Why I love my job

It is now over a year since I took the plunge and started working as a self-employed consultant.

In the past I was scared to leave the safety of a regular salary in case I was exposed to high outgoings in lean months. I was also wary of having to sell ‘me’; trying to persuade people that I am good at my job has never felt comfortable. I’d rather prove myself through hard graft.

However, I soon discovered that, for me, at this stage in my life, this is a really fulfilling way to work.

First and foremost, I get to work with an array of interesting and inspiring people. My current contract with One Parent Families Scotland has introduced me to a dedicated team helping some of the most vulnerable in our community. I never cease to be amazed by their commitment and compassion.

It is also very refreshing to learn about a variety of business sectors and professions. In order to pitch a bid or write a fundraising application, it is important to understand what the organisation does, what makes it different from others, and what it does well. I think the auditor in me will always find it fascinating to really get to the heart of how a business operates.

From environmental consultants to forestry workers, musicians and therapists, I am extremely lucky to have the opportunity to gain the confidence of an array of talented and engaging specialists. I am very fortunate to be able to live in someone else’s world for a few weeks or months, and even more so that they trust me to speak on their behalf.

Finally, it is extremely rewarding to land a contract or achieve funding for a client with whom I have built a strong working relationship. I can’t help but become emotionally attached to many of them, and it’s such a privilege to help advance their cause or their business.

Of course, there are knock backs too. In the current financial climate everyone is having to work harder for success. Thankfully, however, I’m very lucky that at the minute these are few and far between. 

I am excited about what the year ahead might bring, and look forward to the opportunity to immerse myself in whatever industries or good causes come my way.