Thenere’
(Changing Careers )

When Thenere’ left office work to pursue a career as a proofreader, our Becoming A Proofreader course gave her the flexibility, confidence, and expertise she needed to set up her dream business.

We caught up with her to find out how she’s been getting on in her new freelance career.

Hi, Thenere’! What made you consider the Knowadays course?

I am a type-A personality. So when I made the life-altering decision to change careers, I invested a substantial amount of time in writing lists, performing extensive research, and making plans.

I chose Knowadays as I found it was the most comprehensive course available and the best value for money. I also loved the fact that there was a guaranteed chance of work if you passed with a distinction (overachiever mode kicked in, naturally!).

I had always dreamed of working for myself, so the thought of getting my feet wet with a bit of freelance work before I started my own business was very enticing!

“I had always dreamed of working for myself, so the thought of getting my feet wet with a bit of freelance work before I started my own business was very enticing! Now I work from the comfort of my own home around my family’s schedule. I couldn’t be happier!“

What were you doing before you started the course?

I worked as a financial manager in a traditional office-based role. I worked Monday through Friday from 8am–5pm with zero flexibility, and childcare was always an issue.

Due to the pandemic, I had to leave office work as schools were closed and I had no alternative childcare arrangements for my precious little girl.

What is your day-to-day routine like now?

Now I work from the comfort of my own home around my family’s schedule. I couldn’t be happier!

The routine changes constantly. Generally, I get my daughter ready for school, drop her off, and then start work. Depending on the deadline, I will take a break to spend time with her after school, help her with homework, and do the usual mum routine! I then continue working once she’s in bed.

Was there anything surprising about doing the course?

Outside the course I came across the quote, ‘the key to success is to start before you are ready’ (Marie Forleo). This resonated deeply with me as I believe that one of the biggest hurdles many of us face is self-doubt. Starting something new, at any stage of life, can be extremely daunting yet so amazingly rewarding!

This course provided me with more than just the relevant skills and knowledge I needed to become a proofreader. It ultimately changed my life and gave me the confidence I needed to go forth into the unknown and become the person I dreamed of being!

“This course provided me with more than just the relevant skills and knowledge I needed to become a proofreader. It ultimately changed my life and gave me the confidence I needed to go forth into the unknown and become the person I dreamed of being!“

What has been the single best benefit of having done the course?

The confidence boost from knowing that I can achieve anything with hard work, perseverance, and belief in myself. That and the Microsoft Word training! As I worked in the accounting industry for so long, Word was a vague and foreign concept to me, one that I barely used. Now after leaving office work I can do so many things with it!

How has your transition to working as a freelance proofreader with Proofed been?

It has been fantastic. It’s a constant learning process, which I enjoy as I am a complete nerd and love to study! There has been a ton of support from Proofed, and you are constantly challenged to do better and learn and evolve.

What do you enjoy most about proofreading?

I love everything about it. Being a huge bookworm, I love getting to read so many different, diverse texts. I love learning something new from every document that I complete.

I also love reading through the final piece and knowing that I played a role in helping someone translate their thoughts and ideas into a clear, concise, easy-to-read piece. I am obsessed!

Have you been self-employed before? How are you finding it?

I have always dreamed of being self-employed, but this has been my first foray into the exciting yet somewhat intimidating world of working for myself. I absolutely love it! I have learned so much along the way and have really grown.

The flexibility to work around my daughter and be there for her has also been remarkable. It’s not easy being a working mum, but now with the pressure of childcare arrangements removed, I am far more efficient at what I do. I wish I had taken this step ages ago!

“The flexibility to work around my daughter and be there for her has also been remarkable. It’s not easy being a working mum, but now with the pressure of childcare arrangements removed, I am far more efficient at what I do. I wish I had taken this step ages ago!“

Is there anything else you want to add?

To anyone reading this and mulling over the decision about whether to take the course – don’t hesitate! You can do this. This is the first step towards a life-changing journey. And, trust me, you won’t regret it!

Do you have a website or LinkedIn profile that you’d be happy for us to share?

Yes, my website is Prooferista.com.

Becoming A Proofreader

Thinking of trading the office for a career as a freelancer? Why not sign up for a free trial of the Becoming A Proofreader course and see if proofreading is for you.