10 Comments For This Post

1. Hayli Morrison Says:
   November 1st, 2007 at 6:39 pm

   Jodee:

   Thanks for putting the magazine guidelines on here! I am trying to get more consumer magazine experience. I have Writer’s Market, but somehow seeing those guidelines on the job board helps remind me to send out queries.

2. Chandra Says:
   November 1st, 2007 at 7:25 pm

   The pickings are particularly excellent and diverse today. Many thanks, Jodee.

3. Kathleen Says:
   November 1st, 2007 at 9:33 pm

   I am too chicken to query magazines. I always think I want to but it just never happens. I guess it’s easier for me when someone else comes up with the idea for the article.

   Still though, they are good to read. When I see what they pay it is inspiration to think up my own ideas.

4. Lauren Says:
   November 1st, 2007 at 10:18 pm

   I’d love to hear from anyone who has made the leap from a regular full time job to freelancing. I have a full time job right now that keeps me from being able to take on many of the freelance jobs I see online. It kills me when I see the “perfect” one for me, but I can’t even apply for it because of my day job. For those of you who’ve done it, how did you make the leap from day job to only freelance? I know work isn’t guaranteed when you’re a full time freelancer, so what gave you the courage to give up that regular paycheck?

5. Phil Says:
   November 1st, 2007 at 11:00 pm

   Lauren,

   I made the leap 16 years ago, but was forced to when my job left.

   Financial experts recommend that one has enough savings to cover six months of expenses before making such a leap. But the last time I had six months of expenses set aside was six months before I was born.

   Also, what is it about the full-time job that keeps you from taking on the freelance work? Is there a way around the conflict until you can build the freelance business?

   All that being said, there’s certainly more risk in freelance. But the job can go away, too. A friend of mine in PR has been out of work five times in the last 20 years. Even in my worst months in 16 years I had a few thousand in revenue.

   Biggest thing to consider, in my estimation, is health care. The insurance can be difficult to qualify for and extremely expensive.

   Due to a health issue 40 years ago, something that is no issue now, several major insurers won’t cover me.

   For more advice, talk to people from SCORE.

6. Susan Says:
   November 1st, 2007 at 11:33 pm

   Lauren,
   I’m going to be making the ‘jump’ the week before Thanksgiving this year. Here’s how I’ve planned out to do it.

   First, I’ve determined that if I never go back to my day job again I won’t miss it. That was very important. Also, it is important to know that I STARTED freelancing because it pays better than my day job.

   So here’s what happened. I started comming to this website and landed several positions. Two of these will be long-term, but not enough to pay all the bills. I also landed a short-term pay-to-write book deal (it’s a terrible pay per word, but it is making this jump possible and doesn’t require large amounts of original thought to write) which will pay the same as one month at my current job.

   I’ve been working to make myself indespensible at my current job. They love me. They think that they can’t live without me. My manager thinks I’m the best thing since sliced bread. This is KEY to the plan. Next, I’m going to ask for a leave of absence for one month to go to CA and be with my family. Coincidently my Grandmother is aging and I’ve been wanting to spend time with her as well, which is the reason for this leave- feel free to invent a grandmother.

   I’m going to CA to be with family, live at a friend’s house for a month, eat Grandma’s food and write. My main job durring this month will be to get enough freelance jobs lined up so that I don’t have to go back to the 7-8 grind ever again. If it doesn’t work, well then at least I tried and I’ve *hopefully* got that other job to go back to. If it does work, I’ve done the sepearation from work (saying goodby to clients, wraping up unfinished contracts, etc.) and I won’t miss it.

   Thanks Jodee for your website which has made this plan possible. I’d NEVER have considered it otherwise… Here’s hopping I can truly learn to live by my pen (or keyboard).
   -Susan

7. Mary Says:
   November 1st, 2007 at 11:37 pm

   “the last time I had six months of expenses set aside was six months before I was born.”

   That’s hilarious, Phil…and oh so painfully true! Nice to know misery has company

8. moonslice Says:
   November 2nd, 2007 at 12:51 am

   I’m so tired of seeing writing jobs where you’re required to know Excel. I hate that program. I won’t apply for any jobs that require it. (ie, Internet copywriter)

   Anyone else feel this way?

9. Jodee Says:
   November 2nd, 2007 at 2:21 am

   @Hayli Morrison & Chandra: You are welcome. I try to find a variety of opportunities.

   @ Amy Derby Thank you!

10. Jodee Says:
    November 2nd, 2007 at 2:22 am

    And thank you Susan!

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