I knew that returning to work as a full-time mum was not something I aspired to do. My pregnancy had not been easy. Plagued by morning sickness that lasted throughout the whole pregnancy, a sore body, waking up at 4am wide awake….it had taken a toll on me as a person and as an employee. But the work needed to be done and I had every ambition to return to hopefully return to my role in a part time manner.
With only a few months left in my pregnancy, the new head of the finance department commenced, who didn’t believe in working from home, who questioned why I needed to adjust my hours to finish at 4pm on a Friday. She didn’t quite understand that the situation that I had found myself in, was not normal. Nonetheless, I made it through to 37 weeks before I commenced my maternity leave.
I knew that returning to work part time wouldn’t be a possibility in my current role, and although I wanted to work, I wasn’t willing to sacrifice inflexible hours and needing to be back at work on the 2nd of January every year to complete the monthly accounts. I wanted to work for myself and was continually searching for that great idea.
I commenced some freelance work to provide me with a break from looking after my son and was fortunate enough to land a one-off job attending a Board meeting and preparing the minutes. It was the most amazing experience of my life. Listening to high level conversations about business strategy was exactly what I loved. I decided to do some research and noticed that there was a gap in the market, so immediately decided that it was fate, and that I would commence The Melbourne Minute.
Working with a range of mainly not-for-profit Board’s has been an amazing experience. I am continually learning about the latest business trends and get to listen to some of the most incredibly strategic minds develop plans for their organisations and companies.
Being a freelancer has enabled me to set my own schedule and enjoy my summer’s not working, which is something I always craved when working in Corporate Australia.
Furthermore, being a freelancer has enabled me to engage with a variety of businesses. Many organisations do not have the budget available to engage a Corporate Secretary but need the independence from staff. Therefore, my role is extremely important.
Because of my experience, I would urge anyone to try freelancing. Being your own boss, setting your own hours, developing your own business strategies is truly extremely worthwhile. What have you got to lose?
~Business Game Changer Special Promotion~
By Stephanie Roberts
Stephanie Roberts is the Director of The Melbourne Minute, a minute-taking company. Stephanie started her career as an accountant and is a CPA. When she isn’t working with her amazing clients and strategising on her business, she loves being with her children Arty and Frankie as well as her husband John!
https://www.themelbourneminute.com/
