Most of these are ivy-league level courses, so I expect a lot of work. I think we should be held to a high level of courseload work, especially if we're getting certified. When I was juggling three courses, it was almost another full week's workload, but it was worth it.

Otherwise, it's like too many classes online, where people waft in and out when they happen to feel like it and don't do the work, and it sucks the life out of the course, it drags the whole class down –which is why I bounce people who lag behind out of my classes — it's not just about them — they're HURTING everyone by not keeping up and showing a lack of respect.

Don't commit to something if you're not going to see it through. And, if you commit, meet the commitment, whether it's a class or a freelance client. It's not okay to bail or sigh and say, "oh, life got in the way, lah, lah, lah."

Stay up a few extra hours and finish.

All three of my professors so far have been great, I have to say, even if I haven't always agreed with the set-up. With so many of us, I understand the need for "peer review", but there's got to be a way of sorting us so that peers actually review each other, not just random class members.

As far as keeping work positive, I like to create positions for myself with people in companies I like — give them a reason for hiring me that they didn't know they had! 😉

Paula, so true. Isn't it fun to be challenged and to thrive under those challenges? Makes me feel like a stronger person for it. Still, I've seen many a freelancer talk themselves into – and out of – careers.

I take a breath, think over exactly what I do and don't want to say. Then I think some more: how will the recipient interpret my response? Can I re-word it to ensure it won't sound defensive or upset the recipient? Only after I've done everything to make sure my reply doesn't seem reactionary will I hit send.

I think all freelancers need that inner optimist to keep us going. Constantly finding new work can be an uphill battle, but that doesn't mean it can't be fun.

You're SO right about the power of positive thinking in all things, including our career experience as freelancers.

The forum that first gave me the information I needed to start working as a freelancer eventually turned into a very negative space of constant complaints about "no good freelance opportunities" and "low paying clients." I find it's much easier to keep a positive state of mind when you surround yourself with like-minded people.