So, you’ve ditched the 9-to-5, waved goodbye to awkward office kitchen small talk, and are now the boss. Congratulations! Welcome to the wild, weird, and occasionally wonderful world of self-employment - where you’re equally likely to feel like a business genius and a hot mess within the same hour.
Here are 5 laughably real things I’ve discovered since becoming my own boss…
1. Lip-sync reels are absolutely mortifying - and I keep making them anyway
Nothing quite prepares you for the moment you catch your own reflection while mouthing along to a trending sound like a pound shop pop star. I can feel my ancestors judging me.
But here’s the thing: content is queen. And apparently, nothing says “I’m a capable, trustworthy business owner” like pointing at floating text boxes while mouthing “Nobody’s gonna know.” (Spoiler: They always know.)
So yes, it's awkward. Yes, I feel like I’m having an out-of-body experience while editing them. But also? My engagement goes up. So we carry on, cringing all the way.
2. Canva is both my best friend and my nemesis
Ah, Canva. The online design tool that tricks me into thinking I’m a graphic designer - until I spend 40 minutes tweaking the spacing between two words and questioning my entire existence.
It’s fun. It’s easy. It’s too easy. Before you know it, you’ve downloaded 17 versions of the same Instagram post and can’t tell the difference between “Mulberry Mist” and “Dusky Plum”.
Also: if you haven't named your files things like “final-final-FINAL-post-v3-USETHISONE”, are you even self-employed?
3. Inbox detoxing is basically adult archaeology
Doing an inbox detox sounds productive and professional, right? Like you’ve got your life together and you’re not surviving on leftover Easter eggs and passive-aggressive to-do lists.
But the reality? It’s a journey. A very strange one.
You’ll find discount codes from 2019, an email you never replied to that haunts you in your sleep, and at least three mystery subscriptions you have no memory of signing up for. It’s messy. It’s enlightening. It’s oddly satisfying. 10/10 recommend.
4. Working alone is a bloody dream
Okay yes, sometimes it’s a bit quiet. Sometimes I narrate my day out loud just for some human interaction. But truthfully? Being left to crack on without Karen from HR hovering or someone stealing my snacks? Glorious.
No pointless meetings. No fake laughs at your co-worker’s stories about their cat’s gluten intolerance. Just me, my to-do list, and the freedom to work how I want.
Bonus: I can have Taylor Swift blasting on repeat without judgement.
5. Business on the top, chaos underneath
There is nothing - and I mean nothing - more iconic than showing up to a Zoom call in a lovely blouse, camera-ready makeup… and pyjama bottoms with cartoon sloths on them under the desk.
The ultimate work-from-home power move.
It’s comfy. It’s practical. And frankly, if I don’t have to wear jeans to be productive, I simply won’t. The business mullet (smart on top, party on the bottom) is now a way of life.
Final Thoughts?
Self-employment is a rollercoaster - sometimes you’re flying high, sometimes you’re crying into your third lemonade of the day because your WiFi’s gone again. But it’s also full of hilarious moments, brilliant wins, and unmatched freedom.
So if you’re out there, building your dream from the kitchen table in mismatched socks - just know you’re doing amazing, sweetie.
Got any funny or unexpected lessons from your own self-employment journey? Drop them in the comments or message me - I love a good business blooper.
And if you need me, I’ll be lip-syncing in my dressing gown while pretending I’m not rebranding for the third time this month. Hope you have a great day and keep safe :)
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