Hello! I promised to do a bit more of these at the beginning of the year when I told you I was quitting my job but I’ve been slacking somewhat.
So here is the incredibly overdue Tech Girl life update:
At the end of January I walked away from full time employment. I’m not going to lie it was a pretty scary time in my life. I was terrified and found myself waking up many a morning at 3am having panic attacks and freaking out. I was constantly self doubting. In January I turned down an amazing job and, in the second week of February, found myself turning down an opportunity in the UK. Two jobs, both incredible, both in fields I was interested in and both I said no to. I started worrying that maybe I was having a life crisis at 29.
There is always a but
I have the most amazing group of close friends around me and family who just seem to constantly support me at every turn. I feel the worst for my housemate/best friend and brother who have to listen to me constantly question decisions and lament about what I’m doing with my life. They take it all on and allow me to wallow in worry and self doubt. But they also lend an ear and allow me to talk it all out. Then I go to my mom to sense check final decisions. I actually don’t know what I’d do with these people and the few others who call regularly and allow me to have my mini break downs (you know who you are). The most important lesson I’ve learnt in my first month of self employment is that when you stop worrying about money it materialises.
I changed my mindset from “how am I going to make money?” to “what projects can I do that are so incredibly rad and inspiring?”. Changing that has led to the most amazing opportunities and rent money has followed. Which is awesome. Don’t get me wrong, it is still tough but I’m getting there.
The rad things
I’ve worked on a lot of rad projects in February and have a few more lined up leading in to April. I think the biggest stand outs for me though include my new gig contributing South African Esports and Gaming content to Red Bull. Yeah, THAT Red Bull. Possibly the kings of content. I’m nervous every time I submit a piece but so excited as well. Red Bull has made a big entrance into Esports internationally so being able to contribute to their local journey is incredibly fun.
Second up, I landed the hosting gig for Mettlestate’s new competition. The Samsung Galaxy CSGO Championship kicks off tonight. It is the biggest Esports competition South Africa has ever seen and is set to really change the industry as we know it. I’ve had a whirlwind of press interviews around this and have spent more time in their Joburg studio rehearsing than anything else. I’ve done so many dry runs I’ve lost count. You’ll remember towards the end of last year I signed with UK based Esports agency Code Red and I’ve been harassing their team with a million demos of my dry runs. They’ve been incredible at feeding back and helping me improve.
We’ll be broadcasting on Twitch every Monday, Wednesday and Sunday. Mondays and Wednesdays will be at 7pm CAT while Sunday’s stream will kick off at 4pm CAT. You can watch the action here: twitch.tv/mettlestate
Some final thoughts
I’ve had such incredible support from the amazing women who contribute to Tech Girl and make it all possible. Jade and Constantine are so talented and write blog posts I could only dream of doing. They’re the backbone to this blog and I don’t know what I’d do without them. I’m also excited to introduce another girl to the team soon as well so watch this space!
Finally, I’ve been working on a fun project with Vitamin Water. You’ll see a good few shares on social in the coming weeks but I’m giving you a sneak peek first. I was interviewed by Focus, one of the flavours, on how I balance everything and get it all done in a day.
Here’s the full interview:
It has been a bumpy ride but I’m in a far more positive space and ready to keep conquering. It isn’t easy but it is an adventure. Thank you for all the support you’ve given me. The messages of support and the offers of assistance with freelance work. I cannot believe how, in the past few years, this blog has grown to the point where I feel showered in love every time I find myself in a difficult space or not sure where to go next. It is inspiring and leaves me in awe.
So thank you! I couldn’t be brave without you.
