The true nature of work flexibility – and why it is the key to success

You know what sucks? Working for a job, a company, a boss or a team that you don’t like.

I get it - I’ve been there too. Many times.

After working for 10 years in 10 different companies with structures, environments and people that didn’t serve me, I was left feeling frustrated, exhausted, undervalued and depressed.

I knew that there had to be a better way. The nine-to five, working until retirement was simply not exciting to me. And I knew it didn’t work for others too, because I heard it from colleagues every day.

During my decade in the corporate world, I met A LOT of different people. There were those colleagues who would stumble into the office just after 9am, who were frankly at their most productive after 1pm. Then there were those who came to the office early, smashing through work before hitting a wall at 3pm. And there were those who preferred to work in focused, quiet spaces, while others preferred the buzz of collaborative, open-plan environments.?

When it comes to work routines, one size doesn’t fit all. We shouldn’t all be expected to work in the same way. So why don’t we normalise getting the best out of people, at the times they are most productive and in environments that truly suit their lives?

I tried many different approaches to flexible working. Freelancing. Six-month contract roles. Maternity leave contracts. Still, I couldn’t find true fulfilment. I knew I loved marketing, but something wasn’t quite right about the way I was working. I wanted the flexibility to work from wherever I wanted, during the times I wanted, in the setting that I wanted – and not deal with the politics that often comes as an (unwanted) bonus of working in a typical corporate environment.

I also realised I thrived on variety, working with many different brands and companies at once. In 2016 at the age of 27, I took the leap and started The Bubble Co. - a fully remote, fully flexible, full-service digital marketing agency.

As is the case with many entrepreneurs starting something new, I clung to my full-time income as a safety net while growing the agency, but something had to give. It took a few years to cut the full-time cord completely and as soon as I did, everything changed. I became more driven, doing whatever it took to secure clients and grow the business. I carved out an agile work-life balance that suited my routine and could accommodate change at short notice – something my clients appreciated, too. I also realised a greater purpose – to offer this same work-life freedom to fellow marketers.

As the years have gone on my team has grown; we’re a collective of freelancers, small business owners, parents, entrepreneurs and students who love learning, all bound by common purpose: to deliver awesome marketing value to clients and thrive with a flexible lifestyle that allows for greater productivity, creativity, variety and balance. Being able to evolve The Bubble Co. into an agency that offers flexibility to both clients and staff is something I’m very proud of.

Six years on, I admit I do find myself busier than ever. Ironically I’m less flexible these days as we move The Bubble Co. into our next stage of growth (watch this space!). And I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Finding true purpose through flexible work has been a game-changer. So, I encourage you to find your mission too. It may well change the direction of your life.

If you want to find out more about The Bubble Co. and the services we offer: https://thebubbleco.com.au

IG: @the.bubble.co (Follow for weekly Live sessions, Wednesdays at 4pm)

FB: https://www.facebook.com/thebubbleco

If you want to learn more about Renee Francis:

LinkedIn: https://www.dhirubhai.net/in/renee-francis-7480a233/