Freelancer in Focus for July 2007 - Sharon Walsh

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Description How have you found working freelance? What are the highs and lows, the frustrations and the bonuses? I have to be honest and say I’ve truly enjoyed working freelance as I love the variety it brings and the prospect of meeting new people. Freelancing has given me the opportunity to pick the projects, clients, environments and people that I really want to work across. Freelancing also allowed me the freedom and flexibility I never had as a paid employee and gave me more confidence and work experience. As for the low points of freelancing... well, I have to admit I’ve been very lucky not to experience much of the down side as I’ve always had projects on the go and money coming in. That said, I’ve often sat and thought about the ‘what ifs’ - the insecurity of wondering where/when the next job will come from, the fluctuations in cash flow, the real pain of having to sort out your own tax and insurance – AND the not being paid sick or holiday pay (unless of course, you’re signed up with a generous agency who looks after you!). Has being a member of Freelancers In The UK helped you? We’d like to think so but how? Yes, I’ve enjoyed being part of the Freelancers in the UK family. I’ve had a few leads from the site and also people approaching me for advice – which is a great compliment and which always humbles me to think of it. I’d recommend Freelancers in the UK to anyone looking to broaden their work horizons and their social contacts. What are the biggest challenges for you for the rest of 2007? I’ve recently expanded my teeny weeny business from one person (me) to two people (me and Christine). AND this new development is very exciting as well as a little scary. So, for the rest of 2007, I think the challenges for me – and us – are in continuing to keep our clients happy by producing good work and also looking out for new clients and new work opportunities. It’s a really special feeling when someone you’ve done work for is really pleased with you and wants to continue using your services. What's your favourite food and drink? And because we're feeling nosey this month, who's your favourite actress? My favourite food and drink is, funnily enough, Italian. I love everything about Italy – the country, the culture, the history, the language, the people, the food and the pinot grigio – I even studied it as part of my Classics degree. But I really need to get my socks on and see more of the country as thus far I've only been to Rome. There’s so much more of Italy I’ve yet to explore – another thing I like about it. You have to agree though, it is a lovely country filled full of beautiful landscapes. Italian again tonight, methinks. My favourite actress has to be the amazing and lovely Audrey Hepburn. I’ve chosen this actress especially because there are just so many things I admire about her. Audrey was elegant, sophisticated and grateful. She was cute, funny, sexy, talented, with a great down to earth sense of humour and wonderful caring personality. Audrey was also a great example to many – as a fashion icon, as a humanitarian and as a brilliant actress. She’s one person I’d love to look and be like myself. Just a great shame I didn’t get to meet her in person.