Comments on: Walking The Freelancing Way

By: phoenix

phoenix — Wed, 09 Nov 2005 08:14:33 +0000

This is me being brave. Being very brave.

First, as I mentioned in my bio, I’m a blog virgin. I have only just ventured into the uncertain waters of online intercourse, and I do so now simply because opportunity quit going door to door years ago. One has to seek it out—especially in unfamiliar places.

Second, I have finally accepted that my assumptions about the “traditional” marketplace have blinded me to the truth. No matter how much I might wish it otherwise or scratch my head in disbelief, the era of 9-to-5 workdays, office coolers, gold watches, and corporate loyalty are gone. Daniel Pink’s “Free Agent Nation” dispelled that myth. But, as any responsible iconoclast ought, he offered a new model, new hope.

So, with all the bravery I can muster, I am redefining myself yet again. To paraphrase Eddie Izzard paraphrasing JFK, “Ich bin ein freelancer.”

Nevertheless, even though I have accepted the passing of the old marketplace, I am intimidated by the advent of this one. Isn’t that the way of it, though, whenever we give up one life for a another, flight for flames?

By: Shai Coggins

Shai Coggins — Mon, 30 May 2005 08:36:41 +0000

christine: i can empathise with your fears. i think everyone gets that. in my case, i just made the decision a long time ago and tried to stick to it. it’s not always easy, i know. i guess, that’s one advantage of having a hubby with a FT job — it’ll be tough if i don’t earn money from my freelancing pursuits, but it won’t be a disaster.
and, yes, i’m glad to know that the scrapbooking blog is opening up new opportunities for you. that’s exactly the idea of the network.

By: Christine

Christine — Tue, 17 May 2005 17:51:22 +0000

i wish i could do it but the hard reality of financial responsibilities makes me deathly afraid to cross that threshold into the unknown. editing the scrapbooking blog opened me to a lot of possibilities and i have you to thank
Perhaps one day when I’m brave enough I could take that leap but for now, I take comfort in the fact that I work full time to provide a good, comfortable life to my family and myself and at the same time pursue my passion in the wee hours of the morning

By: Shai

Shai — Fri, 13 May 2005 20:15:48 +0000

AnP: Don’t worry. Take your time. It’s never easy to make that call. And, it really depends on each person’s situation.
John: Totally agree. It IS part of a freelancer’s life. Including quasi-acceptances.. You get the ‘job’, but you never get paid… or your pay gets stuck, or you lose a lead, etc. It’s very, very tough. And, it is scary. But, most people who’re freelancing wouldn’t go back to a full-time job, unless they absolutely have to. Me included. Anyway, thanks for dropping by!

By: John

John — Thu, 12 May 2005 04:56:08 +0000

I can identify with #3 especially. I’d add a sub-part to this — “be able to face rejection”. This is part of a freelancer’s life (especially a freelance writer), but some people are deathly afraid of it.

By: AnP

AnP — Wed, 11 May 2005 06:22:07 +0000

I am still, up to now, too afraid to leave my comfort zone by giving up my fullt-ime job. However, my dear Guru, I am already knee-deep (pa lang! haha) in writing queries, receiving rejection letters and a few acceptance letters. All thanks to you -> for the advices and the inspiration.

Thanks for sharing this article! kisses to Cam!