Comments on: Writers Worth: Hanging on and Letting Go

By: Lori Widmer

Lori Widmer — Tue, 19 May 2015 15:29:45 +0000

Rick, thank YOU for your contribution here. I love it.

Ashley, amen! I've had some of those harsh lessons over the years.

By: Ashley

Ashley — Tue, 19 May 2015 05:03:17 +0000

Loved your list of reasons to consider taking a gig, Rick. Every one of them is true. One of my favorite parts of being a freelancer is that I get to make the decision about whether a gig is worth it. Sometimes I'm right and sometimes I'm wrong. But it's always mine to decide, and even when I'm wrong, I get to learn the lesson for myself, rather than someone else dictating the choice (like the hierarchies you mention in your post). Experiential learning is sometimes a harsh teacher, but the lessons sink in faster that way!

By: Rick Schindler

Rick Schindler — Mon, 18 May 2015 21:35:14 +0000

Wow, Paula, I'd forgotten about that hobbies story! You're right, it really resonated. My thanks to you and Lori and the other commenters for your generous words.

By: Paula

Paula — Mon, 18 May 2015 16:14:41 +0000

This is where I sheepishly admit I may have cajoled Rick a bit about contributing a post for Writers Worth Month, because he was one of the first editors I worked with (back in those pre-9/11 days) who really seemed to appreciate and value of writers. One of the reasons is because he's been in our shoes, too.

And speaking of those pre-9/11 days... Some of you might recall a story I've recounted here before about one of my favorite (and best paying) articles ever. It was about the odd hobbies and collections of cable executives. Rick was my editor for that. Every so often a cable exec or long-time publicist will still say, "Oh! I love that Cablevision article you did about odd hobbies..."

Thanks, Rick!

By: Sharon Hurley Hall

Sharon Hurley Hall — Mon, 18 May 2015 14:56:05 +0000

Thanks for sharing your story, Rick. I especially like the bit about the advantages of different jobs. Money certainly isn't the only factor.

By: Anne Wayman

Anne Wayman — Mon, 18 May 2015 14:24:10 +0000

Agreed. Price is only one component of a freelance writing gig.

By: Lori Widmer

Lori Widmer — Mon, 18 May 2015 12:50:17 +0000

I think what your post points out to me, Rick, is the transient nature of our jobs. Here today, gone tomorrow is how we freelancers have to think about every client and every gig.

You're so right about not basing decisions on price. Some jobs pay little, but require little effort. Some jobs pay a ton and expect more than humanly possible. The balance is somewhere in the middle.

By: Lori Widmer

Lori Widmer — Mon, 18 May 2015 12:45:16 +0000

Slip of the fingers, Cathy. Happens to me daily. :)

Rick, thanks again -- great post!

By: Cathy Miller

Cathy Miller — Mon, 18 May 2015 12:20:08 +0000

Not quite sure what word you'be is. LOL! Or how I even typo'd it-head-scratcher – make that how much you accomplished.

By: Cathy Miller

Cathy Miller — Mon, 18 May 2015 12:17:15 +0000

Great story, Rick. Thanks for sharing it. I especially like when you reflect back, you realize how much you'be accomplished. That's an exercise we should all take. 🙂