Case studies : Freelance publicist: Georgia

Georgia studied broadcast journalism at the University of Leeds and gained a strong track record in the publishing industry before deciding to pursue self-employment after the birth of her daughter.

I've worked in PR within the publishing industry for almost ten years - PR is a job of working hard and playing hard. I worked long hours in the office then often I'd have a launch party or an author dinner to go to in the evenings. There was weekend work too going on tour with authors and attending literary festivals.

When I had my daughter ten months ago I knew that the role I was on maternity leave from with a big UK publisher wouldn't combine well with life as a mum - I wouldn't be able to work late, attend social gatherings or industry parties. If I wanted to work part time how could I be a good line manager for my team? So, after much thought, I took the decision to leave my job and set up as a freelance publicist on my own. It took a bit leap of faith - I was lucky that I had the full support of my husband who said 'if it doesn't work then just find another job' - seems simple when you put it like that! I felt that maternity leave was a natural break that gave me an opportunity to try something new.

So now I am working as a freelance publicist part time and being a mum part time. On days when my daughter goes to nursery I drop her off first thing, gallop back to the house and get working. Lots of my work is done by phone so I'm glued to my mobile and the emails come in non-stop too. On days when my daughter is with me, I do still do some work - I check emails just after breakfast while my daughter is running off energy to make sure nothing urgent has come up and then I'll probably email or make a call again while she's napping at lunchtime. It can be a juggle and tricky to keep all the balls in the air at once, but every time I feel stressed or torn between the two, I think how lucky I am to be my own boss, to choose my hours, what I work on, who I work with and, I must admit, I love not sitting in endless meetings anymore.

To go freelance, I registered with the tax office as self-employed, I read up on how to keep my accounts and how to invoice etc online - there are some very useful websites out there. I set up a website and started contacting old colleagues and contacts to ask for work. I've been amazed by how straightforward it is to start working freelance.

Though it's early days for my new career, I am feeling quietly optimistic and I can already see this is going to give me the work/life balance that I've been searching for for years. I think there are two key considerations for anyone considering going freelance; firstly, where will your work come from? Do you have a niche, a USP (unique selling point) or close contacts within your industry who will give you work? Cold calling is difficult and often fruitless. Secondly, are you a disciplined worker? As a freelance you have to be careful not to work all the time - can you segment your day so you have time for work/relaxation/family? Procrastination is worthless too - when you're working for yourself on a tight time limit, you have to be organised, efficient and very disciplined.