The Freelancer's Teabreak

Hello, and welcome back to another episode of The Freelancers Tea Break, this week I'm diving into a vital snippet from my book, The Freelance Lifestyle, focusing on future-proofing your business. From considering unexpected life changes to planning for long-term shifts like parenthood or caring for others, I'll guide you through creating a worst-case scenario document and practical steps to safeguard your freelance career. Plus, don't miss my free 'Break Glass in Case of Emergency' kit, full of helpful templates and checklists. Grab a cup and join me!  Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome to The Freelancers Teabreak  00:16 Snippet from 'The Freelance Lifestyle'  00:31 Future Proofing Your Freelance Business  01:11 Preparing for Personal Life Changes  01:57 Creating a Worst Case Scenario Document  02:15 Emergency Planning and Support  03:17 Long-term Planning for Major Life Changes  04:06 Break Glass in Case of Emergency Kit  04:40 Conclusion and Additional Resources  06:01 Final Thoughts and Farewell Order my book: The Freelance Lifestyle: Your Friendly Guide to Starting a Freelance Business My Free Break Glass in Case of Emergency Course Follow me on Instagram Follow me on Bluesky Email: hello@emmacossey.com  Come join us in the free Freelance Lifestylers Facebook group Want more support? Check out the Freelance Lifestyle School courses and membership. Join the Freelance Lifestyle Discord Community: https://discord.gg/RKYkReS5Cz  

Welcome back to The Freelancers Tea Break! In this episode, I'm thrilled to share a snippet from the introduction of my newly launched book, 'The Freelance Lifestyle.' We'll dive into what freelancing really means, the flexibility it offers, and the responsibilities it entails. Perfect for both new and seasoned freelancers, this episode will give you a comprehensive overview of freelancing. Stay tuned for more snippets from the book and don't forget the book link below! Order my book: The Freelance Lifestyle: Your Friendly Guide to Starting a Freelance Business Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction and Book Launch  00:43 What is Freelancing?  01:49 Freelancing Responsibilities and Flexibility  02:21 Financial Responsibilities of Freelancers  02:57 Conclusion and Next Episode Preview Follow me on Instagram Follow me on Bluesky Email: hello@emmacossey.com  Come join us in the free Freelance Lifestylers Facebook group Want more support? Check out the Freelance Lifestyle School courses and membership. Join the Freelance Lifestyle Discord Community: https://discord.gg/RKYkReS5Cz  

Welcome back to The Freelancer's Tea Break! This week, I'm joined by my friend, coach, and book genie, Gail Doggett, founder of Book Doubling, a book coaching business tailored for neurodivergent writers, especially those with ADHD. In this episode, we delve into how Gail aids writers in completing their dream books by using techniques like body doubling and screen sharing. We also discuss Gail's own journey with writing, the importance of developing a writing practice, and the unique challenges and strengths of neurodivergent individuals in the writing process. What You'll Learn in This Episode How Book Doubling supports ADHD and neurodivergent writers Why body doubling boosts focus and reduces overwhelm How to build a writing practice that works with your brain The power of handwriting, single‑tasking, and reflective writing How to write consistently when freelancing or juggling life changes The benefits of co‑writing sessions and community accountability How Substack can help you reconnect with your writing voice Gail Doggett is a neurodivergent writing coach, editor, and former acquisitions editor at a Big Five publishing house. Gail has spent over 20 years supporting writers from messy first drafts to finished books, with a special focus on late-diagnosed neurodivergent women who are juggling creativity, life, and everything in between. As an ADHDer herself, Gail brings compassion, strategy, and a deep understanding of how neurodivergent brains actually work, plus her own signature approach called Book Doubling, which is like body doubling but with editorial wisdom and accountability. She loves stories, knows exactly what it feels like to be stuck, and is here to help writers finally get their work over the finish line. Join Gail on Substack or Connect with her on Instagram | Facebook | TikTok | LinkedIn | Website | Newsletter Join Gail's Write Club membership Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 00:54 Gail's Background and Book Doubling Concept 01:37 Challenges Faced by Neurodivergent Writers 02:25 The Importance of Self-Belief and Support 04:53 Establishing a Writing Practice 08:21 Body Doubling and Screen Sharing Techniques 13:34 Tracking Progress and Reflecting on Writing 19:28 Adapting to Life Changes and Finding Focus 20:58 Freelancing and Writing in Pockets of Time 22:22 Staying Connected with Your Writing 23:14 The Joy of Writing vs. The Chore of Writing 24:47 The Power of Handwriting 26:38 Reflection and Adjustment in Writing 27:40 The Importance of Single-Tasking 29:52 Co-Writing Sessions and Their Benefits 31:21 Introducing Write Club 33:52 One-to-One Writing Support 36:00 The Magic of Substack 42:53 Conclusion and Future Plans Follow me on Instagram Follow me on Bluesky Email: hello@emmacossey.com  Come join us in the free Freelance Lifestylers Facebook group Want more support? Check out the Freelance Lifestyle School courses and membership. Join the Freelance Lifestyle Discord Community: https://discord.gg/RKYkReS5Cz

