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What a turbulent start to 2010 I have had! Being laid off for the second time in a year, I was preparing for a longer wait between jobs and was going to attempt freelancing at the same time. A little bit of self reflecting on my past experiences had shown lessons and what to look for in the people I was doing business with. I have been relatively blessed to deal with upstanding and honest business people, but I have had my run ins with the shady, snake-oil salesmen business types.

So in March, 2010 when I was told that due to lack of work my services would no longer be required, I immediately began to look for freelancing opportunities with studios and small business alike. I was lucky enough to have Nick Burd, a former co-worker and friend (also an excellent designer) recommend me to some contacts of his.

I had managed to secure some work, and make some contacts of my own for potential work in the future. Freelancing I had been thinking of for well over a year, and I was enjoying it immensely. Benefits I had always dreamed of were great, sleeping in, making my own schedule, having time in the middle of the day for the gym and friends, time for personal projects (like TimIs.Me).

However, a flip to every coin, and the other side is much harsher. I often refer to Jonathen Snook’s article about his decision to go from Freelance to a full time job again. In it he states:
“If a timeline slid, it'd mean that billables would slide, too. To make up the difference, I'd take on more work. With more work, I had to divide my time, ultimately getting less done than I would have if I focused singularly on one project.”
My experience wasn’t really far off from his, and I am sure other peoples as well. Projects would be extended, deliverables would be missed and often, it would seem, they would never come to fruition. And you know what, it is hard to pay the bills on outstanding invoices and empty promises, as I am sure anyone of you can imagine.

Is the dream over? I would like to think not, at the very moment I am still doing freelancing for a select view clients. I am always open to new projects, and I my current employment is a contract. Who is to say what will happen at the end of my term, maybe another contract? Maybe another layoff? Maybe I will have enough to strike it once again on a Freelance adventure.

On a closing note, I leave you with the follow excerpt and article for you to enjoy. In the July 2010 issue of Oprah Magazine:
“Stop looking for a staff position…” “…package yourself as an independent contractor for hire on a project by project basis.” – Suze Orman O Magazine, July 2010

Read about it more and find out what this could mean to you on your next job hunt here. Freelance is certainly more viable now then ever before, and I am not giving up on it quite yet. Sometimes these things are just a matter of timing.

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