Go Freelance

It’s a daunting task taking a leap of faith. It’s even more frightening when you’re forced to find your wings. This time last year, though hardly aware, I was weeks away from losing my job and the stability that came with it. Ignorant to my impending misfortune, I was excited for what 2023 would bring and fuelled with the optimism that comes with any fresh start, I made a note of the goals that I wanted to accomplish throughout the next twelve months.

Amongst a list of sixteen points dedicated to various aspects of my life covering health, creativity, personal interests and relationships were the words “GO FREELANCE”. This thought had lingered in my mind throughout my career. I’d often tinker with the idea of having the opportunity to choose the projects I worked on and the notion of independence while being my own boss, spoke to my core. But truth be told, I was sceptical about making the decision. In fact, I was terrified. And though it was written as one of my ambitions, I planned to approach it as diligently as my grandma behind the wheel after church on a Sunday. In other words, I was going to take my sweet time — do the necessary research to understand the landscape, check all of the HMRC implications, set myself up as a limited company and then find the clients that would be willing to work with me. All whilst nestled in the security of a full time job.

I had it all figured out in theory. I wasn’t sure when it was going to happen but by the end of the year my aim was to hand in my notice and begin my journey as a freelance creative. Two expressions come to mind. The first, “Man plans, God laughs”, as I scribbled down the blueprint of how I expected my year to unfold, I now know that the powers that govern the universe were fighting back tears laughing at my expense. The second, “Be careful what you wish for”, or in my case be careful what you write down because words hold a significant potential. Unbeknownst to me I had claimed my fate, “GO FREELANCE” was literally around the corner and I was not prepared. Granted, it wasn’t my decision but it was what I wanted.

February 2nd 2023, a month into the new year. I was called to a meeting room at my office where I was told, over a zoom call, that I would no longer be required at my place of work. I was stunned, rendered speechless and close to tears. I was embarrassed too, not only was I loosing my job I didn’t have anything to show for it. Over the two years I represented the company, I had failed to create any work that had gone live and it felt as if I had wasted my time. I was instructed to hand in my laptop and my office badge immediately. Then told to leave the premises, never return and also not to mention it to anyone — exiled from the kingdom without a chance to say goodbye. I’m laughing as I write this because it wasn’t that dramatic, but that’s exactly what it felt like. I’m sure if there were people in the office they would have had security escort me out to complete my corporate walk of shame.

I’ve learned this much about myself. In times of adversity, I always find a way to get back on my feet and I used my new found freedom to do exactly that. I wasn’t rushing to find another job. I wanted to take the time to really discover what was next and for the first time in my adult life, I wasn’t pressed about working. In the following weeks I got busy doing absolutely nothing. I gave myself the grace that was needed, completed Netflix, Prime and Disney, watered my plants, made some music, and spent time with my family. I did however, schedule a few meetings with recruiters and talent managers just to let them know that I would be available to work towards the beginning of May. But just as I mentioned before, you can rehearse your script to a tee, know your cues and all your beats, but life sometimes requires you to react and improvise.

I got a call from a friend who was in town and wanted to meet up for a quick coffee. It just so happened that I wasn’t too far away so I agreed to meet him at a co-working space in Central London. We hadn’t seen each other in a while and he was only in the city for the day, so it made sense to grab this moment. I entered the building, met my friend at the lift and he led me through the office, offering me a coffee before taking me to a meeting space. As the door opened, I knew I had been set up. Sitting around a table were two other people who would eventually become my first clients. But at this moment in time, it felt like a crafty ambush. It was so well-orchestrated all I could do was applaud him. I had been a mark in his artful hustle but the prestige had yet to be revealed. As he laughed and I groaned, he disclosed his true intentions. My immediate response was to say no. I was standing firm on giving myself the break that I thought I deserved, plus I still had doubts about whether I would be able to deliver the tasks required. But my persuasive and now very annoying friend assured me that I was the perfect person for this project and by time I had left, I had agreed to lead and oversee the creative direction and delivery of a FIFA campaign.

Sometimes all you need is a person to believe in you, even when you’re not quite sure about your own ability. Sure, I’d done this a thousand times for myself and delivered campaigns with the creative agencies, but this felt monumental and the weight of the responsibility I now had rested heavily on my shoulders. But without it, I’m not sure how “GO FREELANCE” would have panned out for me last year. It was this same responsibility that forced me to start my business ‘GoodVillains’. The same responsibility that allowed me to work alongside some of my closest and talented friends to deliver “What Makes A Classic?” for FIFA and it was this responsibility that pushed me to do exactly what I do best, write and tell stories.

In the last 11 months, I’ve been able to lend my expertise to brands and corporation from the the likes of Nike, YouTube, JD, Brand Jordan and of course FIFA through strategic and creative guidance but I’ve also been able to share my words with my people. Whether it was writing poems about Black footballers for a book soon to be released, writing for the BIFA award winning short film “Festival of Slaps” or writing “The Therapist” with my brother, premiering next week Monday. I got the opportunity to fuel my passion and give life to these words. Funnily enough though, “GO FREELANCE” were probably the two most important ones I wrote in 2023.

I’m looking forward to this year, fuelled with the same optimism that comes with any fresh start. Holla if you need me and if you’re interested check out some of my work here: www.kierankenlock.com

Kie