In this episode of The Freelancers Tea Break, I share my haphazard journey of writing and publishing my first book, 'The Freelance Lifestyle'. I've delved into the 15-year (!) process, detailing the struggles faced due to undiagnosed ADHD, the importance of a support system with a focus on their collaboration with an ADHD-specific book coach, and the practical steps taken to make freelancing accessible.  The aim was to create a resource tailored for new and aspiring freelancers, with a strong emphasis on flexibility and practicality. This episode also covers the technical aspects of self-publishing, such as the costs involved, tools used, and the importance of a good book cover.  Preorder my book: The Freelance Lifestyle: Your Friendly Guide to Starting a Freelance Business Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction and Episode Kickoff  00:19 The Journey of Writing a Book  01:05 Challenges and Overcoming ADHD 02:23 Purpose and Audience of the Book  04:25 Practical Advice for Freelancers  08:22 Writing Process and Tools  09:51 Editing and Final Touches  16:38 Self-Publishing vs Traditional Publishing  17:48 Costs and Investments  22:56 Final Thoughts and Future Plans I refer to a previous episode of this podcast called Childless Not Through Choice with Berenice Smith Follow me on Instagram Follow me on Bluesky Email: hello@emmacossey.com  Come join us in the free Freelance Lifestylers Facebook group Want more support? Check out the Freelance Lifestyle School courses and membership. Join the Freelance Lifestyle Discord Community: https://discord.gg/RKYkReS5Cz

In this episode, Emma and Talia dive into the real stories behind money mindset, the challenges freelancers face with budgeting, and practical tips for feeling more confident about your cash. Whether you're just starting out or looking to level up your freelance business, you'll find plenty of relatable moments, laughs, and actionable advice. Grab a cuppa and tune in for a conversation that'll leave you feeling empowered and ready to tackle your money goals!   Talia Loderick is a Money Coach, based in Cardiff, Wales, UK. Talia calls her money coaching practice TLC because when she realised the acronym for Tender Loving Care also stands for Talia Loderick Coaching, she almost swooned with joy. Because who doesn't need a dose of TLC from time to time? Rhetorical question – we all do. Talia offers 121 coaching designed to help people understand and take control of their behaviour with money. Talia delivers financial wellbeing sessions for teams, organisations and community groups because, well, we're never done learning. Talia writes a money column for The Independent newspaper.  Connect with Talia! LinkedIn | Instagram | Website | Newsletter   Follow me on Instagram Follow me on Bluesky Email: hello@emmacossey.com  Come join us in the free Freelance Lifestylers Facebook group Want more support? Check out the Freelance Lifestyle School courses and membership. Join the Freelance Lifestyle Discord Community: https://discord.gg/RKYkReS5Cz

