Why You Should Be Freelancing

What I’m reading: One Hundred Dollar Misunderstanding by Robert Gover
What’s on the desktop Zune: The Story by Brandi Carlile

Another day, another announcment – stay tuned at 7:12 am EDT for yet another “What Lori’s been up to” update.

Yesterday was somewhat productive. I managed a nice chunk of work on my article. I’m taking this one slowly because it’s a meaty topic. I’m savoring everything I’m learning and I’m loving putting my own twist on it.

I put some time in on the aforementioned “to be announced” project, and got things in order for that. I got some blog posts taken care of, and I did a little marketing for the upcoming trade show. The more people I get to talk with directly, the better the trip will be for me.

I talked with our writer friend referenced in yesterday’s post. She was feeling more empowered thanks to all your suggestions and advice (she said especially you, Devon). She’s a fiesty woman, and I loved hearing her say she was considering listing this client and their subsidiaries as her “proof” she was a freelancer. LOL Atta girl. Play the game using your rules.

I was reading through some of my post responses over on Anne’s About Freelance Writing blog, and while there was no one reason why writers made the leap, there was a common theme. Each writer knew it was time. Some waited for enough writing credits, some were utterly bored with the 9-to-5, and some did it for personal peace of mind.

Then there are those who had to because life was, well, getting weird. Here is my list of top eight reasons why you should be freelancing:

8. You showed up for work in your pajamas. Again.

7. You’ve done it so often, no one’s even noticed you’re in your pajamas. And it’s 4 pm.

6. You’re getting tired of hiding your Facebook addiction during work hours.

5. Your PowerPoint illustrations are starting to look like police sketches of the victims in your murder mystery manuscripts.

4. Despite the loud protests of your coworkers, you really can’t stand washing your hair or wearing deodorant that often.

3. You’ve devised your own “People I’d Love to Snuff Out” list, and it includes your boss and coworkers. And that nasty dude who cuts you off at the intersection every day. And the guy who takes the last bagel from the lunch room. Boy, you’d really like to snuff him out.

2. You can now take a tax write off for that high-speed Internet connection you bought to play World of Warcraft.

1. You enjoy generic food. No really. You do.

Why else should you be freelancing?

Have a great weekend, everyone! If you’re in Manhattan tomorrow, stop by the Tartan Day Parade on 6th Avenue between 45th and 55th. We’re making a day of it, and here’s hoping the weather holds. You’ll find me – I’ll be the one in the kilt.