility is fast becoming the gold standard, job sharing is the hybrid vehicle of the workplace – combining the efficiency of shared effort with the adaptability to navigate modern life’s winding roads. #management #hr #leadership #work #workplace #flexibility #aimwa Cartoon used under licence: CartoonStock

Love seeing a job share at a senior level! They thought their career aspirations were limited while needing to work part time - a continued reality in the legal sector (and many others). Now, Tala Prowd and Helena Kolenbet bring a combined three decades to the role, and two heads to the position that are less likely to succumb to burnout and more likely to be able to start the work week refreshed and with more energy to make critical leadership decisions. What a win for their employer. As Tala said, "It is almost unheard of for a woman to make partner at a law firm or General Counsel if they work in a part-time capacity. If you’re part-time, there’s a ceiling.” Job shares can help change this, as can more enlightened employers rethinking how roles are structured. Great to see this Wesley Mission Queensland https://lnkd.in/g3AbQep3

Dear freelancers, This year, I need you to run your strictest programme yet. No more “let’s just see how it goes” energy. We’re moving like strict businesses. okurrr. Start here: 1/ Have contracts in place. Every time. 2/ Set communication hours. You’re not a 24/7 helpline. 3/ Stick to your T&Cs. Boundaries are part of the service. 4/ Take deposits. Your calendar is not a free holding space. 5/ If a potential client is giving you the runaround, run away. 6/ Get clear on the scope before you start. “Can you just…” will finish you. 7/ Don’t undercharge yourself just to “secure the bag.” Cheap clients are rarely low stress. BUT. By doing all this, you also need to make sure your service is matching the standards you’re setting. Professionalism isn’t one-sided. So also: ✨ Deliver on time. Or communicate early. ✨ Make the process smooth, not stressful. ✨ Overcommunicate progress so clients feel secure. ✨ Take pride in the details; quality is your reputation. ✨ Leave clients feeling like they made the right investment. This isn’t just about helping yourself. It helps the whole freelance community. When you undercharge, overdeliver for free, ignore contracts, or move messy, it lowers the standard for everyone else trying to run a serious business. We can be kind. We can be flexible. But we cannot be unserious. Yours sincerely, A seasoned freelancer

We've all heard the old saying "Jack of all trades, master of none." But have you heard the full quote? "A jack of all trades is a master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one." I've found that being a generalist with wide-ranging interests is a real asset and incredibly valuable, especially in our rapidly changing world. The greatest generalists were the Renaissance polymaths like Leonardo Da Vinci. They made groundbreaking contributions precisely because of their curiosity about multiple disciplines. Yet, the idea that being a "generalist" is somehow anti-specialization has taken root, especially in corporate settings. The reality is that our professional journeys are rarely linear. In machine learning, there's a concept of exploration vs. exploitation that's relevant here. Exploration means trying out new solutions, and gathering more information about something unknown. Exploitation means using the knowledge you've already gained to maximize your current rewards or performance. The most effective approach cycles between the two modes. This concept applies to why being multi-passionate and deliberately cultivating a generalist mindset can enhance leadership: * Adaptable: Diverse interests make you an adaptable, shape-shifting leader, deftly navigating challenges. * Innovative: Engaging in multiple disciplines fosters cross-pollination of ideas and sparks creativity. * Visionary: A wide range of experiences sharpens strategic perspectives & foresight, and improves decision-making. Take Ginni Rometty, former CEO of IBM, whose diverse career within IBM spanned engineering, sales, marketing, and strategy. This versatility allowed her to drive major transformation initiatives by combining technical expertise with insights from non-technical roles. Specializations have a shockingly short half-life these days, especially in technology and AI fields where knowledge can become obsolete within 1-2 years. Continuously expanding your cognitive toolkit through exploration becomes crucial for long-term relevance. To be clear, this is not about being a wandering generalist but integrating varied skills while building core competencies. This versatility is a powerful asset in leadership. Embrace your inner generalist, and say yes to exploration! This mindset fuels lifelong, multi-modal learning and innovative problem-solving. Oftentimes, you'll outshine the masters of one. #creativity #innovation #mindset #leadership #skills #culture

