The 20-something freelance diary: 01
We’ve all seen those “day in the life” videos where people are up at 5am, journaling by candlelight, and somehow running an empire before lunch. This blog isn’t that. I wanted to share what a real week looks like for me — a VERY small scale freelance photographer juggling creative work, a part-time job, and trying to avoid burnout. Some days flow, others flop — but it’s all part of the process.
Monday
A much-needed day off to start the week (a little unusual, I know). My mum was working from home, so I wasn’t as productive as I’d hoped, but I still managed to upload my first blog, make the graphics, reply to a few client emails, and tackle my dreaded budget. Finished the day strong with a 6.5k run — week one of my plan to reach 10k!
Tuesday
I’m trying out a new rule: on days I work my retail job, that’s all I do. It’s an 8-hour shift, and working two jobs in one day is exactly how I burnt out last time. So I let myself have a slow morning — a lie-in, a snack plate for lunch — before heading to my 1:30–10pm shift.
Wednesday
Admin day (with a side of self-care). Slept in again — maybe this is my new normal? After breakfast, I started writing this very blog, then treated myself to an autumn nail appointment. Spent the afternoon tracking October’s sole trader finances and petrol costs while watching the GBBO final. Then I rounded the day off with a body conditioning class.
Thursday
An early retail shift (6:30–3pm), then straight to Leeds to pick up my new phone! I squeezed in a Boogie Bounce class before heading home for tea and an early night.
Friday
Slow morning, Christmas admin, and prep for an evening shoot — a local bonfire display for a cricket club. I shot from 6–8:30pm, then ended the week perfectly: cosy night in with pizza and a film.
Saturday I attempted a 5K PB — and actually hit it! 🎉 (For anyone nosey, it was 31mins 48 seconds — not bad for someone who only started running 12 weeks ago)
Today was also extra special because I finally reunited with my girls — shoutout to Kate, Fliss, and Becky. This was our first in-person catch-up since our summer graduation. I made the trip over to Liverpool and it felt so good to be back together again.
Sunday Another early retail shift (6:30–3pm), followed by some quiet time to prepare for a big conversation on Monday — telling my main freelance client that my prices are going up. It’s nerve-wracking, but part of valuing the work I do and the progress I’ve made.
It’s not glamorous, but it’s real — and that’s what freelancing often looks like.
👉 If you’re a fellow freelancer or creative, I’d love to know — what does a real week look like for you? Are you finding balance, or still figuring it out like me?