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Wondering when to jump into self-employment? This episode of The After Work Hangout offers questions and actions to help you prepare.
Miranda Maslany built a career for herself as a self-employed artist. But her journey from non-profit work to a full-time career in graphic recording and illustration wasn’t simple, involving years of experimentation, open communication, and calculated risks. Learn how she managed big decisions, navigated external pushback, and cared for herself while building momentum for her business.
In this episode:
- What does a graphic recorder and illustrator do? (1:45)
- How Miranda went from studying social sciences to being a self-employed creative (3:21)
- Remote events and new opportunities during the pandemic (8:50)
- How a diverse education helps Miranda succeed today (11:11)
- Use your professional development fund to explore new work (14:39)
- When and how to ask for training support (16:37)
- How Miranda navigated part-time work while building a business (18:41)
- Consider your personal capacity, not just money (23:07)
- Watch out for burnout while transitioning into self-employment (25:07)
- Supports that helped Miranda stay motivated and feel confident (29:03)
- Find people and funding to help you build a business (31:58)
- Financial considerations for self-employment (36:18)
- Turn fear into new skills and career opportunities (40:14)
- Experiment with different thresholds of confidence (43:24)
- Test your idea and see how you like it (45:19)
- Things that bring fun into Miranda’s life (50:16)
Resources for business owners in Canada:
- Business Benefits Finder
- Futurpreneur
- Community Futures Canada
- Community Futures British Columbia
- WeBC
- The Forum
- Spring
- Export Navigator
Book mentioned:
- Refuse to Choose by Barbara Sher
Some of Miranda’s abstract art and the piece that Crystal purchased:
About the guest:
Miranda Maslany is a graphic recorder and illustrator based in Vancouver, BC. She does live graphic recording, hand-drawn infographics, and digital illustrations. Before becoming an illustrator, Miranda spent over a decade working in the non-profit sector, including David Suzuki Foundation, Moss Street Community Market, and Vantage Point. Outside of work, Miranda spends her time performing stand-up comedy, playing Just Dance, and attending monthly crafternoons.
Connect with Miranda:
- Website: mirandamaslany.com
- Instagram (illustration) : @mira_creates
- Instagram (abstract art): @miras_artlab
- LinkedIn: Miranda Maslany
About the host:
Crystal Lee is a career coach, writer, and workshop leader. As the founder of Relocal, she helps professionals clarify and communicate their strengths and values, so they can land their next opportunity. Since 2013, her clients have found dream jobs, settled in new communities, and successfully navigated major life transitions.
Crystal is a Certified Professional Co-Active Coach (CPCC) with a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree from the University of California, Los Angeles, and a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of British Columbia. When Crystal isn’t helping job seekers and business owners pursue their unique definitions of success, she’s organizing community gatherings, sharing laughter yoga, or growing food for humans and pollinators.
Connect with Crystal:
- Website: relocal.ca
- Instagram: @relocal.ca
- LinkedIn: Crystal Lee
- Sign up for Crystal’s monthly newsletter
- Get the free job search assessment workbook
Credits:
- Editing and support by podcast manager Lindsay Curtis
- Podcast artwork by Alex Dewar
