sethstanley

I've just handed my notice in at my job. Am I nuts?

In 4 weeks time, I'll intentionally leave a job without another one to go to, for the first time since I was 19 years old.

I intend to take some time off and recharge the old batteries.

Write. Draw. Create. Without stuffing it into the tiny timeslots that appear sporadically in my life.

For the past 6 months, I've been a content designer in UK government. I've delivered the content for a new web service. People seem happy with my work.

I'm happy with my work, and that I've remained reasonably productive during these crazy times. But – it's done.

People will tinker, and ask for countless amends, but the bulk of the work is finished.

It's like when I decorate – I'm the one with the roller, pleased at seeing mass coverage of paint slapping up and down the walls. My wife is the one with the tiny brush, doing the intricate cutting-in, detailing the edges. For that, I have zero patience.

Which is really odd, because I always consider myself someone who's big on details, kind of a perfectionist. Maybe I'm not? Or not as much as I think? I digress...

Basically, I'm bored, and just like with the pandemic, I couldn't see an end – or even so much as a waypoint, to indicate I was making progress in the role. And I need to be able to see an end to things.

So starting in January 2021, I'm going to start freelancing as an independent contractor specialising in digital content/user experience/copywriting for short-term contracts.

I've already had my forever job for 12 years. I loved it. I lived and breathed it. Some days I still miss it. But I need to move forward and this seems like it will fit the bill.

Here's why I think this is a low-risk move for me, even in the middle of a global pandemic with mass unemployment.

1. Digital is still a massive growth area. I've been at this for a long time, and I think my content game is strong. I have a marketable skill that is hugely in-demand right now. Writing user-focused content with clarity has never been more important.
2. I can work remotely – meaning I'm not restricted to taking jobs in my local area. I can take something in London or Birmingham or Bristol without moving from my spot at the kitchen table.
3. I'm in a fortunate position whereby I can afford not to work for a while. If it takes a little time to find the lay of the land, I can get by for a while.

So, a new venture where I’m my own boss, in control of my own destiny, doing the work I want to do, when I want to do it. I’ll be director of my own company, with no need to ingratiate myself with organisational hierarchy in order to progress.

No need to worry about promotion, just bouncing from gig to gig, doing interesting work, with, hopefully, plenty of time to create.

So what do you think? Is it a genius move or a stupid one? I guess I’ll know the real answer in the next year or two, but in the meantime, hit me up on Twitter to let me know what you think are the pros and cons of doing this during these strange times.