Roberto, tell me about a period of big adjustment or a shift that you’ve had in life?

“When I moved to Spain I wanted a great job. And for a while, that’s what I had! I became Chief Marketing Manager for a company that – from the outside – was amazing. But after a while some of the things that were going on inside for me weren’t so good. I was becoming withdrawn and unhappy but everything there was in place for success. I had an amazing team. There was excitement and potential and everyone was so behind it. But things under the surface weren’t great and it was affecting me daily. Just ask my wife! One morning, it all came to a head. I remember it was about 10am and in a meeting with my boss and I just quit. Just like that. I was in a complete daze – wondering what I’d done. I didn’t have a notice period so I just went to the beach. There it all came out. I burst into tears: crying about the team I’d left, the missed opportunity. Everything. But it was also a big release. 

When I finally left the beach and walked home I put all this to bed. I messaged everyone on my team saying what an honour it was to work with them all. And then I closed it all off. I took two weeks to figure out what the hell I was going to do next. During this time, my wife said ‘you hate every second when you’re in a job working for someone. You just don’t like the way bosses are. Why don’t you figure out something new?’ So I did. I went freelance and started my own thing. That was 2 years ago now and the impact has been huge. It forced me to be a freelancer and face some harsh truths: I didn’t have a safety net. My parents are back home in Venezuela. This was and is a constant stress but I’ve also gained a freedom. Plus, and again from my experience, it’s forcing me to be a ‘good’ freelancer: doing good things and the right thing by people. It can be lonely and I miss interaction with others but I get to live freely.” 

There’s certainly a lot going on there, Roberto! Can you tell me about some of the challenges you came up against?

“Without question, finding out that if you don’t have a niche, then you’ll struggle. When you do everything or promise everything you cannot have a process. Things become unmanageable and they unravel. And if you don’t have a process, it’s hard to systemise a job. You spend lots of time and energy on things and if you’re not carful you go mad! 

Another challenge was not being able to predict money and while this is hard I also learnt to embrace the energy I got from working with different clients with different goals and having a different relationship with each. I came to realise that if you understand the common points with your clients it makes life so much easier. Also, important and practical stuff like having a contract; having a clear scope; understanding cashflow; establishing a clear relationship and way of working and being content to front up and and have tricky conversations when needed. And not being afraid to do so. You have to wear so many hats and it’s exhausting but I found myself just going with it. Also, being ruthless with clients is good for your mental peace. Now, if I don’t feel a client is a good fit – either before or while working – I call it out and stop working with them. It sounds insane – but it’s the right thing for me. Now it feels normal saying no.” 

Amazing. There’s lots of conviction in what you said there! Would you say there were any key breakthrough moments?

“I’m sure there have been many but really thinking about it, it probably boils down to two clear events that changed my view of how I did things. 

The first of those was after I had my first bad month. I had a conversation with my wife. I was vulnerable in that I couldn’t provide for us and felt helpless. In Venezuela, it’s very traditional and the man provides and I guess I came to realise that was a value of mine. And then, my wife said to me ‘I don’t need you for your money. I have my own money thanks. I’m with you for the person you are’. This was profound and important for me to hear. Now I know my value as a person isn’t linked to just my money. I go back to this often.

The second thing I have got comfortable with is not having an end goal. Sounds weird saying it. I’m always reminded of science fiction where Brandon Sanderson says ‘journey before destination’ and that’s how I now live my life. I give myself every opportunity to be successful but always strive to make new connections and I do well out of this. But approaching things in this way keeps me fresh and open and ensures I work lightly and don’t take things personally. There is no weight on my shoulders for everything to be perfect. Approaching things like this has made me a better husband, brother and friend. And it’s also made me a better freelancer.”

Nice touch getting a science fiction quote in there! How would you summarise the impact of making your shift then?

“It’s less of an impact and more one of the biggest lessons – something I try to abide by each and every day – and that is to try and be the best human I can be.” 

That’s a great note to end on. Thanks for sharing your story, Roberto!