Smaragda Vavakaris

I had plans

Education EN ↓ 31 episodes

Freelance chaos, mum life, side gigs, and the glorious mess in between. I’m Smaragda - a tech freelancer, mum, and professional button-presser - sharing the wins, fails, and reality behind the “flexible” work-from-home life. No scripts, no guests, just honest stories, sarcasm, and the occasional snack.

Author

Smaragda Vavakaris

Episodes

#6: Who does your job work for? Is it flexible for you or others? 09.11.2025 3:45

In this episode of I Had Plans , I explore what it really means for your job to be flexible. Who does your work actually serve, you or everyone else? I share my own wake-up call when I realised my so-called flexible work arrangements had become flexible for everyone but me. We talk about finding balance, making small resets, and taking back control of your time. That might mean working from a libr...

#5: Where do freelance clients actually come from? 03.11.2025 4:28

Everyone thinks freelancing is instant freedom, flexible days, and clients magically appearing. Spoiler: it doesn’t work like that. In this episode of I Had Plans , I share the real ways freelancers find work — networking, platforms, referrals, and yes, even a bit of awkward pitching. If you’ve ever wondered where your first client comes from, or how to start building your freelance life, this epi...

#4: Why we all need a side gig (even if we love our job) 26.10.2025 4:57

Just a quick chat about side gigs — why I think everyone should have one, what they actually teach you, and why it’s not all beach laptops and lattes. We should all be doing work we love, but sometimes there’s more we want to explore… and that’s where side gigs come in. Short, real, and a little chaotic. Just how we like it.

#3 What do you do for work? (No, really) 19.10.2025 3:11

What happens when you try to tell people what you do for work? What does your family say? In this episode, I talk about trying to explain what I do for work…am I speaking another language?

#2 “You’re lucky to work from home” — here’s what it really takes 16.10.2025 2:37

Working from home sounds like a dream — but it’s not just luck. It takes determination, skills, and a whole lot of juggling. I’m sharing the real story behind the “luck” of freelancing and mum life. Do you get told "how lucky" you are? How do you repsond? Connect me with on socials to chat all about it.

#1 I had plans: Intro 15.10.2025 3:09

What happens when you're juggling freelancing, parenting, and about five different side gigs? You hit record. In this quick intro, I share why I'm starting this podcast with zero script, minimal time, and probably a snack in hand. Hi, I’m Smaragda, and welcome to I Had Plans - the podcast where I talk honestly about freelance life, mum life, side gigs, and all the glorious chaos that comes with tr...