The Cult of Self-Employment

Happy October! I’m excited to be taking on another Ultimate Blog Challenge, UBC, for short. This challenge encourages bloggers like me to post for 31 days straight and post them on social media. I prefer posting and sharing my blogs over Facebook rather than Twitter/X because I do not like that platform. I also ask that people not share my posts on LinkedIn because some things I write about are not for that audience.

Another essential part of the challenge is commenting on at least two other blogs that other UBC participants wrote. You can find them by searching for #UBC or #blogboost on Facebook, Twitter, or sometimes Instagram. This online writing community is friendly and supportive, and I love being a part of our quarterly writing adventure. I also encourage you to comment on my posts. It helps to know that someone out there is reading them, and I’m not just writing to myself! 😆

I will do my best to post daily, but as a card-carrying member of The Cult of Self-Employment, I may occasionally stray from the challenge.

What is the Cult of Self-Employment? I’m so glad you asked! I signed up back in March after launching my own digital marketing business called Red Pen Resources. I was initially lured into this cult by the promise of casual Mondays through Fridays. I was also provided with an incredible community of talented people who want to focus on their clients’ goals rather than office drama and politics. And when I learned about the freedom to follow my own creative instincts instead of sitting in endless meetings, I memorized the secret handshake, gave blood and urine, and here I am!

Upon initiation, I received a welcome swag bag, which included a ring light, a portable phone charger, a gift card to a local coffee shop, and my choice of fuzzy socks or slippers.

From the moment I joined the Cult of Self-Employment, I felt enlightened, empowered, and enthralled with this new way of life. You could say that I saw the light, and it wasn’t fluorescent.

I traded hanging out aimlessly by the water cooler for standing with purpose at networking events. With a coffee cup in hand, business cards in my pocket, and a 30-second commercial ready to go, I immediately fit right in. The other “cult members” are extremely generous with their time and resources. We cheer each other on and offer excellent advice. The occasional venting session takes place only in small groups and is permitted, but not required. We refer each other to members and non-members who need our talents and skills. In essence, the Cult of Self-Employment embraces a “go-giver/go-getter” personality and treasures business relationships that often turn into friendships.

Another benefit is a flexible schedule that allows me to go food shopping on a Tuesday afternoon or rearrange appointments to deal with the occasional family emergency. I also make time for professional development that doesn’t need prior approval. I place a high value on learning from others through webinars and conferences or just over breakfast and exchanging shared experiences.

The best part of my schedule is never having to justify taking off for a mental health day or a Jewish holiday.

There are a few downsides. Cabin fever and loneliness are occupational hazards, but I surround myself with others who work from home and get together for lunch or over Zoom. The only negative I’ve experienced so far is achieving that elusive work/life balance. I thought self-employment would be the solution to finding those moments of Zen. Alas, my home office beckons me to sit down and keep working, and she can be insistent about it! I have faced this challenge by prioritizing the projects that need immediate attention so I can complete them and feel accomplished. But, sometimes it doesn’t work and I miss out on a TV show or a blog post.

And yes, there are times when I need to work nights, but I am passionate about what I do and helping my clients succeed, so it really doesn’t feel like work at all.

All in all, joining the Cult of Self-Employment has been a game-changer, and I’ve never been happier. No need to save me now, I’m all in!

Are you a member of this cult? What do you love about running your own business, and what do you find most challenging? Let me know in the comments.

XO,

Elisa