Shattering the Myth
Most people imagine that freelance writers' lives are ones that are rich with intrigue, glamor, and mystique. We live in trendy lofts in the upper Westside of Manhattan, and meet with Dolce and Gabbana-clad editors over expensive lunches of Japanese fusion sushi to discuss our latest project or book signing tour.
If that's the image that you have in your mind, you'd better think again before you quit your day job, especially in this economy.
OK, I confess. I do live in a loft in the Upper Westside, and, yes, I did have Japanese fusion recently. But my loft is far from trendy (it is a spacious 300 sq. ft and punctuated by the bass-line of my neighbour's music); the Japanese lunch wasn't with an editor, but rather was a birthday meal with my in-laws, when they were visiting from Israel.
My point is this: Sadly, too many people believe the hype and the writers for Sex in the City. We don't spend our days giggling over coffees with our gal-pals; we spend endless hours online trying to dig up paying- and yes, I did say "paying"- gigs on Craig's List. I've been freelancing on and off for the better part of ten years now, and my experience as a writer trying to eek out a living has been challenging at best. While I love what I do, making ends meet without a regular paycheck can be scary as hell.
Just Do It
If you're still determined to make the leap and join us in the ranks of freelancing, here are a few tips to get you started.
1. Don't quit your day job just yet. Cut back to part-time if you can and test the waters first. After all, you may not like working from home or your local chain coffee dealer. It can get pretty boring after awhile.
2. Save up at least six months of living expenses first. It takes a long time to build a business and your rent or mortgage will still come due each month, whether you're working in an office or in your pajamas in your living room. Calculate what you will need to save up and then do what you can to reach that goal. Cut out the half-caf, steamed soy-milk, with room for milk lattes. It's better for your wallet- and your waistline. Quit the lunches and consider cutting down on utilities at home. Do you really need that land-line? Most people are going cell-only (I did). That alone will help you save some money each month. Cut coupons, put the cat on a diet, knit your own socks; just do what you have to do to start putting some dosh away.
3. Start networking. This step is critical to success. Go to networkers, join that running club, knitting circle, drumming circle, or attend that sisterhood or men's club meeting at your synagogue or church. Wear a sandwich-board with your resume on it around Times Square, it that's what it takes to get your name out there. Just go, sell yourself and your services.
Good Luck
As with any business venture, remember the "Six Ps:" "Proper planning and preparation prevents poor performance." You need to properly plan your writing and professional goals before telling your boss or supervisor what you really think of him and his trophy wife.
Which reminds me. When you do finally tell him that the job is sucking the life out of you and you're out of there, be nice. You'll never know when you may need a steady paycheck again.
Most people imagine that freelance writers' lives are ones that are rich with intrigue, glamor, and mystique. We live in trendy lofts in the upper Westside of Manhattan, and meet with Dolce and Gabbana-clad editors over expensive lunches of Japanese fusion sushi to discuss our latest project or book signing tour.
If that's the image that you have in your mind, you'd better think again before you quit your day job, especially in this economy.
OK, I confess. I do live in a loft in the Upper Westside, and, yes, I did have Japanese fusion recently. But my loft is far from trendy (it is a spacious 300 sq. ft and punctuated by the bass-line of my neighbour's music); the Japanese lunch wasn't with an editor, but rather was a birthday meal with my in-laws, when they were visiting from Israel.
My point is this: Sadly, too many people believe the hype and the writers for Sex in the City. We don't spend our days giggling over coffees with our gal-pals; we spend endless hours online trying to dig up paying- and yes, I did say "paying"- gigs on Craig's List. I've been freelancing on and off for the better part of ten years now, and my experience as a writer trying to eek out a living has been challenging at best. While I love what I do, making ends meet without a regular paycheck can be scary as hell.
Just Do It
If you're still determined to make the leap and join us in the ranks of freelancing, here are a few tips to get you started.
1. Don't quit your day job just yet. Cut back to part-time if you can and test the waters first. After all, you may not like working from home or your local chain coffee dealer. It can get pretty boring after awhile.
2. Save up at least six months of living expenses first. It takes a long time to build a business and your rent or mortgage will still come due each month, whether you're working in an office or in your pajamas in your living room. Calculate what you will need to save up and then do what you can to reach that goal. Cut out the half-caf, steamed soy-milk, with room for milk lattes. It's better for your wallet- and your waistline. Quit the lunches and consider cutting down on utilities at home. Do you really need that land-line? Most people are going cell-only (I did). That alone will help you save some money each month. Cut coupons, put the cat on a diet, knit your own socks; just do what you have to do to start putting some dosh away.
3. Start networking. This step is critical to success. Go to networkers, join that running club, knitting circle, drumming circle, or attend that sisterhood or men's club meeting at your synagogue or church. Wear a sandwich-board with your resume on it around Times Square, it that's what it takes to get your name out there. Just go, sell yourself and your services.
Good Luck
As with any business venture, remember the "Six Ps:" "Proper planning and preparation prevents poor performance." You need to properly plan your writing and professional goals before telling your boss or supervisor what you really think of him and his trophy wife.
Which reminds me. When you do finally tell him that the job is sucking the life out of you and you're out of there, be nice. You'll never know when you may need a steady paycheck again.
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