Things I Love About Freelancing

Happy Valentine’s Day! You’re all my valentines this year. No better people in the world to share a virtual hug with.

I finished a large article project, one that seemed to be getting longer instead of shorter as I wrote. I started on two others, and I got some marketing in before heading over to Facebook for the first time in a week.

Valentine’s Day plans – bowling. I’m not one to enjoy feeling like he or I should be shoved into dressing up, going out to eat, and have to shop for trinkets just because Hallmark says we should. So we started going bowling or out to play pool. It’s such a great alternative, in my opinion. We go out to eat often anyway, and we profess our feelings every other day of the year. I’d rather spend that time doing the opposite (Rebellious? Moi?) and having fun.

So on this day of forced togetherness and over-priced meals, don’t concentrate on being forced to perform totally non-random acts of “love” like seals begging for sardines. Concentrate instead on those things in your life that are bringing you joy. That may be a mate, a friend, or hey, even a freelance career (love that segue?).

Here are the reasons why I love my job. Feel free to add your own reasons in the comments:

I love my hours. They’re mine to control, to hoard, to work through or to fake my way through. I set them, I use them or abuse them to my own liking.

I love the boss. Unlike the last one who didn’t respect me as a team member, I think this current boss will work out. Sure, she’s a bit mouthy some days, but she can be tamed with tea or chocolate (I would even accept chocolate-flavored tea). So I try to show her respect by honoring my boundaries.

I love my clients. Okay, not all clients get the virtual hug, but so many clients are great to work with and they value my work enough to pay my invoice on time.

I love being able to say no. Oh, you love it, too. You love being at that point in your career where you can turn down work that doesn’t suit you. Go on – enjoy it.

I love the look on people’s faces when I say “I’m a writer.” Isn’t that the best feeling? They ask what you do and you smile and say it….and their eyes light up and they say “Wow! What do you write?” Okay, that’s where I lose most of them, for who wants to hear “Oh, I write about exciting things like insurance and risk management articles!” but at least I have them for those few seconds.

I love working in polka-dot socks. Today it’s actually a pair of hiking socks (it’s kind of cold in here right now), but I like not having to put on shoes. I dress up to some extent – clean clothes in case a delivery shows up – but I’m rarely wearing shoes unless I’m walking out the door.

I love being creative. Yes, I know I write technical articles much of the time, but if you think it’s not creative, you couldn’t be more wrong. As I told a customs agent at the airport when he asked me if I did creative writing, it’s all creative.

I love earning a great living. If you’d told me nine years ago when I got into this full time that I’d be making more than the job I’d just been dumped from, I’d have had two thoughts – 1) no kidding since I’m grossly underpaid already, and 2) I’d have to see it to believe it. Well, I’m seeing it. And I’m a believer.

What do you love about your freelance career?