Out of Office: Ditch the 9-5 and Be Your Own Boss

Fiona Thomas is a freelance writer with work published in Metro, Reader’s Digest, and Grazia to name a few. With a mental health memoir already under her belt, Out of Office: Ditch the 9-5 and Be Your Own Boss is a natural progression from telling her own story to helping others rewrite their own in the world of freelancing. She is known online for her relatable approach to freelancing and for raising awareness about the mental health implications that come with the territory. In 2020, she spoke at Stylist Live about how to navigate the world of work during a pandemic and continues to host regular workshops and courses around freelancing and creative writing.

Why did you write the book?

I’ve been inspired by a wide range of business books throughout my career, especially since going freelance a few years so. But as someone who battles mental illness on a daily basis I felt most of the books about self-employment failed when it came to addressing the mindset challenges involved. I wanted to show that working for yourself can be hard, but it can ultimately be a force for good if you need flexibility to manage your mental health. I was also keen to offer a truly accessible guide, covering all the basics from how to raise an invoice to getting those first clients to increasing your prices and taking time off. There’s so much to learn when you set up on your own but I wanted to communicate the message that it’s also OK to make mistakes and figure out that stuff as you go.

What value does the book offer?

Out of Office is there to inspire anyone who feels the urge to go freelance but is consumed by feelings of self-doubt or surrounded by discouraging people. Not only does the book provide the practical advice that I mentioned previously, but it’s a gentle pep talk and a reminder that you have the right to be ambitious and go after what you want. My dream is that people finish the book and then feel like they’ve had a motivational talk from a close friend.

What’s happened since you published the book?

The opportunities that have arisen from publication include speaking at Stylist Live, being interviewed for BBC radio and being featured in Forbes. Knowing that my work has impacted so many people is really special. The book has started so many important conversations around the mental highs and lows of self-employment and in a post-COVID world that feels more important than ever. Being shortlisted for the Business Book Awards has been a highlight of course, and I am also enjoyed carrying on the conversation via my Out of Office podcast.

Out of Office: Ditch the 9-5 and Be Your Own Boss (Published by Trigger) is available to buy on Amazon. 

Connect with Fiona: LinkedIn – Twitter – Instagram

Winners of The Business Book Awards 2021 will be revealed online on Tuesday 25th May 2021.