3 years and a half of our project in Madeira with Governo Regional da Madeira, it feels like a lifetime. What were the results of the Digital Nomads Madeira project? What can we learn from it? I will divide this post into three parts: the economic impact, the social impact, and the future. Economic Impact: - DNM has contributed around 30 million euros directly to Madeira's economy, with approximately 20,000 nomads visiting yearly (data from Nomadlist and our own). - DNM initially focused on the village of Ponta do Sol, a beautiful village that is now vibrant year-round, with restaurants full, and more people visiting, living, and spending money locally. While hard to quantify, local businesses are very happy, saying we have revitalized the village. - According to a Deloitte report for Invest Madeira, the registration of new tech companies in Madeira grew by 80%, demonstrating the significant impact of attracting talent on Foreign Direct Investment. Digital Nomads are mentioned 17 times in the document focused on attracting FDI to Madeira. - There have been over 300 news articles about DNM, from Sifted, CNN, The Washington Post, and many others. - Madeira is now known worldwide for its nature, quality of living, and as a great place to live and invest. - New businesses are emerging, including coliving spaces, cafés, vegan restaurants, and more. Social Impact: - Locals are returning to Madeira from major urban centers like London, Berlin, and Lisbon, attracted by the dynamic social life and international living now available on our islands. - Madeira is more international than ever, transforming from a tourism hub to a hub for living and investing. - It’s now easy to find entrepreneurs and people building incredible companies in Madeira, especially in tech, cybersecurity, and other high-knowledge areas. - People have found a sense of pride and belonging, even with the influx of new residents. - Events like Purple Fridays and other cultural gatherings have become popular, serving as meeting points for locals, expats, and nomads at a beautiful hotel and during sunsets. The Future: In Madeira, we have proven that attracting digital nomads with a well-planned focus on community, integration, and belonging has a massive positive impact on the economy and society. Madeira is now a model that everyone around the world is following. Madeira is seen as a leader, but if the work stops, we risk losing the advantage we have gained. Countries, cities, and islands like the Canaries, Romania, Thailand, Greece, Italy, and others are eager and working to take over the market. Will Madeira lose its advantage, or will it continue to grow the market and attract more Foreign Direct Investment and talent? Only the future will tell. For now, Madeira has shown the world that a people-centric strategy can significantly transform an economy and society, and we should celebrate this incredible achievement. #digitalnomads #madeira #remotework #fdi #talent

I have a question for my freelance friends out there: What’s something you wish more people understood about freelancing or running your own business? Ya know, over the past few weeks, I’ve had some really honest conversations with friends who freelance...the kind of conversations you don’t always see in public. And it made me realize…there’s a lot about the life of being a freelancer that we don’t talk about in the open. So, I want to talk about it. Because here’s the truth: Freelancing isn’t just a different kind of job. It’s running a business. Full stop. But I think a lot of people oversimplify what that actually means. I’ve heard things like, “Just quit your job and become a freelancer,” or “I’m burned out, so I’m thinking I’ll quit and try freelancing instead.” As if freelancing is something you can just casually fall into. As if it’s the easier path. As if all it takes is making a Canva logo and updating your LinkedIn headline to “Freelancer.” But the reality? Freelancing isn’t some carefree alternative to a 9–5. It’s a commitment. A risk. A full-time job plus a dozen other roles you didn’t ask for. And I get it! I really do. On the surface, freelancing sounds like freedom. No boss. No 9–5. Work from wherever. Take on the projects you want. But what most people don’t see is everything that sits underneath that. The mental weight. The financial risk. The constant self-promotion. The dry spells when no one’s hiring and you’re still trying to make rent. The hustle that doesn’t stop just because you’re busy...in fact, it doubles when you’re busy, because you’re already preparing for when things slow down. Freelancing means being your own sales team, your own finance department, your own legal team, your own IT, and your own project manager. You have to market yourself, pitch yourself, sell yourself..over and over and over again. You have to know what you’re good at, price your work accordingly, write your own contracts, handle your own taxes, buy your own software, drive your own professional development, and figure out your own health insurance. You don’t get to coast for a few days between projects. You don’t get paid time off. You don’t get to turn your brain off at 5pm. And even if you have savings and experience and a good reputation...it can still be scary AF. Now don’t get me wrong...I love freelancing. I chose this. I’ve worked hard to make it work. But I also spent almost a decade preparing for it. And I’ve learned the hard way that it’s not something you casually fall into. At least, not if you want to stay in it. Let’s make the conversation more honest for those who are considering this path...and a little more vulnerable for those already on it. Because if you’re out here building something on your own, you shouldn’t have to feel like you’re doing it alone. #eLearning #InstructionalDesign #LearningAndDevelopment

Don’t quit your job. Not yet. Not just because your boss annoys you or because Instagram sold you the dream of working from a beach in Bali with a laptop and a coconut. Freelancing can be freeing. But it can also be terrifying, isolating, and inconsistent. So before you make that leap, here’s what I ask people and what you should ask yourself too: 1. Do you have 6 months of living expenses saved up ? Not “some savings,” not “a few clients lined up.”   I’m talking can-you-pay-rent-eat-and-not-panic money. Because when the client ghosts, or projects stall, you’ll be glad you planned for that dry season. 2. Can you emotionally handle 0 income for a few months ? Forget the savings, what about the mental game? Can you sit with uncertainty without spiraling? This isn’t just about money, it’s about your capacity to navigate slow months without making fear based decisions. 3. Have you worked with actual clients yet ? Freelancing isn’t just "doing your craft", it’s also client calls, revisions, delayed payments, setting boundaries, managing feedback loops. Try it on the side first. See if you even like it. 4. Are you okay with uncertainty ? There are months you’ll make 3x your salary and months you’ll make nothing. Freelancing is not linear and that’s okay as long as you don’t expect it to be. 5. Can you lead yourself? There will be no manager and no one assigning tasks. The freedom is great  until you realise it’s also your job to keep yourself accountable all of the time and If you can’t do that, this path will eat you alive. Freelancing isn’t for everyone and that’s not a bad thing. But if you do check all these boxes If you know the risks, and still feel pulled towards it, then you might just be ready and if you need help figuring out where to start, how to pick a niche, or what to offer DM me ‘coaching’ and I’ll help you get clarity. You don’t need to do this alone.