Speaker: Rosie Clifton
Please tell us your name, where you're from and a bit about your background
Rosie Clifton: My name is Rosie. I live in the UK. I live with my husband and my cat. I work part time, which I've done since school because it allows me to do other things in my spare time, which I'm really passionate about. So part-time work is very important to me. I also do some art in my spare time. So painting and drawing allows me to relax—good for my mental health as well. So yeah, that's a bit about me.
What made you originally start thinking about a proofreading course or a career in freelancing?
Rosie Clifton: I originally started thinking about proofreading specifically a long time ago, probably when I left school. But I didn't do it initially because I couldn't find an affordable course that would lead to work. It just wasn't a viable option for a while until I found the Becoming A Proofreader course. But I always wanted to do it because I love language, I love English language. It was my best subject at school, so it's something I've always had a passion for and enjoyed reading and writing in my spare time as well. So, ideally I've always wanted to have a job in that field, but for a long time it wasn't possible until this course came along.
What was your overall experience with our Becoming A Proofreader course? What did you like in particular?
Rosie Clifton: The Becoming A Proofreader course was brilliant. I loved how I could do it in my own time. I could come back to modules if I wanted to review certain sections. It allowed me to continue working in my old job to begin with so that I could still be earning money while learning this new skill. It was so easy to navigate. And, just the things I learned from it were wonderful things that I hadn't really thought about before, even though I thought I had a good grasp of the English language and proofreading skills. But I loved that it was just ready. When I got home I could get on it again. I could easily track my progress to see how I was getting on with the course. And especially the the modules in particular and the way that the subjects were split up was really interesting but flowed so well throughout the helpful videos that came along with it. It just made the learning experience really enjoyable as well.
What was your experience with our guaranteed work offer with Proofed? How has the course helped you reach your goals?
Rosie Clifton: The offer of guaranteed work following the Becoming A Proofreader course was a real attraction to me. It just meant that I could focus on the course and know that it was going somewhere. And then, once I finished the course and did start working with Proofed, it was just seamless and it allowed me to build up work proofreading so that eventually I was able to leave my old job and make proofreading my sole work, my sole income. And the team that I've got to know that Proofed—the different members of the team—have been lovely, and it's been so nice to feel part of a real enjoyable and positive company. And it's just meant that originally when I thought I'd love to do proofreading but I don't think it's a possibility, that's not been true at all. I'm now doing the job that I love and that I enjoy, and I couldn't ask for more really.
What would you say to someone thinking about taking the course?
Rosie Clifton: To anyone who's thinking about taking the course, I'd say just go for it because I've never looked back. It's allowed me to work in a field that I love, and the flexibility that I've got now as a freelancer is incredible. It allows me to do things in my spare time, but also be part of a dedicated and positive team and some of the people I've met along the way are just wonderful. So, if you're thinking about it, I'd say absolutely try it out because it might lead to really great things.
