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Before kids, I never wanted to freelance. I liked the security of a full-time job. I didn’t like the thought of having to maintain current work samples and sell myself all the time. That is just not me. But after I had my second child I just couldn’t imagine going back to work full-time. I needed a break! And I got one; but once my son was about a year old I started getting calls to freelance.
I developed a fair amount of marketable expertise working as a designer for 15 years and happen to be in a field where freelancing is well established. Initially I took the jobs for the money. What am I saying?! I still take them for the money. The money is great! Shhh, don’t tell anyone, but I can make almost as much freelancing 15 hours a week as I did working full-time (of course without the benefits). And I do keep it to 15 hours. With discipline, I can accomplish about 2 hours of work each day even when the kids are home (I mark the hours on my calendar). I share weekly updates with my clients through email, conference calls, and overnight mail. At the end of the week or month, I invoice them for my hours worked (there is an invoice template in MS Word). It is that easy! Okay maybe it is not that easy. Sometimes I may have to meet in person. Sometimes I may have to “sell” my skills. Sometimes me and/or my kids get sick. Sometimes things take longer than they should. In these situations I may panic slightly but I just remind myself to take things one step at a time and eventually everything works out.
It is true that freelancing pretty much fell in my lap. But I am so glad it did!
I know there are a lot of women out there who walked away from successful careers once they became moms. Maybe their kids are in are in school or preschool now and are wondering what’s next. Let’s face it though, your demands as a mother may be less constant but have become more complex and harder in a lot of ways. This can make returning to working full-time even more daunting an option and maybe you don’t have too. Maybe there is a way to use your work skills as a part-time freelancer from home! Think about it!
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How about picking up a book on the subject. Here are a couple I found that look interesting.
My So-Called Freelance Life: How to Survive and Thrive as a Creative Professional for Hire by Michelle Goodman
Tired of clocking in and losing out? Want to pursue creative, fulfilling work on your own time and also make a living in the process? My So-Called Freelance Life is a how-to guidebook for women who want to avoid the daily grind and turn their freelance dreams into reality. Michelle Goodman, author of The Anti 9-to-5 Guide and self-proclaimed former “wage slave,” offers tips, advice, how-to’s, and everything else a woman needs to pursue a freelance career.
Confused as to whether you should tell your clients that the odd gurgling sound during a conference call is emanating from the infant sleeping on your shoulder? Goodman answers all of the unusual questions that may arise for women exploring the freelance world. Far more than your normal business guidebook, My So-Called Freelance Life blends candid, humorous anecdotes from a wide variety of freelancers with Goodman’s own personal experiences as a creative worker for hire.
Whether you’re a freelance first-timer or a seasoned creative professional, copyediting queen or web guru, My So-Called Freelance Life is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in freelancing (Amazon description).
Creative, Inc.: The Ultimate Guide to Running a Successful Freelance Business by Joy Deangdeelert Cho and Meg Mateo Ilasco
As the hipster classic Craft, Inc. did for crafters, this book will teach all types of creatives illustrators, photographers, graphic designers, animators, and more how to build a successful business doing what they love. Freelancing pros Meg Mateo Ilasco and Joy Deangdeelert Cho explain everything from creating a standout portfolio to navigating the legal issues of starting a business. Accessible, spunky, and packed with practical advice, Creative, Inc. is an essential for anyone ready to strike out on their own (Amazon description).
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Of course you probably want to check out books specifically related to your field. Type in freelance plus your industry into my RED Amazon search box in the sidebar!
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Have any thoughts or specific questions? Please share!
I do have a question, as I find the idea of freelancing very appealing…not just for the schedule but for the money as well. How do you specifically go about finding actual freelance writing opportunities? I feel like I read all the time about bloggers who freelance, but never about how they actually find the jobs, contacts, paid gigs, etc.
Great piece, by the way!
thedoseofreality recently posted..WOULD I PAY MONEY FOR THIS: Labeling Your Children
For me, the opportunities come from old work contacts. If you have contacts, call them up! You might be surprised how much progress you can make from word of mouth.
My sister has worked as a freelance writer and has written a comprehensive article that lists writing opportunities. I think this article is a good place to start to help narrow focus… http://lifelearningtoday.com/2007/06/28/so-you-want-to-be-a-writer/
I think it helps also to not think about opportunities but rather that one first opportunity. With that one you have established yourself!
