Rezeki

Alhamdulillah... as a freelance trainer, there are many opportunities out there even though they are quite seasonal. It is a matter of looking and pursuing as many as you want. I started toying with the idea of freelancing at the end of 2008. I remember registering for my company on 28/10/2008. It has been about 4 years already and I rarely use my company. I quit my job just as 2008 close its curtain.

Initially, I did look for opportunities through the web and Yellow Pages and some contacts from hubby. It was quite difficult in the first few months. The first training I did as a freelancer was with a contact from hubby. After that I managed to contact an ex-colleague who now runs his own training company and an alumni friend introduced me to his contact. From that moment, I didn't have to look anymore. They would call whenever there are opportunities. This year, I have many other contacts from friend of a friend and even my Masters classmates.

During the low demands, it will be quiet for few weeks or months, but when the demands are at its peak, I'll start wishing for a break or family time. Last time I would try to do any training people requested but now if it gives me too much stress, I'd say I can't do it. This normally happens when the topic is not very familiar to me and I have to do a lot of research. The extreme stress is just not worth it. I might as well focus my energy on topics I'm familiar with, as did many professional and highly in demand trainers. Another consideration would be the time. If it is too long, I can't function very well after 3 days. But sometimes, must take the "Just Do It!" attitude. Pushing myself one day at a time.

Recently I have a request for 5-days outstation training which means I'll be away for 6-days. I was thinking of writing an SMS to say I can't do it. The thought of not seeing hubby for too long, more than 3-days training really didn't sound very appealing. But while discussing it with hubby, he encouraged me to grab the opportunity. It will be difficult but he and I will manage it. I hope when the time comes we will really survive. The thought of stark room in PD recently comes to my mind. I hope there'll be some warmth in the place where we'll be staying so I can at least feels able to relax in the room. I have not received the details yet but the 5-days will be at two locations way up north.

Hubby has several times suggested that I become a principal, source for projects and let my friends conduct the training. I did have opportunities to do that several times and the responsibility to give the best to the clients is too daunting. I have high expectation on my trainers and I can't control how they control their class. I hyperventilated while sitting at the back of the room willing them to stick to time and stick to all the program contents. Sigh!

I prefer to be a trainer.

I have 19 days already scheduled in my calendar till year end and I believe more request will come as the government agencies wants to finish their budget. Unless, there's election of course. The momentum will be disrupted for a while, especially so if the opposition takes the seat. Whatever it is, rezeki comes from Him. InsyaAllah there will be other opportunities. By the way, 19 is low even for a month number of training days for some trainers. For me, that is sufficient insyaAllah but I'll take more opportunities if circumstances are right so I can create a buffer for months when there are no trainings.

I've been wondering how long will I be able to do this. Will I have the health, will there be opportunities, will I still have the passion? Only time will tell but for now, alhamdulillah with this opportunity. Some friends are envious with what I do. There is no need to be. All you have to do is follow my footsteps and be prepared to ride the tide :)