One Year Into Self-Employment: How I'm Building a More Intentional Career
- Kim Merritt
- Jun 26
- 6 min read
Hi! I'm Kim!
I'm a former ad agency creative who burnt out (3x) before I quit corporate life to go all in on myself. Now, I’m a year into my self-employment journey, figuring it out as I go.
A BRIEF BACKSTORY
For over 15 years I made a career building some of the biggest brands in the world at agencies throughout New York City, London, and Los Angeles. You've probably seen my words and ideas on TV and billboards, in magazines and social feeds, and everywhere in between. I've helped my teams win 11 awards and dozens of new business pitches, and have worked alongside some of the most well-known celebrities and talented creative minds in the business.
This site used to be just a portfolio of my published work. But after years of keeping my thoughts and words mostly to myself, I've decided it’s time to start putting as much effort into myself as I do my clients. As a first step, I'm going to start sharing a behind-the-scenes look at what I'm doing and building next.
SO, WHAT AM I DOING NOW?
To be completely honest, I’m not 100% sure. But that’s part of the fun!
I'm your typical multi-passionate creative—meaning I have a ton of interests and at least 100 ideas every single day. So while I’m not exactly sure where this chapter is headed, I do know it will continue to involve more freedom, more adventure, and more work I can be proud of. I’m committed to exploring and utilizing my skills in a way that’s more aligned with who I am, and the lifestyle I want for myself.
After one year into this self-employment journey, here’s what I've been doing, and how I’ve been earning a living so far.
Doing more good through Goodera.
I started Goodera to help purpose-driven brands amplify their impact through copy & content. It’s my way of bringing my big-agency skills from a 15+ year advertising career to smaller businesses who are actually making a positive impact in their communities and the world.
Even though I've been on TV sets, written jokes for A-list comedians, and worked on Super Bowl campaigns, the impact I've made through Goodera has been way more fulfilling than anything I've ever done at a 9-5. It's so inspiring to know that I'm just getting started.
A few things I'm particularly proud of:
I've been able to redistribute over $11k. Part of the Goodera business model involves giving back up to 10% of each invoice, which so far has allowed me to give back over $11,000 to local communities and nonprofits.
I won $10k for my vision and resilience in bringing Goodera to life. From a pool of over 500 applicants, I was one of three winners in a "Break Up With Corporate" pitch competition. This not only gave me validation and confidence that I was building something meaningful, but actual cash to invest in myself and my business.
I gave back to my own creative roots. In staying true to my giveback model, I decided to donate $1,000 of the prize money to the place where I got my own creative start—Owens Community College—because I remember just how helpful $1,000 would have been when I went to school there. Now in it's third year, what started as a one-time donation has turned into an annual award (in which the team has named the Merritt Award) that recognizes students who inspire positive change through the school's annual film competition.
Freelancing & consulting.
My freedom and flexibility has allowed me to continue freelancing with ad agencies, typically jumping in on 360 campaign ideas, video scripts, and creative pitches for brands like Netflix. I've also helped dozens of solopreneurs and startups better hone in on their brand voice, marketing strategies, and launch campaigns. Most of this work is a mixed bag, but it's super fun to jump in and help out however I can.
Writing more.
I'll be honest, I’m still figuring out how to do more meaningful writing that makes a bigger impact and pays the bills, but I have full faith that I'll get there. Years ago I saw nearly immediate success as a travel blogger: my first blog, Just Visiting, got picked up by the New York Times' Frugal Traveler, and the first travel article I pitched and sold went viral and led to me being interviewed and featured in People Magazine.
Despite the rapid adaptation of AI, I still believe in the value of human writing and connection through human truths and lived experiences. Lately I’ve been writing more personal narratives through the lens of travel, but one of the perks of being an independent creative is having a platform to speak freely, without any bureaucratic red tape or corporate guidelines. This blog is my first step at putting my voice back out in the world.
Taking photos.
Landscape photography has always been a passion of mine, but I'm starting to get paid for my adventure and outdoors work. I’ve been hired to shoot the Glass City marathon, to document a two-week trip through Mongolia, and an upcoming trek up Kilimanjaro. Also my photos have gone viral with Pure Michigan and have been featured in F Stop Magazine.
Since leaving my 9-5 gave me more free time last winter, I hosted my first ever holiday pop-up shop, and finally launched my online print store. I’m currently working on my next big project, which will involve nearly a month of shooting around Tanzania and Kenya this August!
Traveling wherever, whenever, and however long I want.
If you're picking up a theme here, yes, I love to travel (35 countries and counting). But I'm after true location independence when it comes to where I live and work. For nearly two decades I've paid exorbitant amounts in rent to live in New York City, London, and Los Angeles, and even though I would still gladly pay a premium to live where I want to live (hello, Lake Tahoe), I no longer want to be tied to a city because of a job.
In the 14 months since quitting corporate, the flexibility of self-employment has allowed me to go on a two-week trip to Mongolia with only about 48 hours notice. I've taken my mom to Las Vegas on a whim for a meaningful trip after my dad passed away, road tripped around Florida for two weeks with my mom and niece, and attended a client's retreat in upstate New York. I've spent several weeks camping and hiking around the Rocky Mountains, and am currently gearing up for 27 days in Africa—imagine putting in that PTO request at a 9-5.
Adventuring outdoors.
Someone recently pointed out to me "you do so much cool shit, but no one knows about it."
That's 100% true. I've summited Mt Whitney, done the W Trek in Patagonia, and have road tripped through at least 27 National Parks. I've spent five months backpacking through South America, road tripped around the American West, and chased the northern lights all over Alaska, Iceland, and Norway. But capturing and sharing content while I'm adventuring is probably my biggest weakness that I actually want to improve. I'm an introvert, so my outdoor adventures typically serve as my time to disconnect with the world and reconnect with myself, not document every step on my phone.
But alas, I'm outside hiking, biking, camping, and kayaking every chance I get, and I'm working on sharing more of that. For my first challenge, I'll be headed up Kilimanjaro this August to capture content for a client (while fighting off altitude sickness).
NOW WHAT?
Who knows! But the process of figuring it out sure feels right.
Ultimately I want to help more people do more good. I want to help more purpose-driven brands make a bigger impact. I want to use my words and photos to advocate for ideas and share messages that matter. I want to travel further, deeper, and more intentionally than ever before. I've got a ton of ideas (as usual), but for now I'm just going to keep showing up, connecting with like-hearted humans, and seeing how I can help. I fully believe that the universe guides us when we give it the chance, and that's exactly what I'm allowing to happen as I pivot into my 40s, rebuilding my career on my terms.
If something I've shared here sparks something in you, I'd love to connect. Maybe you're a like-minded creative navigating burnout or considering a big career pivot. Maybe you're the founder of a purpose-driven brand in need of support with brand voice, copywriting, or content. Or maybe you're looking for an adventure writer & photographer to help capture the magic of a place or experience. Whatever it is, let's make something good together! Say hi at kim@kmerritt.com.
