Anna, the below words are so true and should be freeing and inspiring for many because one thinks you have to have everything figured out, when really you just need to figure out that you want to start.
"Begin, even though it may be confusing or uncertain or unclear.
Begin, even if you have no clue.
Begin, even if no one in your life understands it.
Begin, even if you don’t understand it yet.
Begin without fear or knowledge of what comes next.
Anna, I'm just starting out a new career path. And it feels scary some times. Stories like yours are what that inspires me and keeps me rolling. Your ideas on structure are very useful and I'm going to try them for myself too. Thank you for this letter.
Thank you Shanjitha, fortunately I’m almost back to 100%! Congrats on taking the first step, it’s always the hardest 🩵. What new career path are you walking down?
I am talking about working in the medical communications niche which can be writing consumer health content, continuing education, website content, white papers too. I also have experience with research article writing but prefer the above more.
How lovely! I would love to get in touch with you - hit me up here ishita.singh@freyrsolutions.com with some writing samples/CV please. I might have something for you.
Anna, I really enjoy the candour and clarity of your writing. I’m looking forward to reading the remaining parts of this ‘portfolio career’ series.
So what stops me putting things in motion? I always have lots of ideas but then as I begin to research and look at other people doing similar things, I begin to pick holes in my own concepts. I seek the problems before I’ve really got started and effectively undermine myself.
Thanks Julia and you make a great point. I know that the message “just start!” can be reductive and sometimes really annoying to hear, because starting is bloody difficult and there’s always a reason (self doubt, lack of confidence etc.) that we don’t. I’ve been there, many times 🥲. I think it’s important to remember that any new idea can be ripped apart, and every new idea has holes in it. Even the ones that go on to completely change the world. The fact that your idea doesn’t seem “perfect” isn’t a signal that you shouldn’t pursue it. It’s actually a signal that you should give it a go, and see if you can stitch the holes back up.
Ahh I see, so perhaps I need to shift my perspective? Holes in new projects are all part of the process and resolving them, a positive step towards making the idea better.
I am sorry to hear you are sick. This sucks - especially while traveling!
And still you managed to get Part III out. I am eagerly following them all and try to apply them myself. I love how you structure your week, too! I also like bunching meetings together on one or two days. Well, there are a lot of changes going on in my life right now, so having a fix weekly schedule might not be purely in my hands, but it is something I am looking forward to build - at least around the writing aspects of my "portfolio career". And I think I need some better structure again once we are back from our next trip.
Thank you! Getting sick on holiday sucks but I’m almost back to normal, thank god 😂.
I think it’s important to note that figuring out what my ideal weekly structure looks like has taken about 12 months of experimenting. I first tried no meeting Wednesdays (which didn’t really work for me) and then when I realised no meeting Mondays were the best, it took a couple of months to completely clear my Monday schedules and set boundaries with clients that I wasn’t available to meet them. I guess my point is that it’s always a process and I’m still evolving and working towards mine too!
I totally get that and there will always be things coming in where you have to divert. But I like the general approach or attitude of taking control of what your ideal schedule / week looks like and then taking active decisions on where to divert from it 🙂
Do you think a “portfolio career” is obtainable by everyone? Or do you need to be at a certain place in your career (e.g. skills, reputations, experience, etc.).
I’m actually writing a post about this in a couple of weeks but my initial thoughts are that it’s achievable for anyone but for some people it may take some more time to work towards. Personally, I’ve benefited hugely from having 12+ years of working in business under my belt, and I think the experience I’ve had has been hugely valuable in helping set my portfolio career up this way. I definitely think experience helps, but in saying that, I also know some young guns who are operating in a similar way to me. More thoughts on this to come!!
All I can say is hella yes! Identifying who I now 'am' in the career space after leaving legal practice has been challenging - particularly as I pivoted 180 degrees. This Gen X'er was taught that I needed one solid career label. My heart didn't think so and wondered what a multi dimensional career could look like in the real world. Then I found Anna. My heart thanks you Anna for breaking this down into chewable chunks of doable.
I’m so glad this post showed up in my feed. I just left a startup that I didn’t found but grew from the ground up, and relate hard to the “generalist as blessing or curse” and the love of systems balanced with creative work. I’m at a crossroads where I want to leave traditional work and do exactly what you’re doing and it’s terrifying. I’m excited to dive into all the posts you linked! Thank you for sharing, and thank the algorithm gods for sending this to me ☺️
I feel you, I was exactly where you are about 2 years ago. I know it's terrifying but trust me, it's glorious on the other side. Here to support if you ever need ❤️
This post is exactly what I needed — especially the reassurance that it’s fine not to have it all figured out in the beginning. Your tips here are gold. Thank you for this gift!
I love what you are saying about getting runs on the board. A really good reminder to do things, even if they don't fit perfectly - as a way to build energy and momentum.
This was such an encouraging read. Thank you for sharing your experiences!
