In the beginning... (Why do I freelance?)

How did Fit for Freelance and freelance wellness start?

Each year, I look forward to the American Medical Writers Association annual conference. When I saw the request for presentations in February 2018, I figured freelance medical writers would love to learn how their health choices help them work better. Think about it- 

• Feeling bad or sick sucks:
  • You can't work well, or at all
  • Your biggest focus is getting healthy again
• People spend a lot of money on health care
• Companies are investing billions of dollars annually into their employee health and productivity with wellness programs
• Small business owners have fewer benefits and protections available to employees of large companies

Maybe I can make a difference...

Once my presentation proposal got accepted, the sky was the limit. The national association found freelance wellness important enough for my colleagues, and tons of entrepreneurs don't recognize the value of their health. They just know they're stressed and exhausted

I thought someone should do worksite wellness for freelancers full time. Someone like a certified worksite wellness program manager, freelance medical writer, or certified personal trainer who works in public health. That'd be cool...

Realizing I am the exact person for this project made it a responsibility. I stopped asking if I could, and wondered what if I don't? Those frustrated freelancers slogging through work and declining health, without the time or energy to enjoy what they want? But only until someone else comes up with the idea, when I'd regretfully say, "I thought about doing that, but I was too afraid/busy/didn't know how."

Someone is going to do freelance wellness; it's going to be me.

I didn't know anything about marketing. But I am an expert researcher and a quick study. I researched and made hundreds of decisions on  how to reach the people I wanted to help, consulting offerings, platforms, and the business's progression. Maybe you know what this is like- working full time, then coming home to more work on nights and weekends. Moments you just want to unwind or hang out with friends are the only moments to work on your business.

Three key lessons every entrepreneur should remember:

1. Time is our most valuable resource
2. Health and self-care are the foundation of your business
3. Get support and advice when you need them

So... why did I create Fit for Freelance?

However challenging the steps were, the motivation was simple- we need this community and wellness resource. The lives of millions of freelancers- individuals with big goals; businesses, people, and the families they love- have been waiting for someone to create it. I owed it to our community to get this launched as soon as I could.

It has already been worth it! And the best is yet to come.

The vision is clear. The time is now. Fit for Freelance is here! Browse around; I'm sure you'll see some things to help you enjoy the reasons you work.