Hayley
(Extra Earnings)

If you’re already balancing a job and a family, how can you possibly find time to earn extra income on the side? Well, you could follow Hayley’s example and sign up with Knowadays! Here, we speak to Hayley about how freelance proofreading fits into her life.

Hi, Hayley! What made you consider Knowadays?

I have always been interested in proofreading and editing, but I never had the confidence to enrol on a course before. It wasn’t until I was pregnant that I took the plunge: perhaps it was a strange craving! I never had the opportunity to go to university and get a degree, though, so Knowadays was perfect in that I could do the course and get work if I passed.

What were you doing before you started the course?

I am the office manager of a busy doctor’s surgery with just over 18,000 patients during the week. And I’ve worked with the NHS for about 12 years. I still do this now, but I started the Knowadays course when I was pregnant. I didn’t finish it before I had my baby, but after a few months – and finally getting some sleep – I picked up where I left off.

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

I have never been self-employed before, and I love it. The freedom, the flexibility, working from home around my baby: it’s all very convenient and almost doesn’t feel like ‘work’.

The transition to freelancing was simple, too. Proofed have supported me every step of the way. Without their feedback and help, I don’t think I’d have the confidence that I now possess.

“I have never been self-employed before, and I love it. The freedom, the flexibility, working from home around my baby: it’s all very convenient and almost doesn’t feel like ‘work’.“

What is your day-to-day work like? And where do you work?

Two or three days a week, I pick up documents from Proofed. Sitting in peace and quiet in the evening proofreading and editing is a huge contrast to my other much noisier job!

My husband also works from home (he’s a children’s book illustrator), so there is limited free space! Luckily, as a proofreader, all I need is my laptop and somewhere to sit comfortably.

What do you enjoy most about proofreading?

I love improving a document and knowing I’m helping someone express themselves. Also, there are so many interesting subjects that I learn about when taking on student work. The less formal work is interesting, too, such as web content, product descriptions, and blog posts.

Are you making enough money?

I am making extra money to supplement my main income. Eventually, I would love to be in a position to take on more proofreading work and increase my ‘work from home’ hours.

What do you do when you aren’t proofreading?

I love spending time with my husband, son, friends, and family. Also, I enjoy reading! Even if I have spent hours proofreading, I still want to switch off with a good book.

What has been the biggest benefit of doing the course?

I now get to work from home doing a skilled job that I love. I can work around my toddler and earn extra money. And I hope it will open doors in an industry that has always intrigued me. Overall, then, it has been excellent value for money! And I’ve made back what I spent already.

“I now get to work from home doing a skilled job that I love. I can work around my toddler and earn extra money. And I hope it will open doors in an industry that has always intrigued me. “

Is there anything else you want to share?!

I was sceptical when I first found the course online and wondered what the catch was. But, in truth, there was no catch. I have worked hard and reaped the benefits, and I couldn’t have done it without the brilliant help and content provided by Knowadays.

Do you have a website or LinkedIn profile you want to share?

You can find my LinkedIn profile here.

Becoming A Proofreader

If making extra income by proofreading at home sounds appealing, we can help! Sign up for the free trial of our Becoming A Proofreader course today to find out how it works.