Famines and Feasts; Droughts and Deluges: The Roller-Coaster, “What-The Heck-I$-Next” World of the Business Freelancer!

Famines and Feasts; Droughts and Deluges:

The Roller-Coaster, "What-The Heck-I$-Next" World of the Business Freelancer!

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Declaring Independence:

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So you want to become a freelancer? Great! You are about to begin reaping the many rewards of leaving behind the traditional workplace!

Yup, kiss long commutes "goodbye." Say Sayonara to filling up your gas tank twice a week. Hasta la vista to workplace politics. Arivaderchi to a business suit and tie. Make sure to tell your cranky, miserable boss what you think of him or her as you depart the office for the last time. And get ready to spend your lunch-break getting out and seeing the world (I choose to spend mine walking our two Canaan-dogs through the forest which surrounds our home…and pausing on a bench to indulge in Ireland’s finest: a pint of Guinness).

Yup, become a work-from-home freelancer and just as the American Colonists did to George III and the British Empire…

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…declare your independence!

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We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and never having to work my butt off for peanuts while you take all of the credit!

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So you’ve gone ahead and done it! Perhaps you woke up this morning, thoughts of the classic movie Network in your head; you opened up your bedroom window, leaned out your head…and screamed at the top of your lungs "I’m mad as HELL and I’m not gonna take it anymore!" Then you proceeded to walk into your boss’s office and called him/her a piece of…

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Aw darn! I was just about to tell you not to do it like that!

You’ve made the biggest mistake possible…the same one I made. Freelancing should be a gradual transition, not one done spontaneously. You’ve gotta keep your regular job and ease your way into the freelance world. Yes, freelancing demands building up a customer and networking base prior to kissing your only source of income "goodbye!"

Why?

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The Freelancing Roller Coaster:

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Freelancing is a great life! You’re your own boss. You rely on yourself. You work when you want to work. You take breaks when you want to. Sound great?

There’s only one drawback. It’s now time to sink or swim.

And back to the title of this article: "Feasts and Famines…Droughts and Deluges!"

 I myself have had months when prospective customers and clients filled my Inbox to the point of overflowing. Yup…those months when I had enough to pay bills, take the wife out for some great candlelit dinners, some treats for the dogs and enough to fix the car (which seems to break down monthly).

 And I’ve had months when I barely managed to squeak by.

 And yes, Dear Prospective Freelancer: I’ve had months, especially in the beginning, when I sat by the phone waiting for that elusive call that never came. Checking my Inbox twenty, forty, eighty times a day…only to find it empty. Yes. I’ve had several months where the grand total of my earnings was $0.00.

 13 months into my career as a freelance writer, my average month is best categorized as "getting by." But then again, nobody that I know has expectations of becoming rich in this world. I guess it’s the price to be paid for freedom and independence.

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Never forget either to take into account the scourge of freelancers everywhere…yup, the dreaded DOWNTIME! Just finished a project? Then you’ll be waiting for that next client to contact you. Could take an hour. Could take a day. Could be weeks.

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No Guarantees:

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Nope: none, nada, zilch! No guarantees in the world of freelancing. Looking for financial stability? Perhaps this world is not for you. Looking for certainty? Don’t give up your day job or your cubicle just yet.

Looking for a car loan or mortgage? Just wait for the loan officer to ask you that infamous question: "How much do you earn each month Sir/Madam?" And you can give them that same answer I gave just seconds before being laughed at and told "Sir, come back when you get a ‘real job’." Yes, that answer…"Well, sometimes $2,000 a month, sometimes $200 a month."

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Freelancing is a wonderful life. Truth be told, I wouldn’t give up my freedom for anything.

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The decision to become a freelancer, however, necessitates forethought and a lot of planning.

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You need a great resume, testimonials and an operational portfolio.

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Without these three items, your chances of getting hired are slim indeed!

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The decision to become a freelancer should not be done spontaneously, impulsively or on a whim.

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Remember…it’s a world of "Feast or Famine!"

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Dear Reader: Thanks for stopping by! If you’ve enjoyed this original article, please consider giving it a "Retweet." I’d be most appreciative!

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Looking for a writer  yonatan@executive-penmanship.com

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Yonatan Maisel is a business blogger, history buff and author.

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If you’re looking for a "lap-dog," look elsewhere; if you’re looking for a writer who will "kick ass and take names," he might be for you! 

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Yoni started a business blog one year ago. 90% of his new clients now find their way to him as a direct result of having read one or more posts. He is a regular contributor here at www.jobshuk.com.

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Image Credits:  RollerCoaster Cartoon: cashflowrollercoater.com; Declaration of Independence: cdn.indyposted.com;  Reality Check: freelife101.files.wordpress.com;  Swear Word: mrbarlow.files.wordpress.com;  Roller Coaster: filegets.com/screenshots;  Rolling Dice; Feast: targetwoman.com; Famine: cosmosmagazine.com; Dollar Sign: 1.bp.com; American Patriots: ksssar.org