A DOWNLOAD OF DIFTK-RELATED STUFF, FROM MY (FRANKIE’S) BRAIN, TO YOURS.

I don't know if it's because my son started school this month or what, but I think I finally — finally — might have adulthood unlocked.

I've started driving lessons, batch cooking, and sorted all of the freelance-related crap I've been so beautifully avoiding over the past seven years.

I've switched business bank accounts*.

Moved all my business-related bills and direct debits.

Guys, I did my tax bill in AUGUST. Fucking. August.

And while part of me is bereft at the thought of being a fully-fledged adult, it actually feels really good. I'd recommend it.

*And because I know you lot are nosey and will want to know — I opted for a combo of Starling and Coconut. Both equally brilliant. Coconut maybe a little better for sole traders, Starling stupidly quick to process payments.

You there! STEP AWAY from that half-eaten packet of custard creams and make one of these so-simple-my-kid-could-make-it meals instead...

Baked Sweet Potato  50 mins but soooo easy.

15 Min Coconut Noodle Soup  15 mins #obvs

Grilled Goats Cheese Salad  Less than 10 mins.

Minestrone Soup  Over an hour, but you leave it to simmer.

Spaghetti Puttanesca  15 mins.

Should you advertise your rates on your website? Good question. Work Notes looks at the pros and cons •

Pensions! Shudder. This short and snappy overview from Starling Bank on the options for freelancers is a pretty good place to start •

Can I get a mortgage if I’m self-employed? Some things to think about ahead of applying in this article from Crunch •

Can I work while claiming Maternity Allowance?

You can work 10 ‘Keeping In Touch’ (KIT) days while still receiving Maternity Allowance. HOWEVER. Technically even sending one email counts as one day’s work (*I know, deep breaths*) so try to group as many work tasks together as possible, so that you can make the most of your allocated days.

My understanding is that earning money isn’t actually the problem, it’s the doing the work that the DWP want you to avoid.

So, think about outsourcing work where you can, creating ‘passive’ sources of income and/or prepping things (e.g. social media posts) while you’re pregnant and then scheduling them to go out while you’re busy wiping baby sick off your t-shirt.

If in doubt, give them a ring and ask.

More info:

Contact the DWP

Maternity Action

DIFTK: Mat/Paternity Pay - Know Your Rights

FreeAgent: Maternity Pay for Self-Employed Mums

Other audio/visual delights from around the web...

Netflix: The Let Down

Podcast: Is This Working?

BBC Woman’s Hour: Why are more women leaving the 9-5?
For this segment, head straight to 17:25 mins in.

DIFTK is great and all, but do you know about...

Underpinned .

A shiny new platform to manage all your freelance-related shizzle — a 'Virtual Office' app to keep an eye on projects from start to finish, a shared workspace in Landaan town, digital magazine and regular events including Freelance Fridays which apparently involves live music, networking and 'free drinks'. SOLD.

I hear they have a website

So if those scrappy notes on your desk about how much you spent on Project X last week aren't quite cutting it, then worth giving Toggl a shot. It's really simple to use and free. We like free no? AMIRITE?

Just don't start your first project timer and then leave it running for 32 hours like I did... doh!

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