Your 2025 freelance refresh starts here!
Ending the year strong—and ready for the next!
Hi Friend,
As we wrap up the year, I wanted to start with a quick note: special pricing for my workbook, Words That Attract Clients, is only available until January 5. If you've been waiting to grab it, now’s the time! After that, it goes to its regular price of $24.99 CAD.
Now, let me take a moment to thank you for being part of the Happy Freelancing community this year. Whether you’ve been here since day one or just joined, your support means the world to me. This newsletter, my resources, and the upcoming community all exist because of freelancers like you, who show up and do the work to build a career you love. Thank you!
As you look ahead to 2025, let’s take a moment to reflect on what you’ve accomplished this year. Yes, review the basics—your finances, income, and whether you’re on track for your goals. Review whether you took off enough time last year and what you can do to ensure you get some time away this year.
But also dig deeper:
What were your favourite projects? Which ones made you feel most energized and fulfilled? What did you like about them? What did they have in common? What did you learn from them?
What were your least favourite projects? How can you avoid similar ones in the future or improve your process? Did they set off alarm bells before you agreed to them? Could you listen more closely to those alarm bells next time?
Were you fairly compensated for your time and expertise? If you don’t feel you were, it’s time to change your pricing. Consider increasing your prices or moving to project or value-based pricing. Remember, clients often don’t want to pay $100 an hour, but they’ll pay $500 for an article that takes you 5 hours to write.
What challenges have you overcome? How did you overcome them? What did that process teach you? How did you grow?
Were you happy with your work/life balance in 2024? Remember, this is often dynamic. It’s okay to have things get a bit out of balance for a short while, so long as on the whole there’s a sense of balance. If things felt out of balance in 2024, how can you rectify that for 2025? Do you need to set firmer boundaries? Learn how to say “no” to certain clients or projects? Use a deposit or rush fee to protect your time?
How far have you come since last year? Even if you didn’t hit every goal, take a moment to focus on your progress. Celebrate the steps you’ve taken, no matter how big or small. It’s important to celebrate the progress you’ve made—and you’ve almost certainly learned things since last year.
Have your priorities shifted since last year? Not all goals or priorities are permanent. Some sound great when they’re set, but you quickly realize they don’t fit for you—that’s okay. What is important is to be mindful about it. Did you shift priorities because something in your life shifted? Because another priority became more important? Or did it just fall away because you got comfortable? Is it still something you want to achieve or maintain, and if so, what can you do differently this year to achieve it?
Remember: growth isn’t about perfection—it’s about moving forward. You’ve done that, and that’s worth celebrating.
Finally, as we look to 2025, I’m so excited about what’s ahead. The Happy Freelancing community is launching soon, and I’d love for you to join the waitlist if you haven’t already. The community will be a space where we can connect, learn, and grow together as freelancers. Those who join the waitlist will receive access to special, early pricing when the community launches, so be sure to get your name on the list (and don’t worry, joining the waitlist doesn’t obligate you for anything!).
Feisty Freelancer Book Announcement
My friend and brilliant colleague Suzanne Bowness has written a book for freelancers that launches on January 7! Suzanne is a highly experienced freelancer and instructor and I know her book will be filled with valuable information for everyone. You can learn more about The Feisty Freelancer book or preorder it here. She’s also holding a Zoom launch on Friday, Jan. 10 starting at 5:00 pm (Eastern, I believe) on Zoom (here’s the link).
If you’re in Toronto, here’s the info you need to join the live launch: Feisty Freelancer Thursday, January 16, 2025 - 5:00-6:30 pm
Northern District Library, 40 Orchard View Blvd, Room 224 (Yonge and Eglinton neighbourhood in Toronto - just north of Eglinton TTC station).
Featuring a panel of freelancers on "What it means to be a freelancer in 2025." Then celebratory drinks afterward across the street at the Duke of Kent (2315 Yonge Street; 2nd floor) from 7:00-8:30 pm.
Suzanne is an absolute delight and I wish I could attend the launch—if you’re available, I recommend participating!
Here’s to your ongoing freelance success!
Heidi
P.S. Don’t forget—special pricing for Words That Attract Clients ends January 5!