Jumpstart Your Independent Journey with Contra
Maria Leonardi
Jumpstart Your Independent Journey with Contra
My time as an Ambassador gave me focus, essential tools, and an incredible community
In November 2020, I left the security of a corporate job to work independently and pursue projects that are meaningful to me. I was driven by the freedom of remote work and the mindfulness that the devastation and isolation that the pandemic brought about.
🎇It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
Once I got past the elation of cutting ties with the traditional work world, I wasn’t quite sure what to do. I had plenty of applicable skills from my prior work, but not how to apply these skills in a structured way as an independent worker.
✨ Enter Contra ✨
In case you’re not up on the latest in the future of work community, Contra is a new professional network for independent work journeys. That description doesn’t do the company justice though.
After raising an impressive $14M Series A round in early 2021, Contra is poised to completely disrupt the future of work by supercharging and empowering independent workers. 🚀
I applied to Contra’s April Ambassador program and was lucky enough to be one of 8 selected for a 2-week program designed to help Contra test its features, give Ambassadors access to a supportive community, and help us scale our independent offerings.
Halfway through the 2 weeks, I can genuinely say that this program has been priceless. It’s given me the focus and structure I really needed to establish myself in the independent world, expertise, and camaraderie through an amazing community, and the tools to set myself up for success.
Here are just a few of the reasons you should join this awesome Contra Community!
⏰ Focus
When I left my corporate job, I very quickly took on contract work half-time. I also finally mustered the courage to start publishing articles. The thrill and freedom were intoxicating. It also quickly became overwhelming without structure.
Joining Contra gave me the process, feedback, and accountability to structure my weeks, create a portfolio to highlight my past successes, and structure services that will enable me to sell. With focus and structure, you increase your odds of using time wisely, freeing up more of your time to actually enjoy your life as an independent worker!
🎉 Fun
The pandemic was a huge buzzkill, for a lot of reasons. One being a complete disconnect from family, friends, and coworkers. Even when we’re not in the middle of a global pandemic, when you leave the traditional 9-5, you lose an entire social vertical.
I didn’t realize how much was missing from that part of my life until I joined the Contra Ambassador program. Not only did I get to spend time with 7 other amazing Ambassadors, but we also had the chance to interact with Contra’s awesome team and a very active Slack community of ~5,000 members.
You’ll never find a more fun, emoji-loving group of people.🎉🚀✨😍🐱🏍
📚 Support & Expertise
The community isn't just fun, you get the chance to leverage members' diverse and vast expertise. There’s nothing more productive and useful than getting feedback from other independent workers, some new and some veterans.
There’s something incredibly motivating about working alongside others, united in our goal to live and work the way we want.
🦋 Functional and Great Looking Portfolios
I’m not a designer and I don’t know how to build a website. In fact, I don’t really want to manage one for most of my independent work.
Contra has designed great looking profiles that allow you to showcase your past successes and your services in a way that is appealing and impactful. With Contra, any external landing pages or websites I might need can be much less complex than would otherwise be required.
🏋️♀️ Independence
Being your own boss feels amazing. Living and working the way you want allows you to live the meaningful life you deserve. Being a part of the Contra community is empowering.
🌴 I can finally be me, living my best life.
✨ ✨ ✨
2021
