Comments on: Drive

By: Lori

Lori — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 12:24:13 +0000

Kim, great reasons to be driven! Having this freedom is incredible, and loving the work is just gravy.

Devon, likewise. I remember taking a gig ages ago that was tedious, underpaid, and took forever. Then when I accidentally typed in the wrong page count in the email to the client (who'd received weekly updates for months and should have known better), he flipped out on me, shouting about how he'd trusted me and I'd lied. I sent a note back apologizing for mistyping the number (and the fool had the damned file, so why not look?), he said "No worries." Bullshit. You ream me out like that and don't apologize and think we have no worries? We have BIG worries. One of the worst jobs I've had. I fired him after I'd fulfilled my commitment, but honestly, I should have dropped him on his ass after that. But that's not professional (just really, really tempting!).

Paula, I love those assignments! Today I have an interview with someone whom I've already interviewed this week for another story. She's just a joy to talk to and presents her information in the most sensible way. I look forward to talking with her.

Ashley, AMEN! No way we should have to explain where we are. We do have a responsibility to our clients for their projects (and for that we need to communicate well in advance when we're not going to be around), but they can't chain us to our computers and demand our undivided attention. That loses me, too.

By: Ashley

Ashley — Wed, 19 Sep 2012 18:19:24 +0000

For me, it's a combination. Like Kim, the freedom is most appealing. I am good at following instructions, but very bad at taking orders 🙂 Not having to ask permission or explain my whereabouts is important to me. But I also have that natural curiosity you mentioned. There are so many things that fascinate me, and it's a joy to investigate and learn about them. I love talking to people and finding out what they know. Another thing is that I truly enjoy writing, even if it's not my own work or even creative work. If there's a challenge in it, I'm probably going to like doing it.

By: Paula

Paula — Wed, 19 Sep 2012 15:03:29 +0000

I agree with all three of you. Most projects I can't wait to start - with most assignments, I'm brainstorming angles before I've made the first call. Then there are the other ones that I put off because they're the ones I took either because I needed the cash or because I had a gap in my schedule to fill.

Those jobs tend to be draining while the ones I'm excited about are more energizing.

By: Devon Ellington

Devon Ellington — Wed, 19 Sep 2012 13:10:44 +0000

I find that if I take a job JUST for the money, I'm miserable. I believe in getting quality pay for quality work, but there has to be something that excites or intrigues me about the project.

By: Kimberly Ben

Kimberly Ben — Wed, 19 Sep 2012 13:07:42 +0000

I'm VERY much driven to work hard because I want to maintain the freedom and lifestyle I've created for myself - I don't need to ask for permission to take a day off and I can choose the projects and clients I want to work with.

Another thing that drives me is working on my own projects. I'm excited about taking an idea and running with it.