Have LLC, Ready to (Freelance) Work
By: Naomi Braun
Tags: Llc Company Formation, My Next Chapter, Layoffs, Freelance

The next chapter has officially begun.

I didn’t realize that it would take creating an LLC, which by the way is a very simple, low-cost thing to do (who knew?), to punctuate the layoff chapter and begin a new one.

So, how did I get here? Well, let me catch you up.

A week or two after layoff, I was all over the place with my emotions, unsure of how to spend my time, where to focus my energy, what my next steps were, etc. I’m not going to lie and say that two and half months later, it’s all crystal clear. But, as with so many things in life, I quickly adapted and figured out how to spend my time and plan my entire day around having only one activity, one phone call, one meeting, one to-do item, or even sometimes, nothing on the calendar.

In addition to a little Netflix binging (Life in Pieces and The Undoing win for the two shows I watched), some reading, and online holiday shopping, I networked, applied for jobs, had interviews for jobs, networked some more, talked with former colleagues, spent way more time on LinkedIn than ever before, and networked.

Fast forward to three weeks ago, right after my last day of work at the big healthcare company, I found out that after a 6-week process that included eight (yes, you read that correctly) interviews for one full-time job at a really cool company, they swiped left.

The concept of the work and the mission and culture of the company were both really exciting and energizing. I did my best, I connected with all the people (via Zoom) and I said all the right things. I even wrote personalized thank you notes, with a nod to our individual conversations, to each person.

Interestingly however, throughout this 6-week process, I had a nagging feeling that while almost all the pieces sounded and felt right, the actual job wasn’t quite for me. Turns out, in the end, they felt the same way.

While not a perfect match, they were kind and called me and gave me very positive feedback. They really liked me, they think I have a lot to offer, they want to keep me “on file” for a more senior position, they’ll be in touch. I hung up, took a deep breath, and moved forward.

Around this same time, the small digital health startup company that I had been talking to on and off contacted me again, asking if I was still interested in doing some contract work, but not just a few hours here and there as was discussed in our first conversation. Now they wanted more. And for really interesting content strategy and writing work to help develop a new app. Right up my alley.

So, I dusted off the LLC information that I researched a couple of months ago and decided to go for it. Luckily, I have a lawyer friend who specializes in business and corporate law who offered to help me file the necessary papers. A few emails back and forth and a check for $50 and my newly created LLC has been filed with the state of Michigan.

Just in time as this week, I am about to sign my first freelance contract to work ~30 hours/week for the next 8+ weeks. And the irony of it all, is when I started my career 17+ years ago, it was with another small digital health startup founded by the same person who started this one. To say I’ve come full circle is an understatement.

I have no idea where this will lead. Will I stick with freelance work? Will I like it? Will it fill my professional cup? Time will tell but I’m excited to start this next chapter. Away I go.