The Freelancer Life: Meet Katy McPhedran
As part of our belief in community over competition, we’ve started a new series of interviews with our freelancer collective. They are not only brilliant at what they do, but just like us, they are fully emerged in the often-unpredictable world of working for yourself. We’ve asked them to share their stories of how and why they became freelance. Through their highs and lows, successes and learnings, we hope to open up the freelance community and help you feel a little less alone.
To kickstart the series we caught up with freelancer, Instagram personality and all-round social media and content whizz Katy McPhedran, Founder of Grapevine Social and lifestyle blogger @katymitten.
Hello Katy and welcome to The Freelancer Life and thank you for being our very first interviewee!
Tell us a little bit about yourself, what you do and how long you’ve been doing it for:
I’m a freelance Social Media Manager, Copywriter and Content Creator and also offer Influencer Marketing to brands and businesses. When I’m not working with other brands, you’ll usually find me on Instagram or writing for my own personal blog, Little Winter!
I actually only took the plunge to become a freelancer five months ago, so I’m still relatively new to the freelance world, but so far it’s been amazing – and the support from everyone (especially The Doers) has been like no other.
Why did you become a freelancer?
I absolutely loved my previous job, as I got some incredible opportunities (the perks of being a SMM for a fun brand). But the holiday allowance and freedom always played on the back of my mind. Combined with wanting to share and offer my social skills to a variety of brands, I took the plunge. Although I don’t go to as many events as I did, I love that I’ve been able to work with so many more brands than before whilst working from anywhere that I want.
Where do you usually work from?
I’ve got a cosy little desk set up in my home that faces towards the garden. It’s light, bright, and the perfect spot to watch all the cats in the neighbourhood! I also take myself to either a coffee shop, or travel back to my parents home sometimes, just to break it up a bit.
Katy’s home office set-up – practical and instagrammable all in one small space!
Share your struggles – what do you find hardest about working for yourself?
Most definitely the lack of office culture. Of course, I love not having to rush in the morning to make sure I’m at my desk on time, but I really miss office chat. I’m a sociable person so not having those ‘how was your weekend’ chats, and after work drinks, is definitely one of the struggles.
Oh and imposter syndrome – constantly doubting my abilities. From what I’ve learnt in the freelancer world, that’s pretty common…! The Doers is a great example for helping to get through that feeling of self doubt with a network of likeminded freelancers who also feel the same. We’re always open and talk about our struggles and fears, and help to build each other back up, reminding ourselves and others of what we HAVE achieved. I don’t think that feeling ever goes away, but surrounding yourself with people who understand and can support you, definitely helps!
Share your perks – what do you enjoy most about working for yourself?
The freedom, and support from fellow freelancers. I make a conscious effort to grab coffee with like-minded people, so not only having the time to do that when I want, but it’s also a great source of motivation. Also, I always love to have a busy diary, so for me I like to get all my tasks done in the morning, and then don’t feel so bad if I leave the house at 4pm, or run errands.
What do you love to do? Give us a mix of professional and personal!
OK, the two things I love to do professionally – scheduling! I literally could schedule schedule schedule content all day. Especially when I’ve created or am sharing some amazing content. There’s nothing like the satisfaction when you see the next two weeks for Instagram all prepared. And also, networking and nurturing relationships. Having done a fair amount of Influencer Marketing, I love the relationships I’ve built up, which is important in this industry.
As for personal, travel is my main one! I love exploring different countries abroad, and villages in the UK, and I also love spending time with my favourite people. If I have those two things (and my cat), then I’m one content person.
What one thing would you change in the freelance world and why?
Not being paid on time! Again, this seems like such a common thing for freelancers, so I know I’m not alone. But it’s certainly frustrating when we still have bills to pay! I’ve learnt to set your terms before you commit, sometimes depending on the fee, asking for 50% upfront. Also adding in a clause about being charged for overdue payments can help too.
“We’re always open and talk about our struggles and fears, and help to build each other back up, reminding ourselves and others of what we HAVE achieved!”