Comments on: Blog Less, Work Less, & Still Make Money

By: Neetika

Neetika — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 20:03:51 +0000

The post is indeed motivating . But the concern is as to where to start from ..i mean which blogging site would entertain beginners and within what time can a blogger resort to freelance writing ?

By: Christina

Christina — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 18:25:48 +0000

I want to know how to find a freelancing job or blogging. But I am not sure where to find one? I am slightly concerned about being scammed.

By: Karen Putz

Karen Putz — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 00:32:29 +0000

I have a writing gig that is definitely making me cranky. I’m scouting out some new opportunities. Meanwhile, I have a blog gig that I absolutely enjoy and that has lead to feature writing for more money. I’ve only been freelancing a few months so it remains to be seen if I can keep this going year after year.

By: Karen-bob

Karen-bob — Sun, 30 Dec 2007 23:33:10 +0000

Thanks Jennifer.

By: Jennifer

Jennifer — Sun, 30 Dec 2007 07:12:00 +0000

Hey Karen, the good thing about your goal is that it’s been becoming clearer now for a while. The main focus on pay along with the kind of writing you’d like to do is a good goal. It’s much better than random stuff like “freelance more” or what have you. I bet you will be able to pay a lot of your bills with writing by next Jan

Thanks for visiting.

By: Karen-bob

Karen-bob — Sun, 30 Dec 2007 04:58:11 +0000

Great post Jennifer and just what I needed. While I’d love to land a blogging gig in 2008, I am workng more with article writing. My main goal for next year is to raise my acceptable base pay. That is, I want to (be able to) refuse jobs under a certain limit and gradually take on only jobs that pay better. It’s a hard leap to make. And at the same time, I have a monthly monetary goal that will increase with each month. I just wanna be able to pay my bills, ok? Thanks for the encouraging post~Karen

By: All Freelance Writing | Freelance Friday - December 28, 2007

All Freelance Writing | Freelance Friday - December 28, 2007 — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 22:33:51 +0000

[...] Blog Less, Work Less, & Still Make Money – Deb Ng [...]

By: Jennifer Chait

Jennifer Chait — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 18:53:59 +0000

James ~ Yup work smarter not harder. That’s the deal. I see a lot of people both in writing and not working longer, working more, for more — to have more. Sometimes we do need more so I get it but I really think that if you work smart you can make as much without working so much you’re bone tired each day.

Also, I agree that freelancing is no picnic. It does get better but it can take years sometimes. I hope blogs like this (and yours) make it easier for writers so that they reach the successful point sooner rather than years down the line.

By: James Chartrand - JCM Enterprises

James Chartrand - JCM Enterprises — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 18:47:06 +0000

Reading over the comments, I do have to add a bit of a warning:

Freelancing isn’t a pajama party.

It’s often the perception that freelancers live a life of freedom – and in many ways, they do.

However, to think that we live a life of happy days, free time, quality family time and the ease of making our own schedule isn’t quite accurate.

Freelancing is, in essence, being in business for yourself. It does involve paying attention to the “you” part (everyone needs to enjoy what they do and have time to breathe) but it also involves paying attention to your business and putting in the time you need to grow your business to be better.

Work smarter, not harder is what the post resumes, I think. It’s not really saying “work less and get richer” – but following the ideas and tips will, of course, lead to less work, better work and a better life.

By: Suzanne

Suzanne — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 18:43:11 +0000

Great article. I agree with several of the comments above – the value of a gig is not always based on how much it pays. Drop unpleasant jobs and your productivity will increase dramatically. Have a great day and a Happy New Year Suzanne

By: Star

Star — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 18:23:35 +0000

For everyone, the key to being a full-time freelancer would not be a full-time job, even though it is done at home. Eggs in one basket, etc. I am just sayin’. Yes, I would advise dumping the no-pays and slow-pays and borings, but locking into one big client can be tricky, too.

By: Jennifer Chait

Jennifer Chait — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 16:17:41 +0000

Super busy today but I wanted to say that I agree with the comments above who noted that giving up a high paying gig can still save you money in the long run. Overly stressful work takes much longer to get done.

Another related thing is dull work. I have a boring job right now that pays well but I procrastinate about it and screw around which makes it a time waster.

Great comments today everyone.

By: Julie F.

Julie F. — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 16:11:30 +0000

I just resigned from a blog job that paid triple my regular gig, but was more work than it was worth. The owner has no real idea of how a blog should be run, but rejects my advice constantly. I think that giving up a job that pays more can be productive as well. Frees up time from arguing with the owner to find a more informed and workable client.

Great post, Jennifer, thanks as always for the tips!

By: Phil

Phil — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 14:30:42 +0000

Crowe, Chizek, one of the “second-tier” (behind Ernst & Young, etc.) CPA firms, has a philosophy of cutting the bottom 10 percent of its clients each year.

Different industry, but excellent advice. However, the “bottom 10 percent” may for me isn’t always the lowest payers, sometimes it’s those most difficult to work with. For me, it means those who don’t keep an open line of communications (don’t return calls or e-mails, don’t keep me updated on status of projects or payments, etc.). Of course, there are years the bottom 10 percent (meaning one or two) don’t get cut because I’ve yet to find better clients to replace them. But I still think it’s a good goal.

By: Deb

Deb — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 14:19:33 +0000

I have a great full time blogging gig that allowed me to give up some of the more tedious work but keep the personal and freelance projects I enjoy.

My employer allows me to make my own hours and work at home so it’s truly my dream gig.

I think the key is to find one lucrative gig and take on a few fun projects. As Jennifer stated, there are lucrative gigs out there – and it will only get better! I predict big things for freelance and full time blogging gigs in 2008!

Nice post, Jennifer!

By: AngryJed

AngryJed — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 14:06:08 +0000

I love this blog, an invaluable resource for freelancers and bloggers. I’m actually trying to get my blogging identity noticed so I guess I’m blogging more, working more but I’m still not making money. I guess that comes with time and blog visitors.

By: James Chartrand - JCM Enterprises

James Chartrand - JCM Enterprises — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 12:11:53 +0000

My tip: Make a list of everything you have going on and number it in order of personal priority. Get a plan of what you’ll cut and what you want to focus on.

By: The Educator

The Educator — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 12:04:34 +0000

What an inspiring post (as usual)! I still haven’t found a decent blogging gig, but it’s good to know that opportunities do exist. In the meantime, I’m focusing on the print market. The pay rates are quite attractive, even if the competition is fierce.