Yes, that's a hot button for me too. Freelancing is real work.

Excellent point. How many times do we writers hear "Oh, I've always wanted to write a book" or "I'm writing a book" from people who will then go on to describe why they feel the need to write. It negates the fact that we're writing already. We put the time into it, we sit our asses down and do it, we don't talk about it at parties like it's some hobby.

I think you've touched on one of my peeves. 🙂

Personally, I think that those who start freelancing because they think it's an easy way to make money are among the first to burn out. It would be interesting to see whether that could be confirmed statistically.

I'm like you, Lori. I'll take my home office over my former employer's office any day. I did have friends there, but I get out to see friends at least a couple times a week, and we don't talk about work 🙂

Yo, I hate that too!

It's true. Most people will be more productive at home.

For quite a while I took my work along with me when I went on vacation and worked out of hotel rooms and on internet connections at the homes of relatives. Then I realized I was cheating myself out of a much-needed rest AND missing out on valuable family time. It's important to schedule real breaks for yourself.

It's so true that work comes in when you have made plans. That happens to me too. So far, I've been able to negotiate deadlines and preserve my vacation breaks with minimal work.

However, being at home, I get so much more done in a day. I'm not watching the clock unless there's a deadline or a scheduled call. I can be more productive in 5 hours than I was in 8. I have plenty of friends online and offline, and I make it a point to get out whenever I can and mingle. Otherwise, I'd probably be completely content being a hermit. 🙂

Laura, you make a good point about the time off. I have several trips scheduled in the next four months. On all but one, I'll be working. The work will (and some has) come in right as you shut the suitcase. creative scheduling can help. When I go to Ontario, I usually go a few days before the weekend and come home on a Monday. That way, I'm not missed too terribly, and I've managed to get at least four solid days of no internet/phone before I have to head home again.

Expectations play a huge part in freelance writing. I try to provide realistic balance here without being too negative.

Paula, I don't know your friend's sister. But I did have someone in mind who is dealing with misguided expectations right now. I think it's a very common situation.

I've found now being able to write only about subjects I'm interested in has become one of my favorite parts about freelancing because I learn new things all the time. I have the feeling that's true for a lot of us.