No need to panic, but it’s good to keep informed on areas that may affect you as a creative. Here are some actionable tips and updates from the Wishu team, let’s get through this together.
In a world where travel and international flight is easier than ever, the Coronavirus poses a threat to populations worldwide. The virus situation is affecting the global economy and routines of millions. Although nobody knows what will happen tomorrow, staying aware, being positive, and healthy is what we can focus on.
𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘃𝗶𝗿𝘂𝘀 𝗶𝘀 𝗮𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗲𝘀 & 𝗲𝘅𝗵𝗶𝗯𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀
Globally, countless companies are slowing down growth by decreasing or delaying decisions and mobilisation. There are fewer potential clients and working opportunities in the market currently (not yet drastically, however). Many large-scale corporate exhibitions and events are being cancelled. A couple of examples in the creative industry are ‘Art Basel’ and ‘Watches & Wonder’. Do you have an event coming up? You may want to check if plans have changed, or if any attending companies/individuals have dropped out.
𝗢𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘂𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻
When the economy is slowing, compared to companies, freelancers are more likely to survive as a micro-sized economic entity. Aha, another advantage of being your own boss! Take this opportunity to think about your financial situation – how is your risk-management? Perhaps you could consider investing in certain areas or items more than others in this tiny speck of time in human history?
𝗞𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝗮𝗻 𝗲𝘆𝗲 𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘀𝗶𝗰𝗸 𝗽𝗮𝘆 𝗶𝗳 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗻 𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗺 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘀
The government is debating whether to support companies that employ freelancers sick pay when self-isolating for a two weeks time period. This amount of time without work would cause financial strain amongst some freelancers. Because of this strain, people may hide their illness and come into work anyway which would worsen the outbreak. The Head of Bectu, Philippa Childs, said: “Freelancers should not be missing out on pay because of the coronavirus.” If this goes ahead, many companies should be able to find financial support from the government if they won’t be able to provide for their freelancers. The decision for freelancer sick pay is still unconfirmed, as Bectu continues fighting to rush the government and companies to take action.
𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗮𝘀 𝗮𝗻 𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗳 𝗿𝗲𝗳𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗳𝘂𝗿𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴
Take this time to reflect inwards. Think back to how you dealt with rogue clients and how you could have done it better. Is 2020 going as you had wanted it to? How will you proceed for the rest of the year? Reflect on your feelings, practice mindfulness and keep a journal.
With the pace of work slowing, now is your chance to also invest your time in admin work and research. Tick off your to-read-list and research on your next project. If you are using websites and social media to promote and present your work, you are more likely to garner more attention with increasing numbers of potential clients deciding to work from home and subsequently get more time in front of the screen.
Look, life is full of ups and downs. Stay healthy and be good to others. Follow health tips from the World Health Organisation: wash your hands frequently and practice social-distancing. If you have a fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, seek medical care!
