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Welcome back to another Fuzzable blog! It’s crazy that we’re already into the second month of 2018. Where does the time go? With that in mind, I thought I’d reflect on the year so far and share five things 2018 has taught me so far.
I don’t have to follow the norms
At the end of 2017, I decided it was time for a change. I was stuck in a rut in a job that I wasn’t really enjoying and spending more than two hours a day commuting.
So I handed in my notice and served a two-month period before Christmas. It was, without doubt, one of the scariest things I’ve ever done: leaving a comfortable job and going it solo.
I’ve been tempted to go freelance for a while, but I’ve never had the confidence.
January went a lot better than expected, and I’m now able to work my own hours, do my own thing and enjoy getting up for work on a morning. I have no idea whether my future lies in freelance marketing or whether I’ll have to go back into the traditional workforce at some point, but it’s one of the most exciting things I’ve done in a long time and I’m truly happy. Long may it continue!
Spending time in nature is the best
Working long hours and not getting home until 6 pm can be tiring, especially in the winter months when it’s dark outside at 4 pm. Before Christmas, I struggled to get out and spend time in nature, and I wanted it to be my mission this January to get back into walking and exploring the great outdoors.
I’ve been on some lovely walks and treks so far, and I want to visit a different nature reserve, seaside or town at least once a week because the North East really does have some stunning sights. Spending time in nature is the best, whether you’re with your dog or on your own.
I’m ambitious and have so many ideas
I founded my first website at the age of twelve, and I’ve been working on different projects ever since. I launched CelebMix in 2015 and relaunched Fuzzable in 2017, and I want to experiment and do more exciting things this year. I’ve been incredibly lucky to find such amazing people for CelebMix and Fuzzable, who give up their time to write and share parts of their lives, and I really feel like I’ve created some online communities that mean something to people.
I’m currently in the process of launching a new magazine with a friend targeted towards young men, and I’ve got other ideas that I want to put out into the world in 2018. Fingers crossed!
Arenas don’t have to be scary places
Last year, a terrorist killed 22 people at an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester, and I was there on the night. It was one of the most surreal, scary and life-altering experiences, and I was worried that I’d never want to set foot in an arena again.
I managed to go and see Little Mix and Steps in Newcastle last year, but that was in my local area, which is much smaller than Manchester.
Just last week, I decided I couldn’t let my fear stop me from doing things I wanted to do, so I went to see Lady Gaga on her Joanne World Tour in Birmingham. I had tickets to the Manchester date, but it still feels too soon to go back to the venue. Maybe one day.
I have a great support network
Leaving a stable job to go freelance isn’t easy, and people can question your decision and try to persuade you to do otherwise. I’ve learned this year that I have an amazing support network – my friends, family, and partner all have my best interests at heart and want me to be happy. I really appreciate their support over the past month – I wouldn’t have been able to do it without them!
Thanks for reading my Fuzzable blog for February. I’ll be back every month on the fifth with another update on my life. See you then!
