Going solo: the dream, the myth, the spreadsheet

Last week I had a coaching session with a client who’s been in consulting for years—but always under someone else’s roof. Never his.

He’s toyed with the idea of working for himself but knows it’s not something you do on a whim (unless you’re into stress and poor sleep).

And it got me thinking about when I made that leap myself.

Yes, technically I joined a franchise—but I was the only one in WA. Everyone else was over east, sipping lattes and probably using words like “synergy” in group chats I wasn’t part of.

Leads? Had to generate my own.
​Clients? Had to earn their trust from scratch.
​Confidence? Fluctuated wildly depending on how many people opened my emails.

So, if you’ve ever found yourself daydreaming about escaping the office and doing your own thing, here’s what I wish someone had really held me to account on.

Before you order business cards or brainstorm brand names, ask yourself:

• Why now? Do you have a specific skillset companies actually want to contract out—or do you just really hate meetings?
  ​
• Can you sell yourself? Being amazing at what you do is one thing. Convincing others to pay you for it is a whole different skillset (and yes, it’s learnable—but it’s also relentless).
  ​
• Can you handle the juggle? You’ll be your own marketing team, finance department, customer service desk, and operations manager. Also—don’t forget lunch.
  ​
  ​PS: I write these newsletters on a Sunday morning, just to give you an idea—Monday to Friday is literally not a thing in my business.
  ​
• Do you have backup? That includes health insurance, retirement planning, and enough savings so you’re not panicking in week three when your laptop dies.
  ​
  ​PPS: Also—what’s your plan when you’re sick? Or the kids are? Because there’s no MS Teams “I’m not well, can someone cancel my meetings?” It’s all on you.
  ​
• Are you comfortable with change? Because clients ghost, projects end, and income fluctuates more than a toddler’s mood.
  ​

It’s not all doom and gloom—far from it.

Working for yourself can be brilliant. Flexible. Fulfilling.

Even profitable.

I’ve been doing it since 2012. So there’s that.

But going solo is a big decision—not just a vibe.

So, if that’s you right now—on the edge of “maybe I could do this”—take the time to check in with what’s really driving you.

Passion is great. A plan is better.

~Lisa

Your Q&A

I Need a Creative Resume That Doesn’t Suck

Hi Lisa,

I’m looking to start applying for jobs in photography. I have an online portfolio and I’ve done a lot of work in different areas.

If you have experience helping artistic types with their resumes, what tips do you have? Do you use a regular resume format? To include graphics for components that you would not include in a typical resume? Are there things you leave off?

I would love your insights and any resources you don’t mind sharing.

Caleb.

​

Hi Caleb,

Your portfolio shows off your work, but your resume tells the story behind it.

Employers, grant approvers and commercial clients still want to know what you’ve done, where you’ve done it, and whether you’re the kind of person who turns up on time and doesn’t drop a $5,000 camera into the ocean.

Now, I work with a lot of creative students—writers, designers, journalists, arts grads—so this isn’t my first rodeo (as Dr Phil would say).

And let me say this: the best creative resumes are the ones that don’t try too hard to be creative.

Please resist the Canva siren song.

I know it’s tempting.

But resumes with rainbow headings, star ratings for Photoshop skills, and layouts that look like a brunch menu? They’re not helping you.

They’re just making the reader squint.

Instead:

• Keep it clean. Standard MS Word doc. Reverse chronological format.
  ​
• Start with your actual photography experience: freelance gigs, exhibitions, publications, clients—paid or unpaid.
  ​
• List technical skills like shot composition, drone ops, editing software (think: Adobe Lightroom, Premiere Pro, Final Cut).
  ​
• Add in things like: working in rough weather, meeting tight deadlines, coordinating shoots, or telling visual stories through sequences. Gold.
  ​
• And yes, link to your portfolio at the top. Make it easy to find.

What not to include?

• A headshot. You’re behind the camera, not auditioning for a toothpaste ad.
  ​
• Graphics, stars, or self-rating systems. “4 out of 5 in After Effects” just makes people ask who gave you the stars. Your mum?
  ​
• Magazine-style layouts. Save those for actual magazines.

So yes, your resume still matters—but it’s the support act, not the main show. Keep it simple, professional, and portfolio-linked.

Thanks for Reading

~Lisa​