Comments on: Going the Distance

By: Lori

Lori — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 20:08:40 +0000

Kathy, great point. I'm in an area where jobs are still pretty easy to come by. Where you are I could see that being a tougher challenge. Where I used to live – impossible. We'd have to move in order to keep the same level of income and career potential.

By: Irreverent Freelancer

Irreverent Freelancer — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 14:10:27 +0000

I believe location is far less of an issue for freelancers than it is for regular workers. In fact, if I were to take on an office job, I would almost have to move to ensure I wouldn't be taking a career step down. In the 10 years or so that I've been freelancing, I've had exactly one local client for two very short-term projects. I don't accept the rate my area is willing to pay. I simply go elsewhere for better-paying assignments.

By: Lori

Lori — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 12:21:04 +0000

Devon, I used to think location mattered. It does - to clients in areas with lower costs of living and pay scales. But I've changed my tune on charging, which I used to believe you charge for the area. Now I charge for my talents. If they want me, they'll find a way to afford me.

Wendy, so what's the specialty? I think where I grew up my specialty would've been coal mining, steel manufacturing, and football/hockey. None of those are bad choices, in my opinion. :)

I agree, Carrie. Good seeing you. :)

Paula, that's cool. I love when clients or interview subjects make a direct connection with me - your dog is a catalyst to that. :)

Anne, I think that's true. I'm in the Philly area, but with clients in Illinois, California, Connecticut, New York, etc., it doesn't matter.

Oh Kim, that sounds like a great split!

Eileen, agreed. I think if we're intent on working locally, fine. But it's been clear to me for a while that local doesn't always beget long-term clients or decent pay rates (and I'm in the burbs here).

By: Eileen

Eileen — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 22:55:22 +0000

For too long, I let my location influence my career. I worked the local scene and wasted too much time trying to educate people about why hiring a professional writer was a good idea. Then I decided to specialize, did a targeted direct mail campaign nationwide, and my income, as well as the quality of my clients, shot up dramatically. Very occasionally I will get a local gig, but frankly, they can seldom afford me. If clients want a specialist, they don't care where you live.

By: Kimberly Ben

Kimberly Ben — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 17:30:27 +0000

Thank goodness location doesn't have to be an issue for freelancers. One writer I know splits her time between Atlanta and a cozy apartment in Negril, Jamaica overlooking the ocean. As long as the projects are delivered on time according to specifications, the clients don't care.

I know that freelancing would be much more of a challenge for me if it weren't for how the Internet has made doing business vritually so acceptable.

By: Anne Wayman

Anne Wayman — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 16:50:45 +0000

Location matters a whole lot less than it did. I was in the San Francisco bay area when the transition opening up cyber writing... or writing for clients far away.

Now I'm in San Diego and location doesn't seem to matter at all.

By: Paula

Paula — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 16:09:23 +0000

I cover the television industry. From Illinois. But it hasn't stopped me from writing regularly for two major entertainment trades - one for over 13 years, the other about 8. Most assignments can be done with phone interviews, outside of set visits and some A-lister profiles, so it's never been a problem. One time it was an advantage when an editors suggested a set visit in NYC, so I had the advantage over their LA-based contributors.

A lot of interviewees see my area code and ask where I'm located. Several have said they wish they could do their jobs from outside of LA. I've spoken to so many actors who choose to live far from LA and make cross-country commutes for work that I did an article on the subject. And during the winter you wouldn't believe how many people want details about the weather, especially if it's snowing.

So sometimes my location serves as
a point of connection between my interviewees and me. (More often, when my dog barks or "sings" in the background interviewees will ask about my dog and share their own dog stories.)

By: Carrie Wilson Link

Carrie Wilson Link — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 14:48:10 +0000

I think YOU can make a go of it wherever you find yourself!

By: Wendy

Wendy — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 14:14:09 +0000

Do I believe that location can affect one’s freelancing career? Yes, I do, but not in the way you think.

I live in a small town that has barely over a hundred people in it. The surrounding towns aren’t much bigger. The biggest thriving city, closest to me is an hour and a half drive away from where I live.

My biggest client is about 30 miles away. I have another one that’s 40 miles away and the rest are scattered throughout a couple of different states. I don’t think that my location has affected my ability to get good paying gigs. It did have a huge impact on my specialty, however. You may not see huge businesses or corporations in my area, but there are many options for me as far as my specialty goes.

I’m not sure if I would have had the same knowledge and experience that I have, if I didn’t live in this area. So, all in all, I do believe that location can impact your career, but it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a bad thing.

Based on my research, my rates are a smidge lower than what the closest thriving city is, but not by too much. So, In my case, I don’t think location hinders me too much.

By: Devon Ellington

Devon Ellington — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 12:57:09 +0000

I live outside of NYC. I charge NY rates. Even to clients nowhere near NY. I don't get hassled about it.

So many people say, "Oh, I'm not near NY; I can't charge that kind of market rate." That's simply not true. They're afraid to charge it.

I have some clients out in the middle of nowhere. They still pay my rate.

I think being near a hub when you're starting out is helpful. Once you're established, you've got the track record, the credits, and the confidence, you can live anywhere you want.

I want to relocate to MA, and then get a second place in Montreal.