I am Also On the Market for Writing Gigs

I can string words together in a pleasing fashion

I’ve been writing much here about how I am available for freelance web design, but I wanted to make it known that I am very interested in picking up freelance writing jobs as well, particularly within my areas of expertise. I would especially like to break into some freelance blogging. If anyone hears of jobs in this department, or knows of good resources where I can seek out said work, please drop me a line via email or in the comments.

Week One of the Freelancing (And Job Hunting) Life

This past week has gone very well. I have now been longer without a job than any time since I was sixteen. But don’t think I haven’t been working. I am handling a number of design projects at the moment (but I’m always looking for more). About half of this week’s work was direct client work, and half of it was work I am doing as a subcontractor for another design firm in the area. The design firm work is at a lower rate than I charge myself, but I am trying to justify that to myself with the acknowledgment that I have to spend less time getting that work.

I have surprised myself with inner strength and professionalism that I didn’t know I had. The experience is teaching me to be less afraid of asking for things I want. Shame melts away when you have the feeling that you have nothing to lose in doing something. There is a lot of fear of uncertainty in this pursuit, but there isn’t that dread that comes with worrying about your job. You are your job. You make your work. It’s a direct level of control of destiny that is refreshing.

I have worked harder in the past week than I have in years. In a paid position, a lot of your time is spent doing tasks that are not the actual work. But you still get paid for those hours just the same. But as a freelancer, you only bill for work on the project, so your days are longer. You still have administrative tasks that need to be done. My financial goals will never be set on having 40 hours a week of billable labor. Because it would mean 65 hour weeks in reality.

The Health Care Issue

A large concern is finding a way to get affordable health insurance for myself and my wife. We’re using COBRA right now (although I still haven’t received the paperwork, so it’s all out of pocket until such time as we can be reimbursed). The COBRA is double the cost of our insurance previously. Sarah’s work plan would cost nearly the same to add both of us, on an inferior plan at that. I’m willing to take any advice anyone has on this issue. If I continue to work as a freelancer, and do not find a full time position somewhere, then I will increasingly need to find a solution to this problem. Going without insurance is not an option, given just the cost of our prescriptions.

What’s Next?

Learning to relax. Learning that the work will still be there when I get back. That is a lesson that I am going to have to drill into myself. Finding more work is something I feel constantly compelled to do right now.

Developing my plans and schemes into coherent businesses. I am drawing up plans to develop an actual design company that will be my public face in the web world. I am locating other design firms in the area to offer my services. I am writing proposals and pitches for the publishing industry that could be a big break for me if they go well. I’m investigating the cost benefits of investing in my own printer for photo prints, and seriously launching my photographic work for sale. I think I have a lot of great work in my portfolio now, and I would like to share it with others. Getting paid for that would be a bonus.

Things look up right now. I have a lot of plans, back-up plans, and business ideas. I would love to have a 28 hour day to work on them, but if I budget my time right, I think this could end up being a very positive life transition. The best part about it all is, I look forward to getting out of bed each morning and tackling it all.