In the first episode of 2026, I discuss a reflective approach to setting personal and professional goals for the new year on The Freelancers Tea Break. I share my achievements from the previous year, including completing my ILM 7 diploma and writing a book titled 'The Freelance Lifestyle.' This episode emphasises an experimental and low-pressure strategy for goal setting, focusing on starting or stopping small habits, doing less of certain activities, and introducing more positive ones. I also tease upcoming episodes and January challenges, targeting areas such as finding new clients and improving digital presence.  Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome to The Freelancers Tea Break 2026  01:17 Reflecting on Personal Achievements  02:54 Exciting Announcements for January  04:13 Gentle Questions for the New Year  04:26 Experimenting with New Habits  09:47 Community Engagement and Challenges  11:58 Looking Ahead: Upcoming Episodes and Goals Affiliate link for In Good Company who I completed my diploma with and their podcast The Coaching Crowd Follow me on Instagram Follow me on Bluesky Email: hello@emmacossey.com  Come join us in the free Freelance Lifestylers Facebook group Want more support? Check out the Freelance Lifestyle School courses and membership. Join the Freelance Lifestyle Discord Community: https://discord.gg/RKYkReS5Cz  

Hello and welcome to a special episode of The Freelancers Tea Break! I'm Emma Cossey, and as this is our last podcast episode of the year, I'm doing things a bit differently. Today, I'm conducting my own annual performance review as a freelancer. From attendance and punctuality to goals, organisation, and communication, join me as I reflect on the past year, celebrate achievements, and identify areas for improvement. My affiliate link to Sunsama Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction  01:10 - Attendance and Punctuality  04:30 - Reviewing Goals  07:50 - Organisation and Systems  11:00 - Communication  15:00 - Focus and Productivity  19:20 - Collaboration 21:10 - Financial Performance  24:00 - Strengths and Areas for Improvement 29:00 - Conclusion  Follow me on Instagram Follow me on Bluesky Email: hello@emmacossey.com  Come join us in the free Freelance Lifestylers Facebook group Want more support? Check out the Freelance Lifestyle School courses and membership. Join the Freelance Lifestyle Discord Community: https://discord.gg/RKYkReS5Cz

In this episode of The Freelancers Tea Break, Emma Cossey, a coach and mentor for freelancers, discusses the importance of reflecting on and celebrating freelance wins. She categorises these wins into three main areas: boundary wins, skills and growth wins, and client and money wins. Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome to The Freelancers Tea Break  00:20 Reflecting on the Year: Wins and Challenges  00:54 Celebrating Small Wins  01:55 Boundary Wins: Setting Limits for Success  04:07 Skills and Growth Wins: Learning and Improving  06:05 Client and Money Wins: Tangible Successes  08:28 Challenge: Recognise Your Wins  09:25 Conclusion and Encouragement   My Sort your Freelance Pension Course   Follow me on Instagram Follow me on Bluesky Email: hello@emmacossey.com  Come join us in the free Freelance Lifestylers Facebook group Want more support? Check out the Freelance Lifestyle School courses and membership. Join the Freelance Lifestyle Discord Community: https://discord.gg/RKYkReS5Cz

Welcome back to the Freelancer Tea Break! I'm Emma Cossey, your coach and mentor for freelancers. In this short episode, I share some essential admin tasks to wrap up the year and start January clearheaded. Timestamps:  00:00 Welcome to the Freelancer Tea Break  00:38 Review Your Invoices  01:38 Update Your Out of Office  02:56 Review Your Terms and Conditions  03:53 Analyse Your Client List  04:54 Check and Adjust Your Rates  06:06 End the Year on a Positive Note  06:39 Conclusion and Farewell Follow me on Instagram Follow me on Bluesky Email: hello@emmacossey.com  Come join us in the free Freelance Lifestylers Facebook group Want more support? Check out the Freelance Lifestyle School courses and membership. Join the Freelance Lifestyle Discord Community: https://discord.gg/RKYkReS5Cz

