Hey y’all 👋🏼 I hope you’ve been enjoying Sana’s Notes so far, if there is anything you’d like to hear about from me, just hit the Reply button and let me know! I hope you enjoy this week’s catch-up.

— Sana Tabassum

🍎 food for thought

I’ll get to the title of this newsletter in a second. This week has been really great. For the last two months, I’ve been working in a content agency and it was a great way to get used to a new routine and learn a ton of new skills! The next chapter or phase in my life (at least till the end of the year) is a balance between a couple of freelance projects and my own content. In the last two years, my main goal was to make sure that I smash university and do really really well in my masters. I’d say I did pretty average in my degree, so I wanted to push myself and do my absolute best. Which I did. I achieved a first, got an award for my project and thoroughly enjoyed my time at university. This ‘side hobby’ or ‘hustle’ has taken a backseat for the majority of the last couple of years. But it’s the thing I enjoy the most and has given me skills that have opened up the craziest doors.

For the next few months, I’ve made it a mission to try and build :scale to a global community. I feel like my growth has been stagnant - and I’ve said this for a while now - but it’s time to turn the dial-up and get serious. I want to get back into experimenting with all sorts of courses, content, collaborations and other secret projects that may take a bit longer. It would be great if this platform somehow became a source of passive income for myself, but my priority is to make sure that :scale is helping students and making a clear difference.

Now, the typical thing I should have done after I graduated was to apply for Part 2 jobs and get on the traditional route. But, I didn’t. I have to be honest, I’m in a very lucky position in that I still live at home, I don’t have too many monthly costs and so that already gives me an unfair advantage and the ability to be flexible with my options. In a sense, it may seem like I’m risking my career in architecture by diversifying and dipping into other industries. But I strongly believe in trying everything. Maybe that’s indecisive of me. Or maybe it’s me trying to make sure that whatever I do, I enjoy.

Starting this week, I’ve been able to have a really great schedule where I’m doing something different each day. I get to work on my freelance projects twice a week and invest my time into my own stuff the rest. Combine this with trying to keep up with a consistent gym routine, having somewhat of a social life and spending time with family, it is seriously great. On another level, I get to have financial freedom - something I didn’t have when I was a student.

What I’ve learned 👇🏼

• Your time is the most valuable thing you own. I may have mentioned this before but I am starting to think about what I’m investing my time into and being really selective with it.

• When faced with FOMO or the feeling of being left behind, not doing as much as others - try to block it out. Do your own thing and keep some kind of record of what you’re doing throughout the week. You’ll begin to see the effects of the decisions you’ve made.

• A simple working environment makes all the difference. I finally finished putting together my study room and I’ve seen a huge change in my productivity. I feel like I can stay in here and get my work done without feeling restricted. And I have the option to move around the house if I wish.

🍗 content nuggets

This week I’ve watched my ‘regular’ YouTubers and have been keeping up with their content. If you want to check them out, have a look at my previous newsletters here.

Something I really enjoyed watching this week is the movie Elemental. It took me by surprise because Pixar has done an incredible job of worldbuilding and storytelling. Aside from the architectural wonder of Element City, the story itself was highly relatable and fresh as a first-born daughter. If you haven’t watched it so far, I’d definitely recommend it 💚

🦋 casual magic

I’ve had a bit of a stressful few days lately and a lot of my time is spent catching up on tasks that I just didn’t have the energy to do before. It’s not because I’m giving myself too much to do but because life just gets in the way and things are missed. The other day I was finally delivered the last piece of the puzzle of finishing my desk. I actually jumped with joy 😊. Then I spent an hour cleaning, rearranging and putting together the final touches and I feel like a big task has been lifted off my plate.

🔥 on the back burner

I’m planning an online talk happening soon. It’s for international students and practitioners who come to the UK to study or work but are faced with barriers. Most of my content is primarily based at UK architecture students - because that’s all I know!

But I really want to connect with people from overseas who face these issues and are looking for support. Keep an eye out for a Q&A soon and make sure you’re following me on Instagram.

— Sana x