Hi! I’m Anna Codrea-Rado and I write about working for yourself. I’m a freelance journalist, podcaster and author. If you liked this email, press that little heart button, leave me a comment and forward it to a friend 💙

Battery low

Just as all the electronics around me, I too am out of charge.

Anna Codrea-Rado

Jun 18

I have a newsletter writing ritual. And when I sat down today to perform it, everything unravelled.

I pulled my bulky noise-cancelling headphones over my ears and flipped the switch to connect them to my laptop. “Battery low,” the disembodied voice told me. I found the enunciation of each syllable particularly passive-aggressive.

So connected is my writing practice to the wearing headphones that I pretty much can’t do it without them. It’s not the music I listen to (Cinematic Chillout, if you’re curious) that shifts my brain into writing mode, but the comfort of the headphones themselves. A literal and metaphorical squeeze of the brain. It’s probably years of having to wear noise-cancelling headphones in loud offices (often with no music playing, just the sound-blocking on), that started it, but whatever the origin, it’s now my ritual.

I know that I’m in trouble when a small disruption to my routine sets my teeth on edge. First, it was the headphones. And now, I’m typing as fast as I can because a warning is flashing across my screen that my keyboard is charge is about to die.

Just as all the electronics around me, I too am out of charge. My batteries low, my nerves fried. So, for once, I’m going to listen to the alerts and enter power-saving mode. If you’re also running on fumes, here’s wishing you a restful weekend.

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THE CLASSIFIEDS   
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➤ Want to find dream projects to work on? Death To The Office is a free weekly report helping you discover new companies that promote location independence and flexible schedules. Get started here.

➤ Find your next big thing & take the steps to bring it to life with Day Zero, a community where aspiring founders are exploring new business ideas. We guide you step by step as you start something new.

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💌 P.S.

WHAT I’M UP TO

I spoke to Harpers Bazaar about my top tips for new freelancers. If you want to know every last thing I’ve learned about working for yourself, you’ll find it all in my book, You’re the Business: How to build a successful career when you strike out alone
ICYMI the latest episode of my podcast is out now and it’s about coaching, courses and work shame. Listen here.

WEEKLY FAVS

I just finished watching Sweet Tooth on Netflix and I have some ~thoughts~. On the one hand, it was a masochist, anxiety-inducing trip watching a post-apocalyptic series while actually living in a pandemic. On the other hand, however, it was a compelling, thrilling and - ultimately - hopeful, depiction of what happens after the world crumbles.
How many hours do you work a day? Try five, which is apparently the optimal number if you actually want to get stuff done and not lose your mind
Inside the cult of busyness
Can Reply All survive? Following the allegations of racism and workplace bullying, the cult show went on hiatus and is now back with its attempt at a fresh start.
Why people fall for conspiracy theories
How to think clearly
I’ve come to realise (and accept) I’m a nerd; not only do I love learning, I love learning about learning. Anyway, this essay about thinking outside your brain was fascinating

SUBSCRIBE AND SHARE

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This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. The revenue generated supports this newsletter. All my work is independent and is in no way influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative.

LANCE - Battery low

Battery low

Just as all the electronics around me, I too am out of charge.

💌 P.S.

WHAT I’M UP TO

WEEKLY FAVS

SUBSCRIBE AND SHARE

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