Little Victory

Something pretty wonderful has happened today. I didn't think much of it at first, and in general it's not really a big deal, but as I'm laying in my bed in my little safe haven of Etta Street, I'm counting it as a little victory.

Since I got back from a trip to Los Angeles little more than 7 weeks ago, freelance work has been really great. I've gone from making up beautiful models for a lingerie campaign, to creating black eyes and bruises for a music video, transforming a band and cast into 1980's characters of a gameshow to perfecting 1950's vintage flicks for a food blogger shoot. I could go on and on!

Everyday is different in this career, and that's one of my favourite things about being freelance. Every shoot is a new experience with new people to meet and new opportunity to arise. Only yesterday I were in fits of laughter with a fitness blogger whilst trying to apply her lipstick. I probably won't ever see her again, but every single shoot creates a new memory. It's always wonderful to be surrounded by passionate people too.

After receiving payment for a couple of shoots I had worked on over the previous month, I immediately logged onto my online banking and paid off my overdraft. This is an overdraft I've had since starting university, when I was a little less concerned with budgeting! Since graduating, the bank switched my student account to a graduate account so the free overdraft became valid for a further three years. I guess I just got used to living in it. It was never really a concern. Today I finally paid that off. All of it. Every last penny.

Over the following month I'll receive enough money to pay off the small amount that's on my credit card, and be able to start saving for a planned adventure to New York over the summer next year. That's right, actual savings whilst living in London! I have this sense of freedom now. No ties to anything, I could pack up and leave at any moment if I wanted to, or I could save for my own property if that was my jam.

There is no greater feeling that earning your own way through life. I cannot stress that enough. I've had a job ever since I was fourteen, granted some less glamorous than others. Being debt-free (apart from that big old student loan - but that doesn't count) makes me feel like I'm one step closer to being great at that whole adult thing I've been trying my hand at lately. What's most rewarding (and possibly the cheesiest thing I'll say today) is that I was able to do it by doing what I love.

Gemma
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