Activities / Programs / Workshops

Hustle Life Balance: How to Thrive as a Freelancer

Through a mix of guided lessons and group exercises, we will cover the three pillars of a successful practice: finding work, managing operations, and organizing finances.

Want a discount? Become a member by purchasing QWF Membership – Student, QWF Membership – General or QWF Membership – Professional!

Description

Saturday, Mar 7, 10:30am-4:30pm       
Open to all
Limited to 12 participants
Hybrid Workshop*

In this 6-hour intensive workshop, participants will learn how to avoid common freelance pitfalls and overcome major pain points. Through a mix of guided lessons and group exercises, we will cover the three pillars of a successful practice: finding work, managing operations, and organizing finances.

Together, we will build a roadmap to help you avoid the “feast and famine” roller coaster and navigate complex business requirements, such as when to incorporate or register for GST/QST.

Agenda:

  • Hours 1-2: Finding Work. I will share my own strategies and tips for finding work. We will then review each participant’s current practices and collaboratively brainstorm solutions.
  • Hours 3-4: Managing Your Business. We will cover tips and strategies as well as specific automation tools that allow you to streamline administrative tasks and focus on the creative work you love. As a group, we will troubleshoot current stressors and establish boundaries to protect your energy.
  • Hours 5-6: Financial Health. We will examine different billing structures and financial management techniques to stabilize your income. I will also guide you through the financial administrative tasks, including the process of registering for GST/QST and knowing when it is time to incorporate your business.

Please bring to the workshop: 3-5 questions and/or pain points pertaining to your personal freelance practice. 

*This workshop will take place at the QWF Office (Room 3, 1200 Atwater Avenue, Westmount, Quebec) with up to 2 virtual spots for participants who are unable to attend in-person because of distance or disability. By default, all workshop registrations are for in-person spots. If you would like to request a virtual slot, contact Riley at riley@qwf.org stating the reason for which you would need the virtual spot, then wait for a response before registering. Please do not register until you receive confirmation of a virtual spot for you.

Workshop leader

Credit: Brooklyn Melnyk
Shanthony Exum is a Montreal-based multimedia artist with over a decade of freelance experience. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, NPR, and Billboard, and on shows like HBO’s Insecure and Netflix’s Big Mouth. Her design clients include MTV, the MacArthur Foundation, UCLA, and the Brookings Institute. Beyond her artistic practice, Shanthony is the author of the ebook Hustle Life Balance. She specializes in helping fellow freelancers build sustainable, profitable businesses.
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Register

Please note that workshop registration is on a “first come, first served” basis.

Payment is required to confirm your place in the workshop. 

Payments are to be made online via credit card or PayPal. Click on the link below to add the workshop to your shopping cart, then proceed to payment. QWF Members must be logged in to receive their discount. If you are not already a QWF member, you will have the option of purchasing a Membership, in which case you will receive the discounted workshop rate.

If you are unable to pay online, you can temporarily reserve a place by registering online. Your payment must be made to the QWF office by cheque or cash within 7 days of registration or it will automatically be cancelled. Cheques must be written out to “QWF–Quebec Writers’ Federation” or “Quebec Writers’ Federation”

If the workshop is full, you will have the option of joining the waiting list. If a space becomes available, all those on the waiting list will be notified at once by email. The available spot will be assigned on a first come, first served basis.

Please familiarize yourself with the rest of the Workshop Policies in the shaded box.

Member

General $105
Student $60
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Non-Member

$120
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Programs

Workshop Policies

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Special Thanks

QWF gratefully acknowledges the assistance of the Canada Council for the Arts, and the Government of Canada.