Comments on: Business Interruptions

By: Angie Ledbetter

Angie Ledbetter — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 04:50:00 +0000

You're suffering from Freelancers Scrupulosity (-locity?). There are support groups. :)

Best word verification ever here today: unpoo!

By: Lori

Lori — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 19:09:00 +0000

Thanks, Kathy. :))

By: Irreverent Freelancer

Irreverent Freelancer — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 16:48:00 +0000

I have trouble shutting off the freelance switch too. I make myself take off most weekends and holidays. Otherwise, I'd probably work them too.

And you're not alone in the slowdown. It was a fairly slow week for me too.

Finally, if you do drive cross state today, be careful. We're supposed to get a doozy of a storm up here. That's on top of all the ice, which has rendered me currently stuck at the top of my driveway.

By: Lori

Lori — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 15:55:00 +0000

Perhaps the "wand" is a peek into your next novel? :)))

I agree in theory, Devon. I love calling my own hours. But in most cases, my clients are here 9-to-5. I try to make myself available on their timeframe, though not always. The guilt is just born into me. Plus I'm a recovering Catholic... ;))

Totally true, Susan. Can and need are often too separate, aren't they?

I'm going to relax more this year, Dont Forget to Write. It's just smarter and better for my overall peace of mind.

By: Susan Johnston

Susan Johnston — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 15:53:00 +0000

Boy do I know that feeling! Right now I’m apartment-hunting which is very necessary but takes a huge chunk of my time and attention. But I think that once I’m settled in a new space, I’ll be more productive. *hopefully*

There’s your financial goal that you aspire to, because “I CAN make this much money and I want to create a cushion for myself.” And then there’s the fiancial goal that is what you actually need to pay your expenses. Hopefully they’re far enough apart to give yourself some wiggle room.

By: Dont Forget To Write

Dont Forget To Write — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 15:40:00 +0000

I feel guilty about that most days I’m doing anything except working or looking for work. Even if I’ve purposefully scheduled time off and tell myself to enjoy it.

By: Devon Ellington

Devon Ellington — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 14:32:00 +0000

That should read “want” not “wand” — my Freudian slip is showing.

By: Devon Ellington

Devon Ellington — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 14:30:00 +0000

I don't have that kind of guilt because I don't work "normal" hours. I work the hours I wand and need to work to get it done. I take floating days off, and, as far as I'm concerned, the reason I freelance is so I have a flexible schedule.

Also, remember, I've worked in theatre all my life. I've NEVER had Saturdays and Sundays off. In fact, when I do, I hate them because everyone's rushing around, totally stressing about having to have a good time on their "days off".

I create each day, each week to suit the deadlines and the rest of my life. Getting caught up in any kind of schedule, other than yoga first thing in the morning and my first 1K of fiction for the day, is counterproductive to me and works against the reasons I freelance in the first place.

My schedule is MINE. I get to create it to suit ME. As long as I meet my contracts, it's no one else's business when that happens.