Glad To Be Freelancing- Despite the Economy
Friday May 9, 2008
As I pushed the kids out the door to school this morning, I was glad I wasn't paying $3.89 per gallon to get to work. I walked the 10 steps to my desk and was able to retrieve a payment, a new assignment and a potential customer's email- all in a matter of mere keystrokes.
Here's a list of other reasons that I don't mind freelancing in the current economic times:
- Despite massive layoffs, someone still has to write copy or submit the articles. Freelancers are cheaper than regular employees, and companies often turn to them to fill the gap.
- Uncle Sam and the Small Business Administration may be a little more willing to help out a struggling business in the current economy, or to support new businesses while they find their sea legs. Please notice that I said "may be willing". Start your research at the SBA site.
- I opted out of the cut throat competition...to a degree. I know a lot of companies have had several rounds of layoffs. That's really nerve-racking, and I'm quite happy to have my destiny be in my control.
Of course, those of you out there who are looking to get published on the side are in a really good place, too. You've found a way to have and eat your proverbial cake. Meanwhile, the WAHMS in the writing world have found a way to negate the gas prices by contributing to their household income through their writing. I wish all freelance writers the best of luck!
Thanks, Allena. I needed that. I’m not working from home exclusively yet – I’m going to try that when I finish school, as we need the income from my part time job right now – but occasionally, it’s nice to feel like my goals are validated with hope.
Your blog always makes me smile, and feel a little better about the crazy career I’m pursuing. So thanks.
Is it to the point? Persuasive yes, but what is important about going freelance now? Is it right for you? Did you answer that question?
I have just recently begun freelancing. After my husband and I were both laid off (again) and I went back to school,I recently discovered lots of new freelancing opportunities. Although I am still holding on to my part-time job, mainly due to my security issues, I have decided freelancing full-time is my goal. I made that decision for the very reasons you listed. The most important reason, I believe, is that I am through letting my destiny lie in someone else’s hands. I know I will never eliminate my job, outsource me or lay me off. I love the feeling of strength I am gaining every day that I freelance and prove to myself just exactly how much I can accomplish.
Hi Allenna, I like you positive encouragement. I do have a question. I am trying to start freelance writing on legal matters since I am an attorney do you have any advice?
Very good points. I have been a full time freelancer since 2004 and I agree that in down times, companies look to “contractors” to fill the gap because they’re often cheaper to hire than a full time employee. And I still make a really great hourly take, even after covering my health insurance and taxes. Better than I made as a staff newspaper reporter, for sure. The key, I have found, is to have at least one steady, monthly client. Once you have a baseline you can count on, it makes the plunge a lot less scary. And don’t forget to have a “cushion” of savings for the slow times. It’s often feast — then famine — then feast again. But you need some cash to get you from A to B. Good luck freelancers! It’s possible, for sure. At 55k last year freelance (my best year yet!), and 35-40 k the two years before, I am living proof!
Sure, there are multitudinous opportunities to “fill in the white space,” just think about it. “Seek and ye shall find. knock and the door will be opened to you.” I also do work at home inbound telemarketing with a company called West out of Omaha, NE… “do not despise the days of small beginnings…” Quotations are from the Old and New Testament.
Men and women work at home and contribute to the household income.
It’s nerve wracking, not racking.
@jonetta- About.com blesses me with great analytics, so I think I know my audience. And either racking or wracking are acceptable in this phrase. But come back soon anyway!
@michele- thanks kindly for providing a baseline salary. If you come back, can you tell us your specialty and/or geographical area.
@joeH- would you please email me? freelancewrite.guide@about.com
@Michael- I’m not sure I did answer, just generated some thoughts, thanks for chatting with me on Facebook.
@everyone else thanks for visiting and for your experiences.
Allena your post topic caught my eye over at poewar.com. The reason it did is because I’m glad to be freelancing BECAUSE of the economy.
To explain, many companies ramp up their freelance hiring in a recession. Freelancing thrives in a recession or an economic boom. It thrives for different reasons, but if you learn how to market yourself as a freelancer, you’ll have work no matter what the economy is doing.
I wrote on this in the article “Why a Recession is a Great Time to Start a Freelance Writing Career.” It can be found here: s I write about here .
yuwanda, I see your AC article didn’t make it thru, not sure why. Try reposting…I want to read it! But yes, I assumed that recession would ramp up freelance hiring cause freelancers are cheaper (and I think I may have an article coming out at freelanceswitch.com saying as much) but I didn’t know for SURE- so thanks for the exploration of the subject! ~Allena
Yes, Yuwanda, pls. re-send your article. I’d like to read it, too — or else, leave a link so that I can go to it. Much appreciated!