What Made You Want To Go Freelance?
Way back in primary school (elementary school for those across the Atlantic), I remember speaking to a friend saying that when we’d left secondary – high – school, we’d go on to college, then university to become accountants and finish off with us owning our own company, working for ourselves from the off.
OK, so it didn’t work out exactly like that (or remotely like that, if I’m honest – I lost contact with the friend after first year secondary school), but that was the first time I realised I wanted to work for myself.
Over the years, that desire to be self-employed and own my company developed lessened slightly, but I continued to know I wanted to work for myself, hence becoming a freelancer.
I was thinking about this recently and whilst I’ve always known I’ve never wanted to spend my life working for someone else (this is not to say I haven’t been employed by others), I’ve never really thought about why.
And I don’t actually think there is one main reason.
There’s no doubt, however, that one of the reasons why I’ve always pursued being self-employed – and then a freelance writing career – is that I hate that Sunday evening feeling.
When I was at school, from 3pm onwards, Sunday’s always sucked. There was nothing on TV and you couldn’t really go out or do anything for any decent length of time because it always meant an early night.
I thought that when I’d left school and started college this would change and although I wasn’t going to bed as early, it still meant a comparatively early night – and there was still nothing on TV.
And when I started working, it was the same. I would spend Sunday evening thinking about what I would be doing at work the next day, dreading the early start and having to jump back into the rat race.
It might not be the most exciting of reasons, nor the only reason (the older I got, the more I realised I wanted the flexibility that freelancing would give me), but I think not having that Sunday evening / Monday morning feeling was actually a big part in me wanting – and then continuing to want – to be a freelancer.
How about you?
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I know that Sunday feeling all too well! I’m pretty sure I’ve written about it, too.
I always said I wanted to be a writer but never thought I’d give myself the chance. I’ve always been “responsible” and got my first part-time job at 14 and thought I’d work until I dropped.
But as I was getting close to 30, I started to assess my life and my work. I was great at my job but had the sort of job where they didn’t want to move me for fear that the place would fall apart. A multi-million dollar client told my boss, “Don’t you DARE let her leave your department!”. Gee, Thanks.
Not much of a career path when they’re scared to let you out of your cubicle. Then the place went down the drain for about 3 years of misery where I (and many colleagues) were treated like we were below plankton on the corporate food chain. I decided to take a year off for maternity leave after having a second child and hoped that within that year I’d find a way to not have to go back. It worked. I still have nightmares 6 years later. I’m proud that I kept my vow to myself to never ever step foot back in that building.
I fell into freelance writing serendipitously and knew the first time I got paid to write something that this was IT for me. I met some wonderful online friends who helped me get my start. The kindness of the freelance community never ceases to amaze me and I do my very best to pay it forward.
I’ve never worked harder and I’ve never felt more in control of my own destiny. I love it!
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I never actually knew I wanted to be a writer, but now I look back, I think I must have – subconsciously at least.
I used to read and write most nights as a child and the only reason I stopped was because, well, computer games probably!
And I know exactly what you mean about being an asset to a company but not being truly valued or having the opportunity to earn what you’re actually worth. EXACTLY.
Which in itself is another reason why I went freelance.
Re the kindness of the freelance community – I really, really couldn’t agree more. I’ve been a freelance writer for a few years now and have yet to come into contact with anyone in the industry who has been particularly moody, negative, unhelpful or downright rude. Not one person.
It’s a great career path and like you, I love it. Absolutely love it.
Dan Smith recently posted..What Made You Want To Go Freelance
Best of luck on your blog. Funny – that you called me a writer in your tweet since I’ve never thought of myself as that! I will keep reading and commenting when I have something to say. Thanks for connecting!
Hi Dan,
Great post!
Why do I freelance? Because I’m the boss. I’m the one in control of my career. I have the final say on the projects and clients I take on. I enjoy writing too, but being in control is my main reason.
I walked away a few years ago. I was burnt out and needed to be around people more, so I took a job in a liquor store. I really loved that job. It was in a tourist area so I met people from all over the world and all walks of life. I got paid to study people basically.
It also gave me time to regroup and decide what I wanted out of my writing career.
Dana mentioned being stuck in a cubicle. The greatest thing about freelance is that no one else is in control of your destination.
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I remember that Sunday evening feeling – I didn’t like it one bit, but what probably drove me even more was the sense that if anyone was going to waste my time it would be me!
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@Jen – thanks for the good luck wish, Jen. It’s been great getting to know you.
Curious to know why you have never consider yourself to be a writer, though – I take a look at your blog and it’s the first thing that springs to mind. A writer in a HR niche, of course, but a writer nonetheless.
@Patti – I’m really interested in the point about you walking away from freelance because of burnout. I know of several people who’ve moved to freelance work, suffered from burnout and yet have continued to freelance, but not of anyone who has actually removed themselves from this type of work completely.
I take it you found it helped? More because of the job you moved to or more because you simply got away from it? Also, were you completely removed from freelancing or did you still do a small amount?
@Anne – that’s a good enough reason to go freelance! And re the Sunday evening feeling – do you find you still get it occasionally? Not necessarily on a Sunday, but maybe after a holiday?
Dan Smith recently posted..What Made You Want To Go Freelance
I’m really only getting started, but I want to be a freelancer for the flexibility. Every job I’ve had (and I’ve had a few) have resulted in that “Groundhog Day” feeling eventually. I’d like to have more control over my schedule, so that I can fit in more activities around my work and enjoy what I do more. Too much to ask? ;P
Hello Dan,
I like the phrase, “Sunday Night feeling” – I remember that feeling well.
I decided to go freelance because I was tired of wishing away the waking hours of every day of my life. Maybe that sounds melodramatic, but I was pretty miserable in a cubicle – I just wanted the freedom to spend every day of my life in the most productive, enjoyable way possible, especially now that I have kids.
Freelancing is scary sometimes, and there are frustrations and disappointments and low points along the way, but so far it’s working and I have no desire to go back to my cubicle.
I wrote a post about this as well: http://www.benjamingran.com/2009/12/01/cubicles-are-the-phone-booths-of-the-future/
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