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/
Ben Gran recently posted..The lows of freelancing

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

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.
Patti Stafford recently posted..4 Things a Blogger Can Easily Outsource

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

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!
Dana recently posted..Gotten a Testimonial Use it to Market Yourself