Maybe running my own business is one of those things I’ve taken for granted for a long time. Recently more and more people seem to have been asking me for advice about their own enterprises, talking about their wish to make a break, or just their intentions of one day being able to go it alone.
I really enjoy what I do, and it’s not just working with great clients, or on exciting projects (which are big factors) but also I think learning by doing is one of the most engaging processes and keeps the job fresh. It’s been just over five years since I first became self-employed, and after thinking I knew quite a lot about running your own affairs, I then decided to incorporate this year, and it’s brought along whole new basket of activities and concepts to learn.
Administration is not my favourite pastime, although I do like knowing how it all works and why you have to do it. Last week (with the aid of Stacey and Tim) I set up a payroll, and it struck me that this isn’t normal for a 22 year old - in fact most 22 year olds probably haven’t ever filed a tax return I would guess. I think sometimes I get too engrossed in what I’m doing to pay attention to the bigger picture, so over the past few days I’ve tried to do that. It’s only ever made me more excited about what the future holds. I can’t say I’ve really been planning anything, but just having a think about what might happen next.
This probably has all been triggered since I bought my car, although as anyone who has spoken to me about it knows, I can’t actually bloody drive it for another week and a half which is driving me insane. I’d been aiming to get this sorted for so long (my sole goal since January) that after I’d done it, a giant vacuum appeared and I’ve had to start reappraising my medium-term goals and targets.
Aside from all the business stuff, I’ve got a really good few weeks lined up. I’m spending next weekend in Sheffield over my birthday, then going to see Simon Amstell do stand up in Coventry. The following weekend I’ve got Foo Fighters in Wembley (my first visit there) and then over to Silverstone for the Formula Renault the next day. Good stuff.
The bank holiday has been pretty well spent already. Will and I spent the afternoon with some bevvies sat on the grass in Mary Steven’s Park on Saturday, then yesterday George, Tom and myself met up in Wollaston. Everyone should finally be coming back home in the next few weeks, and then the summer really can begin in earnest.
Oh, and one final thing - if you haven’t seen Mad Men it’s just finished showing series one on BBC4, but is definitely my hot recommendation, so if you get a chance, watch it.