I did the unbelievable!

Yes, I quit my job. My cushy, well-earning job!

I decided to take my life back. (Not quit my life, as it feels like I've been doing for quite some time.)Stepping back into freelancing after four years in a full-time position was enough for me. Don't get me wrong, I am grateful for all the wonderful opportunities, steady pay, and amazing people I met along the way... but I just needed more.

More time for me, my family, my own schedule. I've always thrived when I could be flexible and tackle projects where and when I wanted to. It's not about doing less... it's about doing more with my time. This has been my first week back in my 'home office'. Polishing my portfolio, touching base with recruiters, and seeing what there is online for the likes of me, now that I am stepping back into this role.

What a surprise! The people who promised recommendations are silent... I need to follow up once more. I understand we're all busy, but if you've always had a stable 9-5 job and never freelanced or worked independently, you might not realise how important relationships with former colleagues are.

And no, my inbox isn't bombarded with jobs, people knocking down my virtual door wanting a piece of me. It's not like I thought; sure, I will have to put the work in, but oh my soul. Nothing. Okay, so my inbox has never looked better. All clean and organised.

And now, 4 years later, I have come to find it's not just about who you know, but how much you are willing to 'spend' to get in front of potential clients. I've signed up to Twine.net and am finding it's not so easy. My street cred is no good yet, and I am being treated like a junior, having to prove my worth as a designer just to be considered! And yet, I've got the T-shirt, wearing the *$#@% out of it!

It's Friday, so 5 days of freelancing...let's see what next week holds.

Logging off now to explore additional freelance websites!