Freelancing can get lonely, especially as the days get darker. This week, I'm sharing simple ways to stay connected, even if you're an introvert who loves working from the sofa (hi 👋). Try relaxed networking (like netwalking or coffee meetups) Explore local coworking spaces or apps like Reef Arrange casual coffee catch-ups Join online freelance communities (like my Facebook & Discord groups!) Just because you work alone doesn't mean you have to feel alone 💕 Networking and Co-working mentioned: Berkshire Mummies Networking My Little Boardroom Reef App Follow me on Instagram Follow me on Bluesky Email: hello@emmacossey.com  Come join us in the free Freelance Lifestylers Facebook group Want more support? Check out the Freelance Lifestyle School courses and membership. Join the Freelance Lifestyle Discord Community: https://discord.gg/RKYkReS5Cz  

This week on The Freelancer's Tea Break, I'm tackling a surprisingly common dilemma: If a client wants you to use specific software, who should foot the bill? Here's the gist: If they require it (and you won't use it elsewhere) — they should pay. If it's a tool you'll use across clients — it's likely worth investing in yourself. Always agree on who owns the content created in that software! A quick listen while you make a cuppa ☕ Follow me on Instagram Follow me on Bluesky Email: hello@emmacossey.com  Come join us in the free Freelance Lifestylers Facebook group Want more support? Check out the Freelance Lifestyle School courses and membership. Join the Freelance Lifestyle Discord Community: https://discord.gg/RKYkReS5Cz

This week on The Freelancer's Tea Break, I'm sharing 3 ADHD-friendly time hacks that actually work (and honestly, they'll help anyone feeling frazzled right now): 🧠 Don't just read and leave, read and schedule! ⏳ Stop giving yourself all day! Shorter time blocks = more done 👯‍♀️ Body doubling + accountability = focus magic Perfect listen while you make a cuppa. Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome to The Freelancers Tea Break 00:20 Introduction to ADHD Time Hacks 00:50 Tip 1: Don't Read and Leave, Read and Schedule 02:59 Tip 2: Don't Allow Too Much Time 04:56 Tip 3: Body Doubling and Accountability 06:22 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Affiliate link from episode: Sunsama  Follow me on Instagram Follow me on Bluesky Email: hello@emmacossey.com  Come join us in the free Freelance Lifestylers Facebook group Want more support? Check out the Freelance Lifestyle School courses and membership. Join the Freelance Lifestyle Discord Community: https://discord.gg/RKYkReS5Cz

As freelancers, we want to help our clients succeed - but where's the line between great service and doing too much? In this week's episode of The Freelancer's Tea Break, I'm chatting about: ☕ Setting healthy boundaries (and sticking to them!) 📋 Onboarding with clear expectations 🔁 Regular check-ins to keep things on track You can't fix your client's whole business — and you shouldn't have to! Listen while you make a cuppa 👉 #FreelanceLife #FreelanceTips #Boundaries #ClientManagement #TheFreelancersTeaBreak Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome to The Freelancers Tea Break 00:09 The Grey Area of Client Responsibility 02:38 Setting Boundaries as a Freelancer 04:23 Onboarding with Clear Expectations 06:56 Regular Check-ins and Reviews 08:42 Final Thoughts and Encouragement Follow me on Instagram Follow me on Bluesky Email: hello@emmacossey.com  Come join us in the free Freelance Lifestylers Facebook group Want more support? Check out the Freelance Lifestyle School courses and membership. Join the Freelance Lifestyle Discord Community: https://discord.gg/RKYkReS5Cz

In this bite-sized episode of The Freelancers Tea Break, we're tackling one of the biggest freelance icks: when a client says, "You're too expensive." Emma shares a viral LinkedIn post exploring why that phrase hits differently, and how a simple shift in language can change the entire dynamic. It's not about your rates being too high; it's about whether they value your work.  Tune in for a quick pep talk on pricing confidence, boundary-setting, and why the best clients respect your worth. Timestamps:  0:00 Intro  0:49 Why the phrase "you're too expensive" resonates with so many freelancers  1:33 Exploring the impact of client language and how it can feel devaluing  2:20 How Language Affects Client Relationship  3:29 Warning About Difficult Clients and Final Thought Follow me on Instagram Follow me on Bluesky Email: hello@emmacossey.com  Come join us in the free Freelance Lifestylers Facebook group Want more support? Check out the Freelance Lifestyle School courses and membership. Join the Freelance Lifestyle Discord Community: https://discord.gg/RKYkReS5Cz

