How are people surviving the coronavirus crisis as a freelancer?
With no government safety net for freelance workers, including no statutory sick pay, financial downturns like this can be worrying.
'Hard work' is hard work!
Having worked full-time for 25 years in state school classrooms and following on from a successful career in teaching, I've been working self-employed, training teachers all across the world for the last 2.5 years sharing my passion for teaching and learning. My [new] work has been an incredibly rewarding experience and many readers will know my journey, the highs and lows, as well
This has been a huge wake up call to the significance my words have, now more than ever. I’m sending safe wishes to everyone to stay safe and healthy during this crazy time.”Coronavirus has now hit all 50 states in America, with 108 deaths and more than 6,300 confirmed cases across the country.
Wise and thoughtful words. Having relocated to a completely new area of the country last year I was planning on setting up a social enterprise and going self-employed. Whilst that is still ‘the dream’ I was offered a main scale post out of the blue and figured that whilst I had held a senior position previously, one fixed wage coming in for us would be silly to turn down.
I can honestly say now that was probably the most fortuitous decision I have made in recent years. I have said more than once in the last week (although I have just had to double check it is only a week as it feels like a month), I have never been so thankful that we both work in the education sector and have guaranteed salaries coming in during these uncertain times; Many of my friends and family are not so fortunate and find themselves on a precipice. I am in the ‘vulnerable’ group and have, therefore been home since last Tuesday. My other half is an FM and as such must be in work every day: No chance of a rota for him which causes concern. That said, he loves his job and is happy with the status quo. I salute every single front line worker in the country right now.
Keep inspiring x
Pause the dream until 2021…
I am an extremely grateful for the resources you provide on this website and the video tutorials you offer on twitter. I’m sorry things are not going well for you now, I also think that online training could help you to get through these difficult times.
I’ve shared your website and your ideas with so many teachers, it would be terrible if it all came to an end now.
Hi Susan, many thanks. I am already seeing a shift in work and online CPD.
Thanks for this Ross. Your honest, real world reflections always make for an engaging read and, without glossing over the challenges, the tone of this piece is upbeat, solution-focused and, as ever, inspiring. As a freelancer and former headteacher and as someone who has a small insight into what goes on behind the scenes, I am in awe of your tireless hard work to support the profession and of your ability to adapt to meet needs even now.
Thank you Louise; good to catch up today.