A wolf combines both the solitary and group aspects symbolizing the balance between independence and connectedness, the ability to thrive alone but also to collaborate when needed.
Solitary: A “lone wolf” symbolizes independence and self-reliance.
Collective: Within a pack, the wolf represents cooperation, bonds, and collective strength.
Navigating the corporate world as a solo freelancer is a fascinating dance between independence and integration. As a “lone wolf,” I’ve experienced the unique dynamics of being temporarily embedded in teams, contributing to their goals, adapting to group and personal dynamics and then retreating back to my own island until the next project/client calls, to do the same all over again, and again.
Once retreated it’s hard to see the future progress of the project. Often it’s even hard to get feedback on your work. I’m always very focussed on having clients who are satisfied with the final result. But sometimes it’s hard to get that information. Once you’re out of the loop, there is not much communication going back and forth. Most of the time the invoice being paid and no mails with extra requests are the closest thing to a “Thank you and well done” tap on the shoulder. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not looking for confirmation, I’m looking for ways to improve myself, not only on the final result: photo, videos or podcasts in my case. But also what could‘ve been done better in the process….
There’s certainly beauty in this lifestyle:
Fast in, fast out: Being ad hoc available allows me to step into diverse environments, adapt quickly, and bring fresh perspectives and expertise to the table. Although often that flexibility is mistaken with freedom. That is not the case. We have one freedom (most of the time) and that is to decide whether you will accept a project or not. Once you’re in, there is often no freedom, just you being flexible in adapting everything to the customers/projects needs. Which in most cases is just for a short period so perfectly manageable. Fast in, but also fast out.
Channeled Energy: With each short term assignment, I can channel my energy into specific challenges. It’s great to deep dive in idea’s, possibilities, challenges and be 100% goal oriented towards a near defined goal! I love to give my all for a short timespan! That’s one of my strengths, being very focussed for a short time.
Curiosity: Every new project is a chance to expand my skill set, learn from other people and share my expertise to them. Explore industries I might never have ventured into otherwise. I’ve been to places and met people that I never imagined possible. I also learned how, sometimes little niches, are a whole different world by itself. Next to that we need to, especially in my field of expertise, be on top of technological evolution of the gear and techniques that we use. So a healthy curiosity will keep us in the game. I wrote an article about that a while ago: The reïnvention of self.
But let’s be honest—this path isn’t without rainy days:
Matching: Building trust with a team in a short timeframe often on stressfull situations or very short activity windows requires sharp interpersonal skills and adaptability. And sometimes, it’s just not a match… Nomatter how hard you try (or not 🙃) That is a hard stop on creativity and the constructive approach on a project. Then you just have to bite through the sour apple. Luckily my projects are mainly short term so that is an easy thing to overcome being very professional and all!
Ebb and Flow: While independence is empowering and liberating, the return to the “island” can often feel refreshing but sometimes isolating. When the world keeps running at a high pace around you and you are just sitting on your island looking at that spinning world while you are standing still, those are hard times that nibble at your self confidence. I can tell you that these are not the best moments in a freelancer's life. I do not like them but I do find them necessary. Often, after long busy periods we tend to pretend we’re invincible. It takes just such a short period of standing still to get you back with your feet on the ground, sometimes with your face also to the ground 😉. Painful but learnful, humbling and very necessary I believe. The ebb and flow of work keeps you on your toes, requiring resilience and a healthy amount of faith in yourself and the future. On the other hand, that extra time to spend with my family is more then welcome.
Off days: As a visual artist, there are only first days at work, mostly. Everyday you meet up with new clients and they expect that you give your 100%, they want the maximum out of your time and expertise that they paid for. And sometimes you have a bad day, bad sleep, fight with the kids, headache or just the blues. And you just want to be left alone and do your job. But I have to attend to clients, agencies, models, crew, timings, deadlines, plannings… On those days I wished that I worked at a bank in a cubicle… hidden from the world... Hahaha, No never gonna happen! I think I wouldn’t even last a half hour in the cubicle, feeling miserable or not, i’m very sure of that 😁
Being a freelancer in a corporate-driven world is all about mindset. It’s about embracing the unpredictable, leveraging your adaptability, and finding fulfillment in the diversity of challenges and jobs.
I would not want to trade jobs with anybody in the world. I absolutely adore my job creating photos & videos. But I would lie saying it’s only sunshine and happiness. It’s a very mentally rewarding but challenging way of life. It implies continuous growth on both professional and personal level!
To all my fellow Lone Wolves out there: How do you navigate this balance between autonomy and collaboration?
Want to know more about my work:
or more about me https://www.nikocaignie.be/about