The Decision Not to Freelance
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.
Posted
on
Friday, September 28th, 2007 at 5:07 am under
Deb,
Congratulations for the job offer and good luck with the decision making. I wish for you all the best. I just hope you’ll still keep this blog running if/when you decide to leave freelancing.
Thanks for everything!
September 28th, 2007 at 5:21 amGood luck Deb and congratulations! I think it’s the right decision. At least, I would have done the same.
September 28th, 2007 at 5:59 amDeb,
Congrats on the new job. Like everyone else who visits daily, I’m selfish enough to want you to continue this blog no matter what else you have on your plate.
September 28th, 2007 at 6:05 amKeep us posted on how things work out in the one employer vs. multiple clients front. I’m sure it’s something everyone has considered at one time or another.
Hope every thing works out great!
Thanks guys, nothing is in stone and nothing’s been accepted. You can rest assured that no matter what I’m doing, I’ll keep this blog going.
I’m giving Jodee a break for October, but if I do go full time, at least I know I can leave my baby in Jodee’s capable hands and not have to worry about a thing.
September 28th, 2007 at 6:10 amCongrats on having the choice to make.
Even though I’ve been very successful in freelance over the last 16 years, I was almost without healthcare a couple of years ago. Medical issues from 40 years ago disqualify me from many policies I’ve have had some high costs this year for a daughter’s illnesses and injuries (on an 80/20 plan and 20 percent of a lot is still a lot). That’s just medical. My dentist, my age, just retired. I and my family contributed greatly to that over the last 20 years.
The challenge in getting health care coverage has had me consider going back into the work force once in a while.
After a slow summer, business is firing on all cylinders now, so a “job” isn’t a current consideration. But I can’t dismiss it out of hand due to the health care issue.
While I won’t get as political as another poster has on another blog, I will urge anyone here to vote with health care in mind during the 2008 elections.
September 28th, 2007 at 6:20 amDeb, congratulions on the job offer. The one potential problem you should also consider is that, if this job doesn’t work out after a couple of months, you’ll have to work hard to get your freelance business in full swing again. As you say, this is your favourite client. But the person hiring you may move on in a year /two/three, bringing on someone else you may not work smoothly with.
I also think that being an employee sometimes changes the dynamic of a relationship.
September 28th, 2007 at 6:55 amDeb,
I believe all things happen for a reason. This opportunity came along at a time when you were ready to consider it. Client X wouldn’t have asked for a proposal if he wasn’t interested in having you on the team.
A big thank you for the public vote of confidence about looking after your baby for you…you have always been most generous and supportive. Of course, I will be there if/when you need me after my break in October.
I know you will keep all of us posted and I’m keeping my fingers crossed that you will get this position.
September 28th, 2007 at 6:56 amI’m a big believer that everything happens for a reason - we just don’t always know what that reason is.
I began being a work-at-home person through full time employment. I transitioned from being a telecommuting employee to freelance work. I’m not against becoming someone’s employee again, but now’s not the time. However, if the right offer came along, I’d not say no.
Good luck with whatever happens.
September 28th, 2007 at 7:15 amWhew. When I first began reading I thought this blog might be leaving us. Yes, selfish am I.
Congratulations on having a decision to make, that says alot about the quality of your work. I look forward to hearing what happens for you.
September 28th, 2007 at 7:52 amI’ve been freelancing fulltime for the past two months, ever since getting laid off from my day job. am currently looking for a day job to help with the bills until i can get enough free lance to go fulltime. Many clients I encounter fall into two groups: they pay little because that’s all they can afford with their publication being a start-up or they pay little because they have this mythical idea that good writing is easy to do.
Money’s very tight right now, but I really do enjoy the freedom of freelance. Used to work one job where the boss constantly micromanaged and had this habit of ignoring the crucial issues at work while majoring on the minors. Don’t miss that at all.
September 28th, 2007 at 7:53 amOh Deb, I think this is a great opportunity. Sounds like the best of both worlds — stable income, but flexible and you get to work from home. I’m not sure if freelancing is going to be forever for me, but for now I’m enjoying the time with my kids and don’t miss that cubicle life one bit! Best of luck!
September 28th, 2007 at 8:20 amRichard,
Best of luck. I started freelancing 16 years ago when my job went away, with the idea it was a stop gap til I got another job. My wife was five months pregnant, so I was very concerned.
Six months later I was asked to go downtown for an interview and I told them I couldn’t afford to — I was making too much running my own (writing) business.
So it may take a while, but if you go after it hard (”failure is not an option” attitude), you can do well in writing.
September 28th, 2007 at 8:30 amYou’re a winner in my eyes either way, Deb!
