You deserve a vacation vacation if you can possibly swing it.

hugs

Working remotely has usually been a huge lifesaver in these situations, but sometimes interruptions (illness, death, etc.) take priority.

Paula, I usually keep ten percent off the top of any referral. The other writer keeps the bulk, I keep the finder's fee.

With suggesting other writers, you're turning down work or being asked if you know a particular type of writer. There shouldn't really be a difference from your end. If you refer, even as a suggestion, you should arrange with the other writer to give them the job and keep 10 percent. It's not always easy to do or to track.

For me the "life happens" bit wasn't health related, but flooded basement related. That plus the first installment of my property taxes have eaten up nearly the entire cushion I'd been building. (The property taxes are due June 14…leaving me wondering if there will be anything left for Uncle Sam.)

The good news is I recouped over 10% of those costs by writing complaint letters!

For the past week or so I've been bouncing back and forth from despondent to optimistic – all the while hoping my need to land new clients and a few quick turn around assignments doesn't come across as desperate. (Anyone catch Mad Men this week when someone told Pete he came across too desperate?)

While I'm in no position to turn down work, I did turn down an offer from the local paper to write an article (of unspecified length) for $75. The editor included a list of about six people to interview and maybe 20 questions to ask them. Red flags went up. That was not going to be a quick 150-word piece.

Now a question: How do you handle referrals? On occasion I've suggested other writers to editors, but never served as middle man. How does that differ?

I know you know this, but the last quarter of last year was a disaster for me. Or maybe I should say, it could have been a disaster if I hadn't saved for that life happens period.

I lost 3 major clients (2 temporarily, but lasted for the whole last quarter), I had what I call health maintenance issues (a.k.a. getting older) that had me meeting my high deductible for the 1st time since I began my business, and the money woes carried over to January and tax time. And I've recently undergone two surgeries for removal of lesions (one cancerous, the other pre-).

But, I am also coming off my best month in a long time. We are having a belated family/friend celebration of my mom's 90th birthday in July so I am hoping to get as much done as possible to enjoy family. But, the lean months will probably have me sneaking off with my laptop for at least part of the time.

Lesson learned – work on that sweet spot. Take care! 🙂