We're back with another Do What You Love interview, this time with the fantastic Susannah Conway! Susannah is a photographer, writer and teacher- you may know her from her gorgeous photography, from reading her insightful blog or perhaps taking her popular Unravelling e-course. She's gracious and kind and inspiring in so many ways, I'm so pleased to have her here to share her insight on life as a successfully self-employed (and single!) woman. Let's meet her!
What do you do for a living?
How long have you been self-employed? What made you decide to take the leap?
I’ve actually been self-employed, in one way or another, since 2003, when I left my full-time job as a fashion editor on a UK national newspaper and became a freelance journalist. In 2005 I lost my partner and didn’t work for year, but as I worked through my bereavement I started to pick up article commissions here and there before I decided to launch my photography business in 2007. In 2008 I started teaching the
Unravelling workshops locally before offering them online this year. My reason for taking the leap in the first place? I hate working in an office and feeling like an automaton.
Do you work from home or have a studio/office elsewhere?
I work from home and it is an absolute joy to be able to do so.
Do you have a partner or assistant, or are you going it solo?
There is only me in my business, but I would love to be able to employ a PA, even for just one day a week. My administrative tasks seem to be growing daily and I find they really drain my creativity; obviously they must be done but to able to share the load with someone would be so amazing. I’m hoping to be able to take on someone part-time in the autumn.
How do you organize your days? At what part of the day are you most productive?
Surprisingly I am most productive in the mornings – I never used to be, but as I get older I seem to be shedding my night-owl self. If I start as I mean to go on, launching straight into a project on my to-do list first thing in the morning, then I will be productive until early afternoon. My energy always drops after lunch, which is when I’ll pop out to the post office, or do grocery shopping or something that doesn’t require my brain. Then I’ll do a bit more work from 5 – 8pm before making dinner and collapsing with a DVD.
How do you keep procrastination and distraction in check, and stay motivated to get things done?
I’ve recently started turning my email off and only opening it at certain times during the day – first thing, lunchtime and early evening. This helps to keep me focused on what I’m doing rather than getting pulled into an email conversation or something that needs to be done on the spot. I try to limit my blog reading to first thing in the morning when I’m eating my breakfast; I like to check in on my favourite reads and see what’s happening in their world, but if I’m not careful a ‘quick check’ turns into a three-hour marathon reading session and suddenly it’s lunchtime, so I have to be disciplined about my online habits. Not easy.
How many hours do you put in per day? Do you work on the weekends?
As I mentioned above, I always put in a fairly full day, hours-wise. And unless I am doing something with friends or family, I tend to work weekends as well – basically, my job is also my hobby and passion. Wherever I go I always have at least one camera with me, and am always scribbling in my Moleskine, dreaming up new ideas.
How do you handle a non-steady income?
I find that the time-honoured tradition of panicking works quite well! I’d love to say I save and budget but I’ve never really mastered such sensible behaviour. But now that the e-course has taken off my income is in a better state, which means I’m able to reinvest in my business, buying new equipment and hiring a fabulous web designer to create a new comprehensive website for my photography and e-courses – it launches in June and I can’t wait!
What do you think is the most difficult part about being your own boss?
Juggling so many roles and trying to be an expert in all of them is hard work. On any given day I have to be a marketer, publicist, secretary, IT expert, graphic designer and accountant, and that’s before I’ve even picked up a camera or checked in with my students.
Working for yourself means you just can’t afford to be ill, something I’ve been reminded of yet again this week as I’m battling the flu. That’s the only time I miss being in a ‘normal’ job – when I could call in sick and rest at home guilt-free. Now I have to dose myself up with meds and work through the illness, which isn’t much fun.
And the best part?
I am thrilled to be able to support myself through my work, and I have never worked harder in my life than I am right now. When you are your own boss it all means so much more; it also really helps that I truly believe in what I do as a photographer and workshop leader. I love that I can set my own hours, and that I haven’t had to use an alarm clock in years, which is a heavenly. As a single person I am proud to be able to look after myself; I often read about how
creative business owners are grateful for the support of their partners and spouses, and yes, life would have been easier for me if I’d had the financial – and emotional - support of a partner. But knowing I have achieved all this on my own is an even bigger thrill. I like to think I’m flying the flag for the single gals out there – it is possible to achieve your goals and share your own personal vision with the world.
How do you reward yourself for a job well done and keep yourself from getting too burnt out?
To be honest I haven’t quite figured this one out yet. My illness has lasted over two weeks and is reminding me that I need to take better care of myself physically. I have a terrible tendency to sit at this computer all day every day. I need to join a gym again and take more time out for walks and fresh air.
As for rewards, small treats like fresh flowers, new music and lattes always make me happy, as do new books - I buy two or three a week, often more. I’ll be attending the
Squam Art Workshops in New Hampshire this September, which is going to be a huge treat!
Would you say you're making a living doing what you love?
I’d say yes, 90%. It will be 100% when I find a publisher for my book!
What is one nugget of wisdom you can pass on to someone who is desperately seeking to get out of the 9-5 grind and follow in your footsteps?
If at all possible save some money to help tide you over during that first month or two of self-employment; this would have helped me so much if I’d have done it before I left my job. As you prepare to take the leap, do as much work on your new business as you can at night and at the weekend – try to get some momentum going, so that when you start you’re already moving forward. It can feel very daunting when you’re out on your own, but if you ignore the gremlins that are telling you you’re mad and just BELIEVE IN YOURSELF you can get to where you want to be. I really believe that. Also, be prepared to have no social life and work on your business 24/7 seven days a week – it will be worth it, I promise!
See more by Susannah on these sites below:
main :: shop :: blog :: e-course :: twitter
>> you may also like: Do What you Love: An Interview with Jan DiCintio
