Embracing a Squiggly Career: Reflections on Freelancing and Fixed-Term Contracts

I have recently finished a role at the British Red Cross that pioneered a new way of working in HR - using design thinking and agile to deliver best-in-class experiences for employees. On a one year, fixed-term contract (FTC), my goal was to introduce and embed these disciplines under the umbrella of a growing approach to HR known as Employee Experience Design (EX).

One of my big wins during my time there was to secure funding for the EX team beyond the year we had initially been contracted for. We secured a legacy, but it was time for me to pass on the baton...

Starting a business

I am now taking the summer to start my own business as a yoga teacher, to travel, and to volunteer in my community.

In the wide, open landscape of employment, the journey often takes unexpected twists and turns. As someone who has traversed the realms of freelancing and FTC's since the very start of my career I've come to appreciate the unique opportunities and challenges of this kind of employment.?

Amidst the perks lie moments of uncertainty and anxiety. The financial risks inherent in entrepreneurship and the societal pressure to adhere to traditional employment models can be daunting.?

Drawing from the wisdom of yogic philosophy, I am finding strength to embrace these challenges.

Yoga teaches us to practise kindness towards ourselves (ahimsa), to reflect on our experiences (svadhyaya), and cultivate discipline (tapas).

As I continue the journey of teaching yoga and deepening my practice, these teachings have profound implications for my professional growth.

Striving for excellence

Delivering high-quality outcomes, while positively impacting people and culture, is crucial if you want to prove your worth as a contractor and entrepreneur. It demands a commitment to excellence.?

Having thrived on achievement and leadership roles as a young person, freelance and contractor roles as an adult are natural fit for my strengths as someone who is disciplined and ambitious.

Delivering transformation through radical candour

The transient nature of short-term roles can place me in a unique position — both an insider and outsider within workplaces. This vantage point empowers me to see problems through fresh eyes and communicate them with radical candour.?

Radical candour is what happens when you show someone that you "care personally" while you "challenge directly", without being aggressive or insincere.

By sharing honest insights with care, I've witnessed transformations unfold in workplaces, that have fostered growth and understanding among teams.

It takes consistent self-study to be able to communicate from this place of clarity, confidence, courage, and care.

Embracing rest and reflection

The intervals between roles offer precious opportunities for rest, reflection, and personal growth. Whether it's pursuing volunteer work or nurturing personal projects, these moments of pause are invaluable.?

In a society that glorifies perpetual busyness, carving out time for rejuvenation feels revolutionary yet essential for sustained creativity and wellbeing.

Since my FTC with the British Red Cross came to an end, I’ve volunteered with Refugee Community Kitchen in Calais, been on two spiritual retreats, and this weekend I set off on my own to walk an ancient pilgrimage route from Portugal to northern Spain.?

These experiences are helping me reflect on my values and my offer, which is building my confidence and capability to make a positive impact.

Navigating change

Embracing the fluidity of a squiggly career allows for continuous learning and adaptation. I'm able to more quickly assimilate new perspectives and practices, cultivating transferable skills along the way.

My compass on the squiggly path

As I reflect on my journey, from pioneering innovative HR practices at the British Red Cross to launching new businesses and freelancing across sectors and across countries, I am reminded of the power of embracing uncertainty, taking rest, and of courageous communication as catalysts for growth and transformation. These ingredients, guided by my values of care, community, and excellence, form the foundation of my offer to the world.

For more reflections and advice on carving your own career path, check out the Amazing If podcast and the Squiggly Career book. My journey has been deeply inspired by Helen and Sarah's wisdom!

I'd love to hear from you

While I pursue my passion for teaching yoga on the side, my goal is to secure a permanent contract by autumn.

Please feel free to get in touch if you have any advice or opportunities that align with my passions and skills. Your insights and support are invaluable as I navigate this exciting chapter of my professional journey.