And the best part? When I don’t have work, I don’t work. I hated pretending to be busy or doing the “power down” at 4:55 every day and watching the second hand tick down. It was “Office Space” every day, and many real world jobs are like that. There are so many inefficiencies. I’m not inefficient now. Maybe I don’t have “down time” but I’m here typing, so that’s something (and nobody is monitoring my Internet usage!).

The rewards of freelancing are numerous, but for me the freedom from office politics is huge. And since I worked for a law enforcement agency for 20 years, I also have a severe allergic reaction to overly authoritarin environments.

Well, that and Thai food.

I am addicted to Amazon also, as well as Netflix. (Books and dvds are some more of my rewards.) My mailman probably wonders if I’m running some sort of second hand shop here.

I rewarded myself today with some much needed new clothes… other rewards — a bottle of wine and Thursday night comedies. I never work on Thursday nights so I can watch The Office & 30 Rock.

Other rewards? Once a month or so I have a girls’ night– nothing wild, usually just dinner out or hanging out at someone’s house, but it’s sooooo nice to be away from my laptop, kids, and hubby for a few hours! I’m also hopelessly addicted to books and Amazon is my drug of choice!

You know, I get razzed all of the time about working from home. Some people in my family are even nosey and ask how much I make a week. My answer? I make more than what most people do who are working a typical 9-5 job, but I can do it from the comfort of my home! I can takes as many breaks as I want, sleep in, if I so choose, run to the store when I need to, listen to my favorite music while I am working, etc. How many other people can say the same? It is a BLESSING to be a freelance writer and make a decent living working from home! Sure, I am not banking every week, but I can pay my bills, save money, plus grab some fun treats and eat out from time to time. Although there are downfalls to working sometimes ( such as staying up all night for an urgent, last minute assignment), I can’t help but think that there are many people that have their downfalls to work, too.

No matter what we all do for a living, it is important to remember to take a moment to treat ourselves from time to time! Loving one’s self is the best way to be prepared to love others!

Happy Holidays, fellow freelancers!

Exactly. After years of seething because my employers hated the idea that I was also a mom, my stress is gone. I can homeschool my kids, volunteer with the scout troops and be with them when they are sad or sick or worried. Granted, I shop at discount stores and drive older cars, but it is all worth it. I know what it’s like to be on the other side. With a military husband, all sick kid days, school events, etc., fell to me and it was detrimental to my career(s). Now, my career is up to me, not to an OCD boss or a government proposal due tomorrow that HAS to hit tonight’s FedEx. Priceless. (Hey, I should work for B of A!)

That’s my ultimate reward – maybe once every week or so. It’s usually enough to get me going again when I feel down.

My husband and I also set aside a little each month to save up for something frivolous. Two years ago I bought myself a big stove with five burners and two ovens because I enjoy baking so much. Last year it was a big screen television. This year I saved up so I can get my husband a recliner for Christmas.

I think rewards are what you make of them. My hour at the library is such a treat it feels almost decadent. I used to feel guilty about not bringing my son with me, but that was short lived.

I don’t do enough with short-term, but vacations are very important. I took nearly three weeks two years ago. My employed friends (so-called real jobs) couldn’t believe I took that much time off. The 60-hour weeks can pay off.

The one reward I do give myself every Wednesday and Saturday is a hot bubblebath with paperback.

I think my “treats” are when I play around on Twitter or Digg, but even that’s still networking for work.

1.Freedom to nap.
If I can’t work because I’m too tired, I would much rather take a 20 minute nap and hop back on the keyboard, than spend all day pretending to work until I can get home.

2. Freedom from wardrobe pressure.
Even when telecommuting, I’ve never been able to get into the PJ dresscode. However, I would love to not have to fret over what I wear to work.

3. Freedom to leave.
When bad weather hits, I don’t want to ever have to ask permission to get my daughter from school again. I’d rather work late into the night than face the anxiety of worrying how I am going to get to her.

I could go on and on, but I know that this is something that I need to do. I have been fortunate enough to have an internship with minimal supervision which has given me the confidence to know that I *can* do the work without someone over my shoulder. Now I just need to get done with school so that I can get on with it!

But my most recent reward is playing Ms. Pacman. No. I don’t play with my kids, and I only allow them to join me if I want them to. I ordered this game on QVC and I have gotten to Level 2, but not yet through the apple part. It’s a hoot! If you only knew me, you’d know how odd this is for me. But it’s fun, and rather…well…mindless.

OK…back to walking…that just sounds better…more romantic, more writerly. Nevermind what I said about Ms. Pacman. You didn’t hear that!

Karen