Welcome to another episode of The Freelancers Tea Break with Emma Cossey, a coach and mentor for freelancers. In this episode, Emma delves into the common question of why freelancers charge higher hourly rates than employees. She explains that freelancers have to cover additional costs such as holiday pay, sick leave, pension contributions, office space, and equipment expenses, which employees typically receive from their employers. Emma also discusses the benefits of hiring freelancers, including access to specialised skills, project-focused quality work, and the lack of a long-term commitment.  Tune in to understand the true value freelancers bring and the hidden costs they bear.  Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to The Freelancers Tea Break  00:13 Why Do Freelancers Charge More?  00:46 Employee Benefits vs. Freelancer Costs  01:27 Freelancer Expenses and Considerations  02:10 Comparing Employees and Freelancers  02:40 Efficiency and Quality of Freelancers  03:06 Conclusion: The Value of Freelancers Follow me on Instagram Follow me on Bluesky Email: hello@emmacossey.com  Come join us in the free Freelance Lifestylers Facebook group Want more support? Check out the Freelance Lifestyle School courses and membership. Join the Freelance Lifestyle Discord Community: https://discord.gg/RKYkReS5Cz

Welcome back to The Freelancers Tea Break! In this episode, we dive into indispensable tools that can help freelancers with ADHD or anyone else looking to boost productivity.  Learn how Emma leverages AI for processes using ChatGPT, organises her business with Notion, manages inbox chaos with Sunsama, and more. Discover tools like OneTab for browser management, BePresent for limiting phone usage, Notability for digital note-taking, and Speechify for turning text into audio. Stay tuned for practical tips and strategies! Timestamps:  00:00 Welcome to The Freelancers Tea Break 00:24 Understanding AI and Motivation 00:47 Using Chat GPT for Productivity 02:46 Embracing Notion for Organization 04:26 Managing Tasks with Sunsama 05:31 Simplify Your Browser with OneTab 06:30 Be Present: Managing Phone Usage 08:38 Notability: Digital Note-Taking 09:53 Speechify: Listening to Text 11:04 Conclusion and Community Engagement Extra Focus by Jesse J Anderson Sunsama affiliate link  OneTab extension BePresent | Reduce Screen Time Notability Speechify Follow me on Instagram Follow me on Bluesky Email: hello@emmacossey.com  Come join us in the free Freelance Lifestylers Facebook group Want more support? Check out the Freelance Lifestyle School courses and membership. Join the Freelance Lifestyle Discord Community: https://discord.gg/RKYkReS5Cz

Reflect and Revitalise: Preparing for Quarter Four as a Freelancer. In this episode of 'The Freelancers Tea Break', coach and mentor Emma Cossey discusses the importance of reflecting and planning for the last quarter of the year.  Emma provides practical questions to help freelancers set realistic goals, manage their workload, and ensure they end the year feeling accomplished rather than burnt out. Tune in for tips on scheduling time off, clearing lingering projects, managing energy levels during autumn and winter, and achieving personal milestones before the year ends.  Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction and Purpose of the Podcast  00:39 Planning Your Year-End Break  01:12 Clearing Out Old Projects  01:54 Managing Your Energy Levels  03:04 Setting Achievable Goals  03:47 Final Thoughts and Community Engagement Follow me on Instagram Follow me on Bluesky Email: hello@emmacossey.com  Come join us in the free Freelance Lifestylers Facebook group Want more support? Check out the Freelance Lifestyle School courses and membership. Join the Freelance Lifestyle Discord Community: https://discord.gg/RKYkReS5Cz

