The Decision Not to Freelance
September 28, 2007 by Deb
Filed under Freelance Writing
We’re always talking about the decision to leave our day jobs for good to enter the wonderful, boss-free world of freelancing. Most of us believe it to be the best decision ever. While I still stand by that, I’d like to talk about the other side of the coin, the decision to go back to full time work.
I’m fortunate. I been able to make a decent living as a freelance writer and blogger. It’s the ideal life –I can make my own hours and be home with my son, plus it keeps me away from those dreaded office jobs. I never liked working in an office. I was never big on egomaniacal bosses, team politics, back stabbing and being forced to work evenings and weekends for no extra pay.
Instability
It took me a while but I managed to find myself a niche I enjoy. Blogging and writing is fun, and it helps to pay the bills. Except not always. The past few months have been a roller coaster. I land great jobs and then I lose great jobs. One lucrative client fired all their bloggers as they just don’t need them anymore. Another lucrative client decided to go with staff writers, and a third, well I left that one go because a girl can only take so much micromanaging. Normally, when I lose a client, I’m upbeat. I always manage to find replacement gigs within a month, but this one-two-three punch isn’t going to be easy.
My favorite client recently invited me to make a proposal for a full time, staff blogging position. I would still be able to work at home and make my own hours, but I would be under his company’s employ and receiving a full time salary. Dare I propose?
Stability vs Freedom
Seeking full time, telecommuting employment is something I’ve been toying with for a while. I won’t go back to an office gig unless I absolutely have to. I was never so unhappy as I was donning the business casual and sitting in a cube all day. If someone offers me the opportunity to be a salaried employee, with the flexibility working in my home office, would I be a fool not to accept?
As a freelancer, I can pretty much do what I want. I can pick and choose my clients and take on as much or as little work as I want. I also have to deal with the ups an downs of an unsteady income. So what’s more important? Stability or freedom?
Stability wins
I stewed for a while and then called my husband. “Client X is looking for proposals for full time writers/bloggers. Should I?” We discussed the pros and cons together but it came down to the bottom line. A stable, steady income while still being able to make my own hours. Though I’d still be able to freelance, I may give up a client or two. We have a child, we’re renovating with the intention of selling in the near future, and wouldn’t mind having something in the bank after all that. How could I possibly refuse?
Am I admitting defeat as a freelancer? Not at all. I’m still proof one can be successful. I’m confident that even if I don’t accept a full time position, I can still earn a successful living. I didn’t fail, I’m just taking it to the next level.
I want to thank everybody for their answers to my post. They were very helpful. I am still trying to get gigs- I apply to every single one I think I might possibly fit. Unless the ad poster can’t spell or they have other signs that totally turn me off. Typos happen;four or five misspellings in blurb-sized ad is something else. I guess that probably makes me picky. I just happen to be anal about spelling. I like what Ray had to say about the freelancer personality. He is dead on. his is a neat blog. I visit every day, tho I don’t necessarily post. I’ve learned a lot, and I’ve enjoyed it even more. COngrats for creating such a nice, adult, space for us.
Mary>> good luck on your prospects
Shell> we actually have the same strategy. Don’t forget me when you become famous.
Mariella of course I won’t forget you… I’ll let you know in about 50 years time OK?
Lol, when I first started to write I had big dreams of being a famous author (don’t we all I hear ya cry)… ha, ha, then I found a writing position that was far from novels but in the business genre. So it was back to reality for me!
Then I finished my writing course, and probably can say now that I have learned so much and could probably write quite a thrilling novel… but other creative projects beckon for the time being
Mariella,
Ever thought of going into medical writing? With your science background, you’d do great. It’s not as much fun as creative writing, mind you, but it certainly puts food on the table of may freelancers. Just look at the freelance list of AMWA and EMWA! I can also give you some links to check out, if you want.
I wonder whether we are in the same continent
Congrats Deb. I hope you get the gig.
I think that with so many companies finally seeing how efficient and effective telecommuting is, more companies will join the bandwagon and start hiring flex time and telecommuters.
It just makes sense. I read so many blogs about Gen Y workers and how they don’t want to give up quality of life for a job, so they start businesses.
Your potential situation sounds ideal Deb. You go girl!
Shell>> haha~ Don’t worry, I’ll still be around in 50 years’ time.
It’s the same with me. When I first tried freelancing, I was aiming for literary publications until offers came for web content and magazine pieces so my career path veered. It turned out to be a great decision to do so, however, since I DO earn all right now, still not in the six-figure per year department like veteran freelancers, but earning enough to pay for my bills and help my family 
and yes, we all do want to become famous authors someday don’t we 
argee, I do want to go into medical writing. I just don’t know where to start! I’d be very grateful for any help~ you could contact me using this this email address: mariannamoon[@]gmail.com
Thank you so so much~!