Four years ago, I was an unpaid intern at Vogue and today I manage a talented copywriting team at TripAdvisor. How did I get there? Well, let’s just say it’s been one *helluva* journey and I’m only getting started. Here are some of the no-bullshit things I’ve learned along the way… 

1. Show up every single morning like you’re meant to be there. You got the job for a reason, you know.
2. Busy is a choice, stressed is a choice, overworked is a choice.
3. Having clothes you feel confident in is important. You’ll feel better and, in turn, you’ll work better. Invest in some good basics. You’ll easily earn the money back further down the line.
4. Never tell your boss you can’t do something. You can, I promise. Say you’ll figure it out and then do so. A can-do attitude will have a big impact on the trajectory of your career.
5. One word: sleep.
6. Seriously though, there’s nothing successful about sleep deprivation. Feeling well-rested and ready for work is real #goals.
7. Make work BFFs, but don’t get too involved with the office drama du jour. The occasional rant with a trusted co-worker is fair game. But cliques and bitching? Not so much.
8. Keep a record of all of your accomplishments and achievements from day one on a new job. You’ll be glad you did.
9. Celebrate every tiny victory.
10. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up. On your off days, make extra effort with your hair/outfit/choice of lipstick for yourself – somehow, it helps.
11. Everyone you work with – good or bad – is indirectly mentoring you, all the time.
12. There is so much to be learned from observing the capable and the incompetent.
13.  Stop apologising for everything. A delayed response to an email or not being able to work late again doesn’t warrant an apology.
14. But do take ownership when you truly mess up – people will only respect you more for it.
15. You’re doing so much better than you think.
16. When you’re starting out, switching employers every year or so is a good thing. Go get the salary you deserve, stat.
17. Having £££ in a savings account is the difference between freedom and having to stay in a job you hate because of financial constraints. It’s that simple.
18. Never get complacent. Even if you love your job, keep your LinkedIn updated and your mind open to other opportunities, always.
19. The single best question you can ask when being interviewed is: ‘What is your biggest problem and how can I solve it?’ Thank me later.
20. And once you get the job? Keep asking it.
21. Mistakes are healthy. If you’re making mistakes, you’re learning quicker. Don’t be afraid of them. Just try not to make the same one twice.
22. The most interesting, exciting careers never go exactly to plan. Embrace that.
23. Holidays are seriously important.
24. Having fun is seriously important.
25. Learning more = earning more. Take advantage of your company’s training budget and get involved with free skill sessions like Google’s Digital Garage.
26. We all have bad days. But no job is worth bad weeks that turn into months.
27. It pays to be a team player. Get involved.
28. Times are changing. You don’t get ahead just by doing your job well, you progress by making things happen that are beyond your job description.
29. No matter how much you achieve, never ever forget what it felt like to be the new intern on his or her first day.
30. Praising someone else doesn’t steal your shine. It only makes you shine brighter.

When it comes to freelancing, these websites have been my saving grace. My side income pays the bills, leaving my salary for rent and, most importantly, my savings account. Here’s how I make money from bed, bath and beyond.

Continue reading “How I Make Money as a Freelance Writer” →