Logistical question about connecting the dots between #1 to #2 - How did you go about networking without having a clear pitch or offering? I've had the occasional convo with people where it's like, "i can do this or this or this for you, or whatever you need help with" but without specificity it can fall flat. They might be kind and happy to "think on it" but no opps ever arise from that. So how did you get from that "idk what exactly I'm doing" state to securing real opportunities?
Such a good question! I’m actually in the throes of writing a post about this because it’s come up so many times in conversations. How do you actually pitch yourself and your skills, when you can do (or are doing) a million things? It’s a particularly relevant question for the generalists out there, and I have thoughts!!
Tomorrow’s post will answer this at a high level but I’m planning another post that goes into it more deeply. Stay tuned :)
Oh that's brilliant!! Really looking forward to hearing your POV on how to make it work ☺️
I know I tend to avoid the massive awkwardness of not knowing what to do or say, but sometimes I really would like to get out there more and find connections, and meaningful or (at least interesting) opportunities. So your upcoming posts will no doubt make a huge difference to a lot of us out here! 🙏💗
Would absolutely love to read your personal finance piece. I’ve been digging deep into my favorite sources to see more examples, specifically for inconsistent income.
For some reason I feel stressed about providing my thoughts or guidance on managing my money with inconsistent cash flow because I’m not an accredited financial advisor (far from it lol). But I’ve designed a system over many years that works really well for me, and money is one of my favourite topics to discuss!
Completely understand! For me, I find it very useful to just hear and discuss how other people have found systems that work for them. Also one of my favorite topics and wish there were more open convos about it!
I would LOVE a detailed piece on how you manage finances for a portfolio career. I have ADHD and while a portfolio career has helped my lifestyle in many ways, keeping track of that many balls in the air – and the money that comes with them – can be challenging. Your advice would be super helpful!
No one can know if it’ll work out but all we can do is trust that we’re putting in the work and doing everything we can to make it so. Thank you for reading!
Anna, the below words are so true and should be freeing and inspiring for many because one thinks you have to have everything figured out, when really you just need to figure out that you want to start.
"Begin, even though it may be confusing or uncertain or unclear.
Begin, even if you have no clue.
Begin, even if no one in your life understands it.
Begin, even if you don’t understand it yet.
Begin without fear or knowledge of what comes next.
Just begin."
Thank you 🤍. It’s the greatest misconception of all time, that everything needs to be figured out before you start. The complete opposite is true!!
Anna, I'm just starting out a new career path. And it feels scary some times. Stories like yours are what that inspires me and keeps me rolling. Your ideas on structure are very useful and I'm going to try them for myself too. Thank you for this letter.
And I'm sorry that you are sick. Get well soon.
Thank you Shanjitha, fortunately I’m almost back to 100%! Congrats on taking the first step, it’s always the hardest 🩵. What new career path are you walking down?
I'm looking for medical writing opportunities.
Hey @shanjitha, can you shed some more light on Medical writing opportunities? Are we talking research papers / white papers or something else?
I am talking about working in the medical communications niche which can be writing consumer health content, continuing education, website content, white papers too. I also have experience with research article writing but prefer the above more.
How lovely! I would love to get in touch with you - hit me up here ishita.singh@freyrsolutions.com with some writing samples/CV please. I might have something for you.
Sure, Ishita. I’ll get back to you.
Anna, I really enjoy the candour and clarity of your writing. I’m looking forward to reading the remaining parts of this ‘portfolio career’ series.
So what stops me putting things in motion? I always have lots of ideas but then as I begin to research and look at other people doing similar things, I begin to pick holes in my own concepts. I seek the problems before I’ve really got started and effectively undermine myself.
Thanks Julia and you make a great point. I know that the message “just start!” can be reductive and sometimes really annoying to hear, because starting is bloody difficult and there’s always a reason (self doubt, lack of confidence etc.) that we don’t. I’ve been there, many times 🥲. I think it’s important to remember that any new idea can be ripped apart, and every new idea has holes in it. Even the ones that go on to completely change the world. The fact that your idea doesn’t seem “perfect” isn’t a signal that you shouldn’t pursue it. It’s actually a signal that you should give it a go, and see if you can stitch the holes back up.
Ahh I see, so perhaps I need to shift my perspective? Holes in new projects are all part of the process and resolving them, a positive step towards making the idea better.
That’s my personal belief ❣️
I am sorry to hear you are sick. This sucks - especially while traveling!
And still you managed to get Part III out. I am eagerly following them all and try to apply them myself. I love how you structure your week, too! I also like bunching meetings together on one or two days. Well, there are a lot of changes going on in my life right now, so having a fix weekly schedule might not be purely in my hands, but it is something I am looking forward to build - at least around the writing aspects of my "portfolio career". And I think I need some better structure again once we are back from our next trip.
Thank you! Getting sick on holiday sucks but I’m almost back to normal, thank god 😂.
I think it’s important to note that figuring out what my ideal weekly structure looks like has taken about 12 months of experimenting. I first tried no meeting Wednesdays (which didn’t really work for me) and then when I realised no meeting Mondays were the best, it took a couple of months to completely clear my Monday schedules and set boundaries with clients that I wasn’t available to meet them. I guess my point is that it’s always a process and I’m still evolving and working towards mine too!