If you accept this full-time offer then you have the stability you crave, and you can always do other projects in your spare time.
The only downside is committing yourself to a ‘lifetime’ of blogging for the same company. And what if you want to change direction in a year or two?
Okay, they may not of meant a lifetime but make sure you read any form of contract carefully before signing(no doubt you will of course).
The ideal solution would be to take that offer and see how you feel in the next 6 months or so. The freedom to choose is the best solution in my book
September 28th, 2007 at 8:34 amI agree with Jodee. I, too, believe everything happens for a reason. This has come to you when you feel you needed income stability. The best part of it is, you still have the same arrangements as when you were freelancing. Hope everything goes well on your end, Deb.
September 28th, 2007 at 9:14 amDear Deb,
I wish you all the best no matter what you do. Your listings have been very helpful to me.
However, I respectively disagree that you are not giving up on freelancing. I have been at it for 20+ years now, and in that time have been fortunate enough to publish numerous books for adults and children. The ability to write these books - research, writing, editing, etc. - only came because I was not committed to one particular job that required x-amount of time per day. I could juggle things around when necessary, depending upon deadlines. That, to me, is what it means to take freelancing to another level - having the ability to do something that you couldn’t possibly do otherwise.
I fear that you will find the requirements of working fulltime for someone quite exhausting. It will sap your writing energy, leaving you little time for any other writing work. Gradually you may find yourself dropping your other clients because you simply don’t have the will to write day and night and deal with ther other requirements of life. Eventually you will find yourself working fulltime just for the one client, and isn’t that just about the same as being in an office 9-5?
That was my experience when I tried fulltime devotion to one client. As you can imagine over my 20+ years, the opportunity to do so has come up several times. Each time I took it, only to regret it down the road as the fulltime requirements became more and more pressing. My experience has been that even though you’re freelance, a fulltime employer expects you to act for them in a fulltime manner in all respects. As one person has already noted, it is very difficult to then reassemble the pieces of a freelance career if you decide to try and go back.
I believe that before you make the decision to fulltime it or not, you must ask yourself what your goal is as a writer. Is it to make a steady income? Is it to write that book or books that you’ve always wanted to do? Or is it something else?
I believe that when you answer that question you’ll know what to do. Again, I wish you all success in whatever direction you decide to go.
September 28th, 2007 at 9:16 amRuss - You may be right. I may absolutely hate this! Here’s what I know for sure:
- I love this client. We worked together on several projects and if I would ever consider freelancing for anyone, it would be his team.
- I will be blogging and I will be blogging topics I enjoy.
- I’m sure I will be giving up at least one freelance gig. My full time job has to come first.
- My family has to come first. My goal was to work at home before my son began school. Now he’s in kindergarten and I’ve far exceeded my expectations. I don’t mind not freelancing, I do mind the 9 to 5 in an office routine.
- Will I regret my decision? I can’t say for sure. This could be the best thing to ever happen, or I may find myself miserable a year from now. Just as when I left the security of a full time job to freelance, I feel it’s important to take risks sometimes.
As I said before, nothing has been approved and I may not even get the gig. I do believe this is the right thing for me and my family right now. I’ll keep you posted.
September 28th, 2007 at 9:27 amI know plenty of people who were full time freelancers but went back to the security of a single employer with benefits. You do what you have to do. In your case, you’d be switching freelancing for telecommuting, and freelancing would have to become an activity balanced into your schedule. It can be done. I did that balancing for years.
September 28th, 2007 at 9:44 amAfter reading Russ’s post, I tend to agree.
I worked full-time several years for one company, and it did become very tiring. I was up early and working into the evenings on a regular basis, depending on the each day’s work load. It could be different for you though if you will have a set schedule.
The company was very good when I wanted to work part-time because it has quite a large writing team. Every so often the contractor asks writers if they want to maintain their current work load or rearrange.
Now, I have more time to pursue my creative writing projects
September 28th, 2007 at 9:49 amAnyone who complains instead of congratulating you is just plain silly. If I hadn’t been laid off, I’d still be happy at my own telecommuting job!
So congratulations on the new job, and I hope it goes well
September 28th, 2007 at 9:56 amDeb, I do believe that even though you end up hating it, it’ll at least be easy for you to go back to full-time freelancing since you’ll still maintain the same working arrangement. Hate it or love it, it will come later. What matters is that you think this is the right move for your family. ♥
September 28th, 2007 at 10:03 amI must be the exception rather than the rule here. I didn’t really select freelance writing, it selected me. I am a long time writer who has had difficulty landing a full-time (office) job. I would jump for the right full-time opportunity. Freelancing is a lot like a sales job–unsteady income.
