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Out of Office: Ditch the 9-5 and Be Your Own Boss
'This book is a brilliant one-stop shop for all your freelancing needs' - Emma Gannon, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Multi-Hyphen Method 'The straight-talking, no-gloss life raft that I would have so happily clung to in those turbulent first years' - Sara Tasker, entrepreneur and author of Hashtag Authentic Whether you are flirting with the idea of going freelance, just starting out or a few years down the line, this no-nonsense guide addresses all the questions you might have about working for yourself and making the most of life when you do. Fiona covers topics such as how to raise an invoice, submit a tax return, claim expenses and network, as well as why working from home is proven to have a positive impact on productivity and mental health. With a focus on understanding the 'whys?' just as much as the 'hows?', Fiona helps you dive into freelance life and pushes you to the next level, making sure you're taking time to reflect on your business and your state of mind.
336 pages, Paperback
Published March 1, 2021
14 people are currently reading
103 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
February 7, 2021
I loved this book- super good for anyone either established as a freelancer or thinking about making the move. Not only does Fiona generously share her experiences , but ends each chapters with pure handy tips and tricks. I listened to it on audio but will purchase the actual book so that I can go back to it. As Fiona is based in the uk, she speaks of UK I only wish I had an Irish tax version of this.
January 1, 2021
Incredible book for anyone self employed or freelance, I’ve been a freelance writer, photographer and blogger for just over a year now but I learnt so much and I’m going into 2021 ready to have my best year yet now!
July 3, 2021
An interesting look into the life of freelancing. Certainly relevant in the pandemic era when thousands are giving that life a go.
I think a lot of the advice can apply no matter what kind of work you do, so it’s a useful book packed with easily digestible information.
I think a lot of the advice can apply no matter what kind of work you do, so it’s a useful book packed with easily digestible information.
July 16, 2020
A fantastic book for anyone who wants to get into the freelance/out of office life, as well as a great read for those of us already living that life! So many helpful tips, pieces of advice, and reminders that we all need from time to time.
June 20, 2020
Easily the best business book I’ve read this year. The advice in the book is concise and informative but what I love most is Fiona’s tone. She shares accurate info of course but adds in her own experiences, asks experts on certain topics and doesn’t claim to be perfect, like many non-fiction authors do. She’s super relatable and it genuinely felt like I was chatting to a friend when reading her book!
If you’re even thinking about freelancing, full-time or as a side hustle, grab this book!
If you’re even thinking about freelancing, full-time or as a side hustle, grab this book!
June 4, 2022
This literally has all the information you need to become your own individual successful Queen. If your anything like me and have to clue on the world of what it would take to get a business up and running this is extremely useful. It presents to you everything regarding definitions, the deep levels of what tax is all about, how to be your best self and on top of that what’s most important your mental health. I found the glossary extremely useful as I’m really not savvy when it comes to the true meaning behind a jargon related word. This has benefited me for things in work and things like mortgages, insurance policies and so much more especially what the true meaning of rates really is.
I loved the checklists on top of the layout of the parts with the content throughout. This makes it really eye capturing and fast paced. Alrhough at times the choice of wording was very ‘need’ this wasn’t off putting because everyone needs that kick in the right direction. I found it very inspirational even though I didn’t feel like I needed motivating… by the time I finished this read I definitely found myself thinking and processing some new ideas. Would this book give me the confidence? Most definitely. Maybe not right now but if I was in a complete different position in my life I most definitely would.
This will definitely not be the last book I read by this author. Incredibly insightful with a passion that shines through the pages.
I loved the checklists on top of the layout of the parts with the content throughout. This makes it really eye capturing and fast paced. Alrhough at times the choice of wording was very ‘need’ this wasn’t off putting because everyone needs that kick in the right direction. I found it very inspirational even though I didn’t feel like I needed motivating… by the time I finished this read I definitely found myself thinking and processing some new ideas. Would this book give me the confidence? Most definitely. Maybe not right now but if I was in a complete different position in my life I most definitely would.
This will definitely not be the last book I read by this author. Incredibly insightful with a passion that shines through the pages.
June 1, 2022
Are you a newbie in the world of freelancing? Are you thinking of starting your own business?
Fiona Thomas has cut out the business jargon and made an easy to read tool kit, covering areas such as getting started, finance and administration strategies, paying taxes, building a client base and increase of revenue, to name only a few. 'Out Of Office' is packed cover-to-cover with advice, checklists and suggestions to make sense of the world of freelancing.
The casual aspect made this a winner for me! I have read various business Start-Up materials, and I rarely finish them; they often come across as preachy and unhelpful. However, Fiona's approach in this book is appealing, relaxed and laid back, to the extent I thought I was talking to someone face-to-face rather than through words on a page.
Casual, unpretentious, and informative, this is a great go-to read for clarity or inspiration. The checklists at the end of each chapter are beneficial and easy to use, allowing readers to quickly note what is needed if they don't have time to read the entire chapter. The straightforward layout of this book also means readers can dip in and out of sections as/when needed.
I will be keeping this non-fiction read on my bookshelf for the foreseeable future as I step into freelance work. Utterly flawless and highly recommended to all.
