Comments on: Freelancing is not for slackers

By: jillsommer

jillsommer — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 15:32:23 +0000

@Ryan – Too funny! I too aspire to be a slacker. Unfortunately my bills and life keep interfering with my aspirations…

By: Ryan Ginstrom

Ryan Ginstrom — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 08:18:47 +0000

It’s probably true that not many freelancers are slackers. I’m not a slacker, but I aspire to be one. There’s something about the slackers’ acceptance of their mediocrity that I admire. But try as I might, I continually find myself doing more than a slacker should. Slough off one responsibility, and two more creep in to replace it…

By: Judy Jenner

Judy Jenner — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 18:48:14 +0000

Very true, very true. Just like Corinne, I try to do at least one thing a day outside the house. Since I just started freelancing full-time, I am learning as I go. Initially I was scared of social isolation, but the opposite has been true: many days I have a long run, a lunch date with a friend, and an evening event, and I need to pick and choose. Some of my friends think that being a freelancer means I can putz around all day, which of course it does not.

I am very Germanic and do tend to work too much, but I am loving it. One thing I never neglect is working out: it’s been such a huge part of my life for 15 years that I can’t not do it. Some days I am happiest when I am at home, working all day, and only leaving the house for my run (which starts from my house, no carbon footprint).

And of course, you are all right: freelancing isn’t for slackers. I like the Urban Muse blog a lot, too. I know many people who couldn’t freelance (=they would watch TV all day or goof off), but for me, it’s perfect. And I really enjoying being a night owl and working until at least midnight, as my twin works out of Vienna. That way, we can talk about our projects as soon as she gets up.

By: Corinne McKay

Corinne McKay — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 16:40:15 +0000

Jill, this is so true! I always tell my translation students that in order to make it as a freelancer, you have to be the kind of person who is described by other people as a go-getter, a compulsive overachiever, etc. otherwise you’re better off working for someone else.

I also agree that part of the key to having a balanced life is scheduling things to prevent yourself from working, like your meetup groups and lunch dates. One person I know who rents an office outside the house sublets her office on Wednesdays so that she has to take the day off. I try to pick one thing that takes about an hour every day: volunteering at my daughter’s school, running or biking with a friend, etc. so that I can’t just hunker down in the office. Having a kid definitely helps with the late nights issue; if I’m not in bed by 11, getting up for school the next day is just excruciating. Great post!