September 28th, 2007 at 10:04 amAnyone who complains instead of congratulating you is just plain silly. If I hadn’t been laid off, I’d still be happy at my own telecommuting job!
So congratulations on the new job, and I hope it goes well
…No one’s complaining
People are just sharing their experiences.
What ever you decide, I’m sure you’ll do a fab job
September 28th, 2007 at 10:05 amPaul, I also had difficulties finding a full-time job before. When I graduated from college, i was supposed to take to take a job as a research scientist but I changed my mind. I tried finding jobs in magazines and newspapers, but as someone with a science degree, it was a lost cause. So, I decided to take a chance in freelancing
September 28th, 2007 at 10:16 amCongrats on the offer!
I struggle with freelancing daily, and I have to admit–if I were given a full-time job offer, I would most likely take it (depending on the job, of course). $$ is a big factor for me, and I know that while it’s more important to be happy than to be a millionaire, it’s equally important to be able to pay my bills and contribute to the household bills as well. It’s a daily struggle, and I often wondered if I was alone in the struggle, so I thank you for posting this
September 28th, 2007 at 10:17 amJobs come and go, too–we all know that. Esp if we head into a recession. These exploitive Craigs fees have almost deepsixed this business! You should do what’s right for your family–you always know you can restart all this if you have to.
September 28th, 2007 at 10:35 amI resisted freelancing full-time for 15 years. I saw too many of my friends struggling with finances or health problems to risk it. But those 15 years gave me the contacts I needed when I set out on my own, and my wife’s job provides medical insurance, so it all worked out.
Would I go back to a full-time job? Sure, but the benefits of working from home on my own schedule mean the salary would have to be pretty high.
September 28th, 2007 at 10:49 amCongratulations, Deb!
It sounds like an ideal situation to me, especially since you can work from home and still be there for your little guy. If you can still keep some of your freelancing work on the side, even better. I’m happy for you and hope you get it.
September 28th, 2007 at 11:03 amCongrats Deb! Good luck with whatever you decide.
September 28th, 2007 at 12:02 pmCongratulations. I would do the same thing if I could.
I just cancelled a job interview that would require business formal dress! Ugh. I applied for the stability, but after learning about the dress I had to back out.
I’m still looking for something to go with freelance to be more stable. I don’t blame you at all.
September 28th, 2007 at 12:21 pmI still say pantyhose are evil, Peggy!
Good luck, Deb! =D
September 28th, 2007 at 12:45 pmLOL. I also canceled a job interview before because they wanted me to come in business attire (which is understandable but still…). Maybe someday.
September 28th, 2007 at 1:18 pmMariella,
I work in business attire every day. Of course, my business attire is sweats!
September 28th, 2007 at 1:23 pmDeb, Are you a mind reader? You always talk about EXACTLY what I am going through (LOL). I love freelance, but miss the stability (and social benefits).
Good luck on your choice. Whatever you do, make it great.
September 28th, 2007 at 1:54 pmHaha @ Phil!
Me too! My “business attire” is Victoria’s Secret Pink collection and Juicy, which aren’t so fashionable for someone who covers fashion.
Deb- Congrats! I think this sounds like an ideal situation for you, and I wish you all of the best.
September 28th, 2007 at 1:54 pmLOL! Indeed. Why let anyone else tell us otherwise
September 28th, 2007 at 1:56 pmCasual dress suits me fine… been there, done that and worn the trouser suit! Now it’s time for comfy style
September 28th, 2007 at 2:06 pmI hope you don’t mind guys but I want to do a smiley test so here goes, whether it will work or not… I dunno!
:^O ]:)
September 28th, 2007 at 4:00 pmawww…it doesn’t work, shell. Just like &stars; doesn’t work
September 28th, 2007 at 4:14 pmCongrats and good luck, Deb! Sounds like an ideal situation for you and your family.
September 28th, 2007 at 6:17 pmGood for you Deb, I would jump on an offer like that
September 28th, 2007 at 8:31 pmIt’s a tough call, choosing between the freedom of freelancing and the security of a full-time gig. Many times, I’ve ended up splitting the difference, and usually ended up stressing myself out. My wife is presently in law school, so it behooves me to keep as steady an income as possible, but the job I took to do that is not what I’d hoped, so I’m 99% sure I’ll be back in full-time freelancing by this time next week. Having a steady gig helps, as does projects with good money attached, but it’s still a worry.
Mariella - I didn’t have quite the same experience as you concerning a degree, but I understand where you’ve been. When I interviewed for a copy editor job at a local newspaper (a job I held for 2 1/2 years), the part of my resume that gave them the most pause was my mathematics degree. Now that it’s paired with a master’s in creative writing, I get the funny looks from everyone now.
