We’re in the last month of the year. 2021 feels like it’s been simultaneously the longest and the shortest year. This means it’s time for my penultimate monthly update of the year. Read on to find out what happened in my November update.
Each month feels busier than the last at the moment, which probably explains why I’m writing it a week late. Hopefully, it still makes for a good read. I’ll add being more organised to my list of New Years resolutions…
This November update will cover the following:
- Work update
- Freelancing update
- Life outside of work
- Personal finance update
- What’s next for The Twenty Percent
Work update
I was promoted this month! It’s a big step up and brings a lot of responsibility. But it’s a challenge I am enjoying and can see it creating lots of opportunities for me career-wise.
The promotion means I have been working harder than even before. By the time I get to the end of the day, I am mentally exhausted. It does feel rewarding, though. I am learning something new each day and feel like I am achieving something too.
On top of this, in-person meetings and events have picked up again. Relying on an average at best train service, means I’ve often been getting home late and am progressively becoming more and more tired.
As we move into December, I am hoping things will settle down a bit and I’ll have time to think. I want to organise processes more, so I stop having last minute panics!
Freelancing update
Amid all of the work changes, I still managed to have one of my best freelancing months ever. I invoiced just shy of four figures – making November my second highest month on record.
Fitting in freelance writing around an increasingly challenging work schedule is difficult. But, I am determined to keep at it and make it work.
I am wary of relying on just one source of income. The past two years have taught us just how fragile employment can be.
I also want to create the career I want, not someone else’s idea of what I should be doing. To do this, I need to try different things and start forging my own contacts and projects.
It may be hard work now, but I am confident it will pay off in the long run.
Life outside of work
Somehow in the middle of all this work I’ve found time for some fun too!
While life is so hectic, I have decided to make exercise and healthy living a priority. Being in as good a shape as possible is the only way I can manage the stress and make sure I sleep properly.
With this in mind, I’m increasing my training slowly. I have started to hit 30 mile running weeks more regularly and have added in two bike sessions a week too. I’ve connected my bike to a turbo trainer so I don’t have to leave my house to get the sessions done.
This has led to some improvements in my running. In the latest cross country race I ran, I was 30 seconds a mile faster than I was when I ran the same course two years ago.
It has taken a long time but I’ve finally realised the importance of routine in sleep. Now, I am very strict with myself. I head up to bed by 10pm each night and aim to have turned my light off by 10:30 – rock and roll I know!
Another thing I’ve enjoyed this month is completely my second #FoodbankAdvent calendar. This reverse advent switches the traditional concept so that rather than taking something each day, you put something in. For the UK Money Bloggers #FoodbankAdvent campaign it’s essential food and toiletries.
Foodbanks need our support more than ever this weekend, so I’d really encourage you to get involved and donate to your local Foodbank if you are in a position to do so.
Personal finance update
The markets have been up and down this month. Knowing this, I decided not to look at my investments in the past couple of weeks. The short term movement won’t affect my long term goals but looking and potentially seeing downward movements will make me panic. I know my anxieties far too well and could end up making a decision I regret.
This is where direct debits come into their own. I can keep investing without having to look at my accounts.
Having made the decision recently to put a lot of my cash savings into investments, I am approaching my ISA limit. Next month I’ll update you on what I plan to do if and when I max out my Stocks & Shares ISA for the tax year.
What’s next for The Twenty Percent
I’m already seeing a lot of people outlining their 2021 goals and it’s lovely to see people so motivated and ready to hit the new year running. Personally, I prefer to wait until the end of the month to do this.
Acting as if the year has ended already shortens your time to reach your goals and see what you can achieve.
So for now, I am going to keep my head down and keep working hard to achieve everything I wanted to in 2021. Of course, I’ll make time for some fun festive activities too. Because life is there to be enjoyed. We can’t work all the time!
Don’t forget to follow me on social media @Katie20Percent to keep up to date with all my latest posts.
If you enjoyed this post on my November update, please like and share it with your friends and/or on social media. How did your November go? What are you looking forward to – or not looking forward to! – in December? Comment below. I’d love to hear your thoughts!
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