I totally get that and there will always be things coming in where you have to divert. But I like the general approach or attitude of taking control of what your ideal schedule / week looks like and then taking active decisions on where to divert from it 🙂
Do you think a “portfolio career” is obtainable by everyone? Or do you need to be at a certain place in your career (e.g. skills, reputations, experience, etc.).
I’m actually writing a post about this in a couple of weeks but my initial thoughts are that it’s achievable for anyone but for some people it may take some more time to work towards. Personally, I’ve benefited hugely from having 12+ years of working in business under my belt, and I think the experience I’ve had has been hugely valuable in helping set my portfolio career up this way. I definitely think experience helps, but in saying that, I also know some young guns who are operating in a similar way to me. More thoughts on this to come!!
Thanks, looking forward to it.
All I can say is hella yes! Identifying who I now 'am' in the career space after leaving legal practice has been challenging - particularly as I pivoted 180 degrees. This Gen X'er was taught that I needed one solid career label. My heart didn't think so and wondered what a multi dimensional career could look like in the real world. Then I found Anna. My heart thanks you Anna for breaking this down into chewable chunks of doable.
This note made me smile and tear up a little at the same time. I’m so happy this has resonated so deeply for you ❤️
I’m so glad this post showed up in my feed. I just left a startup that I didn’t found but grew from the ground up, and relate hard to the “generalist as blessing or curse” and the love of systems balanced with creative work. I’m at a crossroads where I want to leave traditional work and do exactly what you’re doing and it’s terrifying. I’m excited to dive into all the posts you linked! Thank you for sharing, and thank the algorithm gods for sending this to me ☺️
Hey Jen,
I feel you, I was exactly where you are about 2 years ago. I know it's terrifying but trust me, it's glorious on the other side. Here to support if you ever need ❤️
Appreciate that so much! ❤️
This post is exactly what I needed — especially the reassurance that it’s fine not to have it all figured out in the beginning. Your tips here are gold. Thank you for this gift!
You’re so welcome. If it feels messy, you’re doing it right x
I wrote the last part of this down in my journal to really get it in my body!
This is soooo helpful. Thanks.
Pleasure!
I love what you are saying about getting runs on the board. A really good reminder to do things, even if they don't fit perfectly - as a way to build energy and momentum.
Absolutely! In the beginning momentum is the only thing that matters.
" I put my ideas out into the world and the world began talking back." Gorgeous sentence!
This reminds me of my first Substack letter, which came to me as "Beginnings are hard"
🥹 thank you
This was such an encouraging read. Thank you for sharing your experiences!
Logistical question about connecting the dots between #1 to #2 - How did you go about networking without having a clear pitch or offering? I've had the occasional convo with people where it's like, "i can do this or this or this for you, or whatever you need help with" but without specificity it can fall flat. They might be kind and happy to "think on it" but no opps ever arise from that. So how did you get from that "idk what exactly I'm doing" state to securing real opportunities?
🙏 thanks!
Such a good question! I’m actually in the throes of writing a post about this because it’s come up so many times in conversations. How do you actually pitch yourself and your skills, when you can do (or are doing) a million things? It’s a particularly relevant question for the generalists out there, and I have thoughts!!
Tomorrow’s post will answer this at a high level but I’m planning another post that goes into it more deeply. Stay tuned :)
Oh that's brilliant!! Really looking forward to hearing your POV on how to make it work ☺️
I know I tend to avoid the massive awkwardness of not knowing what to do or say, but sometimes I really would like to get out there more and find connections, and meaningful or (at least interesting) opportunities. So your upcoming posts will no doubt make a huge difference to a lot of us out here! 🙏💗
Would absolutely love to read your personal finance piece. I’ve been digging deep into my favorite sources to see more examples, specifically for inconsistent income.
For some reason I feel stressed about providing my thoughts or guidance on managing my money with inconsistent cash flow because I’m not an accredited financial advisor (far from it lol). But I’ve designed a system over many years that works really well for me, and money is one of my favourite topics to discuss!
Completely understand! For me, I find it very useful to just hear and discuss how other people have found systems that work for them. Also one of my favorite topics and wish there were more open convos about it!
Totally. This is on my agenda!
I would LOVE a detailed piece on how you manage finances for a portfolio career. I have ADHD and while a portfolio career has helped my lifestyle in many ways, keeping track of that many balls in the air – and the money that comes with them – can be challenging. Your advice would be super helpful!
Noted!
Let me tell you, I ran to print this so I can have it in front of my eyes as a constant reminder of what’s possible 💛 thank you for sharing this!
Haha, I’m happy you found it and it resonated!! It’s DEFINITELY possible, that I can say with absolute conviction. Keep going ❤️
Thank you for this post and the series.
I’m following in the same journey and whether it will work out or not yet I don’t know.
What I know is that I can relate to most of the points you have shared in this post.
No one can know if it’ll work out but all we can do is trust that we’re putting in the work and doing everything we can to make it so. Thank you for reading!