Behind the Scenes of Writing a Book
The Freelancer's Tea Break
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...
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Annoying but Helpful Money Advice With Talia Loderick
The Freelancer's Tea Break
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...
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Three Simple Year-Start Questions
The Freelancer's Tea Break
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...
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My Annual Review
The Freelancer's Tea Break
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 Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction 01:10 - Attendance and Punctuality 04:30 - Reviewing Goals 07:50 - Organisation and Systems 11:00...
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Freelance Wins: Boundaries, Learning and Clients
The Freelancer's Tea Break
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...
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Your Freelance End Of Year Admin Checklist
The Freelancer's Tea Break
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 Follow me on Email: Come join us in...
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Combatting Freelance Loneliness
The Freelancer's Tea Break
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: Follow me on Follow me on Email: Come join us in the free Want...
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Who Should Pay - The Client or the Freelancer?
The Freelancer's Tea Break
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 Follow me on Email: Come join us in the free Want more support? Check out the courses and membership. Join the Freelance...
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Top 3 ADHD Time Hacks for Freelancers
The Freelancer's Tea Break
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...
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How Much Responsibility Should You Take for Your Freelance Clients?
The Freelancer's Tea Break
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...
info_outlineThis week, I have a guest on the podcast - Berenice Smith. Berenice has been a member of the Freelance Lifestylers FB group for a while, and she's been a support to so many in the group - but especially those who are childless not through choice.
In this episode, we talk about Berenice's freelance journey, the language and actions we can take to be more inclusive of those who are childless, and the support out there for those who are childless, whether that's by choice or not. The tweaks she's suggesting are small but powerful, and I'd really recommend taking the time to listen to this episode (plus Berenice is an absolute delight!)
Resources mentioned
Gateway Women: https://gateway-women.com/
The Full Stop podcast: https://www.thefullstoppod.com/
World Childless Week (September) https://worldchildlessweek.net
Walk In Our Shoes www.walkinourshoes.net
Clan of Brothers: https://www.facebook.com/groups/clanofbrothers/
*About Berenice*
Berenice Smith is a graphic designer who create design for print including books and marketing, website design and branding. Fun fact, she won three Blue Peter badges for drawing competitions!
Find Berenice online: http://www.hellolovely.design/?fbclid=IwAR2Jsq9XBjm7ACXY2S23UmHpXezUxxQT6Oax5eBVINd8flJQiZSZ358Eh_Q" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">www.hellolovely.design
"https://twitter.com/hihellolovely?fbclid=IwAR1I-IfyLI7Yq8yk9f_fOd73Hop1A-dW3-6qhry2BQ3_beIn5Ua_FYr4STI" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://twitter.com/hihellolovely
"http://www.instagram.com/berenice_hellolovelydesign?fbclid=IwAR0lhjrkR6OrKXE7MkKly7ExSEMENlZ1ASDWkPW483bdtn85OY129fLakWI" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">www.instagram.com/berenice_hellolovelydesign