"Simply not solvent!

Seaxwyn

Thanks you two! And thanks Hypno for not one but two replies, and very thoughtful ones.

I definitely want to stay self-employed, or to continue doing a mix of work, and having maximum flexibility. I accept this means I won't earn as much/pay off as much debt as if I got a full-time high-paying job. But I would like things to be a little less dicey and in particular I would like to stay well clear of my NatWest overdraft.

My best bet is to be more efficient and focussed on the freelance work. I am making steps. I recently told some of my clients I was raising my prices, and they were fine with it, so I will do that with the others, and prepare to lose any that don't want to pay more.

The park job is a distraction from this in that it will take up time that could be spent freelancing. However, it could potentially open new doors. If I get an interview, I should get a feel for what the job would be like and whether my fantasies about the job are wide of the mark.

Anyway, you are right Hypno, I need to make a decision and stop harping over it. And I have done that really, in that I'm not prepared to take a full-time job, so I need to get on with making the freelance career work better.

Thanks again for taking the time to help me clarify my thoughts.

hypno06

One option could be to cancel your overdraft facility - if the opportunity is not there to use it, then you don't have any choice, and will have to work on staying out of it in order to avoid charges?

taxi73

Hi seaxwyn..I totally second everything Hypno has said.It'sa good start that you seem to have made a deciscion to put your prices up and to really cocentrate on your work.

Seaxwyn

I forgot to say I have LOADS of work lined up for Feb and March (I'm not totally useless...) I had to turn down a potential new client as I am so booked up, which is one of the things that's made me question the wisdom of taking a part-time job. So once the money for these jobs comes in, in March and April, I will repair some of the damage of the past few lower earning months.

hypno06

Nobody here thinks you are useless! This isn't about being useless, it is about learning to work out what our individual priorities are, and how they can fit in with our lives (which in themselves are not exactly straightforward!).

Glad you are getting lots of work in......just make sure you put the tax away when the money comes in :cool:

lucielle

Hi Seaxwyn, nice to see you posting. We have also been hit with a tax bill, not as big as yours but still a shock. We are looking into opening another account to put some money away. Hopefully we won't get caught short again. Good luck re job.
L

taxi73

Seaxwyn..please don't think we said you are useless...we all feel your pain with you.You have never had a problem getting the work in so this means you are fantastic at your job.
The only downsides to your job is the lack of motivation/discipline sometimes and not putting some tax away.Myself have had the same problems in the past with both of these so can really empathise for you.I know how you feel honestly when you have a pile of work to do and sometimes can't get started...
It's just finding the right mindset for you and what works.

Seaxwyn

Thanks, I know noone thinks I'm useless - except me! We've had a huge snowfall here, it must be nine inches deep, so the schools are closed and I have four very excited children here. Luckily I don't have to go anywhere or get much work done - just one short report to edit and lots to read, so I'll retreat to my bed to do that away from the shrieking and heaps of snow being tracked across the floor. I hope everyone has a good day not too inconvenienced by the weather.

Karmacat

Hi Seaxwyn
Wow, there's a lot been going on while *you've* been supporting *me* through qype .... sorry not to have been here for you. We've had about six inches here, everything's closed, clients can't make it to me, looks like I'm going to have a day on the computer and a day tidying. I've been out as far as the top of my path, to clear the bird feeder of snow (lots of frantic little birds now gathered around it) and thats that! Hope you're having a nice morning snuggled in bed.

lucielle

Hope you get your editing done. Then go and beat the kids with snowballs. Going to ambush mine shortly!
L