Join us in this episode of The Freelancers Tea Break as we delve into the cosy vibes of autumn and how to adapt your workspace for maximum comfort. We'll discuss the benefits of candles, blankets, and cosy fabrics, as well as essential routines for maintaining productivity and well-being during the shorter daylight hours. Tune in for tips on making your desk space delightful, recommendations for cosy games and books, and ideas for socialising in the cooler months. Embrace cosy productivity and make the most of the autumn season as a freelancer! Timestamps:  00:00 Welcome to The Freelancers Tea Break 00:26 Autumn Obsession: Embracing the Cosy Season 01:11 Creating a Cosy Work Setup 02:38 Comfort Essentials for Your Desk 05:04 Dealing with Autumn Challenges 06:10 Slowing Down and Enjoying the Season 07:46 Socialising and Networking in Autumn 08:43 Embracing Cosy Productivity 09:51 Optimising Your Workspace for Comfort 10:37 Join the Freelance Community The Butterfly Witch: https://amzn.to/4gCo5ZH Autumn tales from cozy vales: https://amzn.to/46iPdtb   Follow me on Instagram Follow me on Bluesky Email: hello@emmacossey.com  Come join us in the free Freelance Lifestylers Facebook group Want more support? Check out the Freelance Lifestyle School courses and membership. Join the Freelance Lifestyle Discord Community: https://discord.gg/RKYkReS5Cz

In this episode of The Freelancers Tea Break, Emma Cossey shares simple but effective follow-up strategies to help you stay top of mind with clients. From regular check-ins and friendly newsletters to personalised follow-ups after discovery calls, you'll learn how to build stronger client relationships and keep the work flowing. Emma also touches on how to stay visible in a changing market (yes, even with AI in the mix). Tune in for practical tips to nurture connections, grow your freelance business, and keep clients coming back. Join the chat in our Facebook group or on Discord to swap ideas with other freelancers. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to The Freelancers Tea Break  00:20 Adapting to Changing Times  00:31 Reviewing Your Services 00:41 Importance of Discovery Calls  00:47 Staying Visible  00:54 Following Up with Clients  01:48 Creating a Client Newsletter  02:42 Effective Follow-Up Strategies  04:57 Concluding Thoughts and Community Engagement Follow me on Instagram Follow me on Bluesky Email: hello@emmacossey.com  Come join us in the free Freelance Lifestylers Facebook group Want more support? Check out the Freelance Lifestyle School courses and membership. Join the Freelance Lifestyle Discord Community: https://discord.gg/RKYkReS5Cz

In this episode of The Freelancers Tea Break, Emma Cossey unpacks the 'Freelance Client Funnel', four key ways to attract clients in a world where AI is changing the game. We'll dive into social media, networking, referrals, and pitching, with practical tips like sticking to one social platform, networking without the awkward small talk, building strong referrals, and writing pitches that actually get read. Emma also shares why being visible and persistent matters way more than being perfectly consistent. Tune in for simple, actionable advice to help you attract more clients and keep your freelance business thriving. Networking £9 Training: https://freelancelifestyle.podia.com/networking Pitching £9 Training: https://freelancelifestyle.podia.com/how-to-write-a-pitching-email-8th-sept    Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction and September Series Overview 00:51 The Importance of Visibility in Freelancing  02:06 The Freelance Client Funnel: Four Key Areas  02:27 Social Media Strategies for Freelancers  04:25 Networking Tips for Introverted Freelancers  05:29 Leveraging Referrals for Business Growth  06:43 Effective Pitching Techniques  07:26 Weekly Action Plan and Final Tips  09:01 LinkedIn Hacks and Conclusion Follow me on Instagram Follow me on Bluesky Email: hello@emmacossey.com  Come join us in the free Freelance Lifestylers Facebook group Want more support? Check out the Freelance Lifestyle School courses and membership. Join the Freelance Lifestyle Discord Community: https://discord.gg/RKYkReS5Cz