Self-employment
![A computer screen shows a design sprint website on the screen. A pile of books on this subject are stacked on the desk in front of the screen.](https://jondunning.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/design-sprint-masterclass.webp)
Professional development: why I am eating my own dog food
Self-directed learning is great but sometimes we need to eat our own dog food, so I'm taking a week or so out to practice what I preach.
![Business people walking down a path, next to a wall of glass](https://jondunning.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/solobusiness.webp)
Are you in charge of your own happiness?
Last week, I read about a study conducted by the Universities of Exeter and Sheffield, which found that self-employed workers in the UK, the US, Australia and New Zealand are among the happiest.
![A swing bridge over sprawling bush. A person is walking across the bridge.](https://jondunning.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/goldiesbush.webp)
Don’t just do something, sit there
It's Mental Health Awareness Week here in New Zealand and this year the theme of the week is 'Nature is key'.
![Looking down at a group of business people mingling at a network event](https://jondunning.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/networking.webp)
Networking versus not working
Last week, I attended an informal breakfast here in Auckland with a range of folk who work in training, coaching, change leadership and social enterprise.
![A small dog runs towards us, at the beach](https://jondunning.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/pip.webp)
Self care for the self-employed
Working from a home office can take some getting used to for all concerned.