September 28th, 2007 at 10:01 pmCongratulations on the job offer, Deb! I’m glad you’ll keep the blog running regardless. Three cheers for distractions!
Honestly, I wouldn’t have left my full time job had I not had my husband’s health insurance available. Since I’m diabetic, health insurance is my biggest concern — even before income.
I had one client offer me full-time work, but I turned it down. I felt it wasn’t practical, as I didn’t feel his business was stable or lucrative enough. Also, he was extremely needy, and I knew full-time would turn into round-the-clock pretty quickly if I didn’t watch it.
I made the right decision on that one. The work came in fits and starts after that — definitely not reliable enough for full time. I ended up “firing” that client for his neediness.
Although I prefer freelancing at the moment, I think if it were the right client I might decide otherwise. But they’d have to be pretty freaking cool.
September 28th, 2007 at 10:39 pmBrandon>> I think mathematics and creative writing make a great combination. It gives one’s life a balance.
September 29th, 2007 at 3:22 amDeb-
September 29th, 2007 at 12:06 pmLike others have said, congrats on having the choice to make. I’m a newbie. I don’t have any business yet. ( Yet, as in, You’re ELigible, Too)I am talented, I know I just have to find my niche and my break. Thank you for doing this blog. I do appreciate it very much. I have one little question- are the ads on this blog from good, ok companies? Or are they just from whichever company will pay to advertise here? I don’t mean any harm, I just was wondering because I might like to reply to the literary agency on here, but I’m not sure if I should take it that they are reputable just because they are on here. Though I am sure there must be SOMETHING to them, or they wouldn’t be on here.Any info at all would be deeply appreciated. Thanks
Hi Mary,
Most of the ads in this blog are gathered by Jodee after trolling many different job boards. There will be, of course, shady ones mixed with the bunch, but many of us here have gotten great gigs from the leads Jodee posts. I guess you just have to practice caution and due diligence all the time when dealing with potential clients. It’s all up to you if you’ll make it work. I don’t know if that helps but good luck!
September 29th, 2007 at 1:37 pmCongratulations, Deb,
It sounds like a great offer - especially great because it sounds like you can change your mind after a while if you get sick of it.
I think there is such thing as a freelancer personality, which most of us here possess, in which we don’t like being told what to do, we don’t like telling other people what to do, and we like the flexibility of being able to snap out of something and into something else when we get bored (and yes, we do get bored!). We value our personal autonomy to an extreme, and know that rolling with the punches is the price we pay for that. And, if we can to go to work in our pajamas, well shoot, that’s pretty much the definition of heaven.
But, ahhh, the lure of the steady gig… is it a siren song?
I don’t think so. You’ll do great, Deb.
September 29th, 2007 at 3:44 pmMary -
September 29th, 2007 at 4:21 pmIf you’re referring to the ads in the blog posts then I completely agree with what Mariella has said. However, if you’re referring to the ads appearing in a column to the right of the blog posts, those are randomly generated by Google. They’re not necessarily companies Deb, or other writers for that matter, would endorse.
Congrats!
I’d love to have one steady job. It’s the flexibility that I need so that I can pick up my kids every day at school. I’d love to be able to do that and have just one job.
So your goal and mine are really the same, and I’m very happy you got what you needed. Mazeltov!
September 29th, 2007 at 4:57 pmI think as a freelancer you’ve got to learn strategize. Always thinking about the future, our next step… our best move… is this a game of chess I hear you ask?
My freelance strategy is to maintain my business writing role, and keep my (multiple) creative projects on the sideline. Of course, when I become a famous novelist, I will up my game plan
The best strategy I can envisage with your situation Deb, is to always have something to fall back on, like you’ve already said there will always be other blogging opportunities out there for you.
Meanwhile, it makes financial sense to jump at the opportunity being offered to you and then review it in 6 months or a year’s time.
If it’s all positive then stick with it… as I mentioned before, I think we all thrive on choices… I love choices, don’t you?
September 29th, 2007 at 5:06 pmDeb, if you get the offer and take the job, I’m sure you will be extremely successful. Just follow your instinct and decide what’s best for you and your family. If you find after some time that the job is too restrictive or not creative enough an outlet, you know you can always go back to multiple freelance jobs. You have already been successful, so you know you can do it.
Good luck, whatever you decide.
–Kori
September 29th, 2007 at 9:55 pmI 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.
September 30th, 2007 at 7:58 amMary>> good luck on your prospects
September 30th, 2007 at 9:29 amShell> 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
September 30th, 2007 at 3:29 pmMariella,
September 30th, 2007 at 3:34 pmEver 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!
September 30th, 2007 at 9:29 pmShell>> 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 
October 1st, 2007 at 7:32 amargee, 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~!
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