Plovdiv Networking Dinner #002: Freelance vs. Employed

In September, Women in Marketing – Bulgaria hosted our very first in-person event in Plovdiv – a networking dinner at Smokini restaudant. The dinner took place on the 26th of September (Thu) from 19:00 to 23:00. 

Speakers and Lectures

We heard from two incredible speakers – Мila Chervenkova and Roberta Tihomirova.

The topic of the sessions was FREELANCE vs EMPLOYED – the two most popular career paths in marketing, explored through the lens of experience, with lessons learned, benefits and limitations of each.

Roberta’s Lecture

The freedom of being employed

Roberta Tihomirova

This session will explore the critical career choices we make and the importance of gaining experience before starting your own venture. We’ll discuss the value of testing and experimenting in your job to discover your true self, which can lay the foundation for building your own business in the future.

Session Structure:

1. Brief Overview of Career Path: Sharing insights into the journey, the challenges faced in finding suitable roles that align with your personality and growth ambitions, and strategies for successful salary negotiation.
2. Time Management Challenges and Lessons: Focusing on balancing work with other projects, the choice between freelancing and traditional employment, the dynamics of leading a team, and how being employed contributes to personal and professional development.
3. Additional Lessons, Challenges, and Advice: Offering practical tips, resources, and reflections on what has been learned along the way.
4. Reflections on Past Decisions: Discussing what would or wouldn’t be done the same way if given the chance to do it all over again.

Roberta kicked us off by talking about her experience on being employed, yet still finding time to pursue her passions and experimentation in the workplace.

Here’s what the attendees shared about Roberta’s lecture:

Roberta’ was also’s lecture was great, I could relate very well to her experience, and she spoke very well and objectively about teamwork.

Another attendee shared:

It’s amazing to meet people like Roberta, because we share the same views – not everyone can be a freelancer.

Mila’s Lecture

The life of a freelancer and solo entrepreneur

Mila Chervenkova

In this session, I will briefly summarize my career journey and the reasons behind my decision to leave a “secure” corporate job. I’ll share the challenges and lessons learned from finding clients and setting up premium pricing for consulting projects. We’ll also delve into the insights gained from working remotely and the advantages of freelance work where I am both the client and the consultant. Additionally, I’ll touch on the importance of slowing down and focusing on one priority at a time.

Mila then took the stage to discuss the contrast of her career path, including when, how, and why she decided this was her ultimate career path and why she never looked back.

Here’s what people had to say about Mila’s lecture:

Mila is a very special woman who didn’t just impress me! The ability to energize people, motivate them, and ignite their passion is a great skill, and she masters it very well.

Another woman shared:

Mila gives the impression of someone who has achieved balance within herself, with a very firm stance on her life and who shapes her life choices according to this stance without hesitation. She captivates her audience precisely with this determination. She presented us with well-argued choices, as well as steps on how we could achieve our own independence.

Incredible cuisine and experience

Smokini, located in Plovdiv, offered a unique ambiance with its blend of industrial and vintage design.

The menu featured a rich mix of Bulgarian specialties and international dishes, using fresh, local ingredients. Smokini will highlight creativity with seasonal updates and innovative techniques.

The purchased access to the networking dinner, also included a three course meal, plus appetisers, and drinks.

Ticket Information