I hope this helps!
Thanks for linking to the post “So You Want to Be a Writer”
Definitely check out The Well Fed Writer book series by Peter Bowerman. Available on Amazon.
You can get writing gigs so many places, it just depends what you want to write.
See also elance.com
You can also check out big blogs that interest you and check to see if they pay writers to write for them, then go for it!
Let me know if that helps!
You could also start your own blog to showcase your writing and practice.
http://lifelearningtoday.com/2009/03/21/complete-guide-to-set-up-a-wordpress-blog-and-make-money/
Kris recently posted..Application of Impossible Things – Book Review
Thanks for sharing all the great tips and resources!
I like the RED Amazon box! And yes, the money is so much better freelancing. Sigh. But I realized how much I like consistency. Freelance makes me CRAZY!
Artchoo! recently posted..Easy Fun Painting Project for Little Kids
Love that red too!
Sometimes freelancing implies last minute, impossible deadline type stuff. I think my 15 hour per week max. shelters me from that kind of work. Also it helps to be OVERLY conservative when estimating what you can deliver in the time frame.
Thanks for this blog post! I have been trying to figure out how to get started with freelance writing, but am overwhelmed with the sites I’ve found and how many of them just don’t seem to be what I’m looking for.
twisterfish recently posted..waste-free school lunches
I think my sister’s post could be work a peak for you too : )
http://lifelearningtoday.com/2007/06/28/so-you-want-to-be-a-writer/
What kind of freelancing work do you do? I need help fixing my header/Avatar and redoing my business cards. Do you do that?
PragmaticMom recently posted..Kids Caught in the Act … of READING THIS SUMMER!
I’m not a graphic designer and I really don’t know any. I do like Shalini’s new header from readingandchickens and I am pretty sure she used a graphic designer, you could ask her.
How neat that freelancing is working out so well for you!!! It sounds like you are very organized and disciplined about it, which I’m sure makes a huge difference.
maryanne @ mama smiles recently posted..Learning Laboratory: Benefits of Childhood Art
Thanks, MaryAnne – when I am disciplined things definitely go smoother.
“Initially I took the jobs for the money. What am I saying?! I still take them for the money. The money is great!” I just love your honest, witty writing!
This is a terrific article! I occasionally think about trying some freelance work… but then I second- and third- and seventh-guess myself.
I am sure you are busy enough homeschooling 4!
Thanks, Elisa!
Might not be exactly what you’re looking for but it’s full of great tips and resources and you earn money by writing here. (You really do, I currently make enough to treat myself to new shoes every month or so and I hardly use it)
How to Make Extra Money Easily Girlfriends Are Like Shoes
Ruby recently posted..Pink Shoes: Awaiting their arrival.
Sounds interesting! Thanks for the link!
girl you are definitely inspiring! self employment has done great things for me. i’m not as stressed as i use to be, i get to pick and choose my clients, i pick my hours, i don’t have to turn away clients that i want to help because their budgets are too small. best of all, i see my family. i actually spend real time with them. wonderful, isn’t it?
Vanita recently posted..Tuesday’s Tear Sheet: WordPress Shop Design + SEO Disasters
Thanks! I feel that way about it too, Vanita! My life would be perfectly in balanced if it weren’t for this silly blog! Too fun to give it up though! I just have to do a better job limiting my online time.
HELPFUL POST
ANN SULLIVAN recently posted..# 1164 “THE BASS RIVER WITH A WIANNO MOORED” (OUR BEAUTIFUL RIVER SERIES XXXVI)
Thanks, Ann!
BTW – I LOVE being a freelancer. (And I’m so happy for you Ann!!!)
It’s the best lifestyle once you get over the initial hump of getting your business rolling. If you’re doing a good job, before you know it, you will be turning down work you’ll have so much work.
Can also check this out to see if working from home is for you:
Should You Start Your Own Work at Home Business:
http://lifelearningtoday.com/2007/07/17/should-you-start-your-own-work-at-home-business/
Kris recently posted..Application of Impossible Things – Book Review
Thanks, Kris! Freelancing, just like anything else isn’t for everyone.