*Thank you, Insta Book Tours and Welbeck Publishing, for a gifted copy of this book, in exchange for an honest and voluntary review. All opinions are my own*
Fiona Thomas has cut out the business jargon and made an easy to read tool kit, covering areas such as getting started, finance and administration strategies, paying taxes, building a client base and increase of revenue, to name only a few. 'Out Of Office' is packed cover-to-cover with advice, checklists and suggestions to make sense of the world of freelancing.
The casual aspect made this a winner for me! I have read various business Start-Up materials, and I rarely finish them; they often come across as preachy and unhelpful. However, Fiona's approach in this book is appealing, relaxed and laid back, to the extent I thought I was talking to someone face-to-face rather than through words on a page.
Casual, unpretentious, and informative, this is a great go-to read for clarity or inspiration. The checklists at the end of each chapter are beneficial and easy to use, allowing readers to quickly note what is needed if they don't have time to read the entire chapter. The straightforward layout of this book also means readers can dip in and out of sections as/when needed.
I will be keeping this non-fiction read on my bookshelf for the foreseeable future as I step into freelance work. Utterly flawless and highly recommended to all.
*Thank you, Insta Book Tours and Welbeck Publishing, for a gifted copy of this book, in exchange for an honest and voluntary review. All opinions are my own*
April 13, 2021
An excellent introduction into the world and life of freelancing. I found this book extremely inspiring and informative. It's been extremely helpful as I've started to have a closer look at what I've been doing for work and came up with the surprising realisation that I'm actually a freelancer/contractor. I know the terms can be a little convoluted and confusing to use, but reading this book gave me a lot of clarity on where I stand and what I can do better moving forward. It's well-laid-out, thoughtful and thought-provoking, and is written in easy-to-understand language with some great humor packed in. For someone like me, who didn't really consider herself a business person and who started reading the book not feeling particularly confident in my abilities to run my own business, I've come away from this book feeling well prepared to take on more projects, manage both my business and my mental health, and with a clearer plan looking at what lies ahead. Thank you, Fiona, for writing it.
***
Full disclosure: the author is known to me personally, but our friendship has no bearing on this review.
***
Full disclosure: the author is known to me personally, but our friendship has no bearing on this review.
May 29, 2022
This book is really useful to those looking to go freelance and touches on a lot of important, scary topics (like tax returns and insurance!!) but also the topics we don’t usually think about (like mental health). The in depth detail that is addressed is really helpful, and actually helped me to identify that freelancing is not for me before I jumped in. I have friends who are freelancers and throughout a lot of this book, I felt myself wanting to share bits with them.
A really interesting and useful perspective on the world of freelancing and an enjoyable read.
A really interesting and useful perspective on the world of freelancing and an enjoyable read.
October 3, 2020
I don’t think I’ve come across a business book like this before. It’s an honest and open reflection on the mental health highs and lows that comes from self employment, with a overview of everything you need to know to get set up. I’ll be recommending this far and wide for anyone who wants to know what it’s like starting up on your own.
January 3, 2022
Helpful, instructional guide to starting up your own business in the UK.
Coming from the unique perspective of Fiona, this book really tells it like it is without scaring you too much into not doing it.
It motivated me to get started myself!
Would recommend
Coming from the unique perspective of Fiona, this book really tells it like it is without scaring you too much into not doing it.
It motivated me to get started myself!
Would recommend
June 12, 2021
Such a good book. Very honest. Definitely not one of those “quit your job now” books! I’m a big fan of Fiona’s and regularly listen to her podcast. I could almost hear her reading this to me.
September 12, 2021
Excellent overview of what it’s like to be a freelancer in the UK. Now all I need to do is follow her advice and hope for the best!
June 6, 2022
Okay I loved this book! It is a great read for anyone who is either an established freelancer or anyone who is thinking about making the jump.
Fiona shared her experiences and there are so many incredible tips and tricks and some facts on the important topics like law and tax.
I feel like this is so relevant in the pre pandemic era where so many people have gone freelance or are considering doing so.
I highly recommend this one, it is so informative and is a perfect handbook that can be referred back to time and time again.
Fiona shared her experiences and there are so many incredible tips and tricks and some facts on the important topics like law and tax.
I feel like this is so relevant in the pre pandemic era where so many people have gone freelance or are considering doing so.
I highly recommend this one, it is so informative and is a perfect handbook that can be referred back to time and time again.
February 3, 2022
An essential read for all budding or current freelancers.
Love that it is such a balanced approach, giving both positives and negatives.
The writing style is so entertaining whilst being practical and helpful.
Easy to dip into specific chapters as it is to read the whole thing from cover to cover.
I know this will be something I come back to time after time when I need some advice.
Completely recommend!
Love that it is such a balanced approach, giving both positives and negatives.
The writing style is so entertaining whilst being practical and helpful.
Easy to dip into specific chapters as it is to read the whole thing from cover to cover.
I know this will be something I come back to time after time when I need some advice.
Completely recommend!
August 25, 2022
Because of the pandemic, I’ve felt so lost with my freelancing and hit a mental wall. Thanks to this book, I finally have the inspiration and mojo back to succeed within my business. I’ve read many freelancing books in my time, but nothing quite like this one. Thank you Fiona for enlightening me!
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews