As a freelance writer, this is usually the second question I get asked when I tell people what I do for a living. The first one is “What’s that?” (I kid you not.)
Here’s the thing. When you are a freelance anything, you are not working for your clients. You are working for yourself. You are the head of your own company – “Me, Inc.” for want of a better name.
You are not a prospective employee of the clients you are sending applications to or pitching directly. That would imply that your relationship is not one of equals. Instead, you are a highly-talented company owner who wants to talk to another one about about a business proposition that will benefit both of you.
An employee may not have a lot of choice about the amount or kind of work they do, or the conditions they are expected to work under. When you are your own company, though, you get to make decisions about which clients you want to take on, and the amount and type of work you want to do.
You want to present yourself in the best possible way when you are communicating with a prospective client, of course, but you are not looking for a “job.” You already have an employer: you. If your boss is anything like mine, you work a lot harder than you have for anyone else you have ever worked for. Your boss expects no less from you than your best effort at all times. That’s just how it is.
The next time someone asks you who you work for, tell them that you work for yourself. I’ll leave it up to you whether you want to reveal who your clients are or not.
wow – I was, of course, expecting a list of clients. Like this very much!
Lisa
Yes, I am who I work for.
I’ve given myself a bonus for a job well done and I’ve had to sit myself down and have a talk about my work habits.
I may be responsible for emptying the garbage but I also have access to every executive washroom in my house.
I sign the paychecks and pay the bills.
I can take a break when I want to, but I’ve also worked some very long and odd hours without much pay in return.
…and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Yes, I work for me. Wish the boss wasn’t such a jerk.
@ Lisa: Thanks!
@ Mark: Very well put! I hadn’t thought about the executive washroom thing, but that is an advantage….even if I also get to clean it.
@ Phil: If your boss is anything like mine….I feel your pain.
Great point! It’s always good to give yourself some perspective once in a while.
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That’s the same reaction I get when people ask what I do. The funny part is after you tell them, they look at you like you’re stupid. It just makes me laugh knowing I not only control my life, but more than likely make a lot more money than they do as well!
Emily
Am I Really a Writer?
I’m from a small town where most people have known me for most of my life. I can see them grinning when they “over-hear” that I am a freelance writer. It’s only when I explain that I write for companies and people all around the globe, host several of my own websites AND am working on my second book (plus I actually make a living) that they seem to accept that yes, maybe she is a writer.
It was only in the last few months that I realized that I do work for me and that if I want a raise (or some income security) then I also have to be the one providing the paycheck. Now I’m looking for more income avenues besides just writing for someone else.
I’m just now starting to encounter this and I find that I struggle explaining what I do to people. Thank you for this post, it is empowering!
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Jodee,
It certainly depends upon what they mean by the question, but that’s a great answer because it frames it so it’s most relevant to you, the one answering. It reminds you of why you’ve chosen this life and what it means for you. Great reminder.