In today's tumultuous economic climate, it's hard not to be impacted by the things that are going on around us, no matter where we hang our hats and call home.
Though comparatively some areas have it better than others, and some industries are hurting less in terms of unemployment and a decline in business, I think that we can all attest to the fact that we are headed for some "challenging" times.
For those of us that are freelancers, our dynamics may be a little bit different.
But that doesn't mean that we are immune to the devastation of the day.
Which brings me to these relevant questions...
How are your freelancing finances? Are you taking on projects you wouldn't have in the past?
Are you finding less work?
Are clients paying later? Less money?
Are you more inclined to seek the security of a "9 to 5" from fear?
Are you living "leaner and meaner"?
Or are you pretty much the same as you have been?
I'd love to hear your thoughts.
Talk to me and let me know what's on your mind.
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I would like to pick up more freelance projects. Would also like to get a paid blog position. Haven't been as aggressive in my pursuits lately; my collaborative project with a friend has taken most of my time. I keep thinking that more time will open up once I finish this or that...so far that's not happened. :)
ReplyDeleteHi Karen,
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing, and for starting the discussion off. I feel ya'. Who wouldn't like more freelance projects? :-)But you have hit the nail on the head when you talk about time management and juggling.
If there's a way I can help you to make more progress, let me know.
First start with a game plan and some goals, if you haven't already. :-)
Yeah, the economy certainly sucks. I'm a CS major looking for a job and struggling to find one. I'm not a writer, but I will say people are hesitant to spend unless your expertise can clearly win them over. I don't really have an established network either and I keep personal projects on my to do list so I'm always busy.
ReplyDeleteThough some people have terrific networks and they say that even now, they have plenty of work. It just depends on how well your name is already out there and how strong your professional network is I suppose.
Daquan,
ReplyDeleteGreat feedback. You're right--money is tight. People are definitely holding on to their money more, and proving one's value is crucial to cultivating business. It takes time to build a professional network. Keep forging forward, things will turn around soon. :-)
Good to hear from you.
Freelancing was pretty thin last year--my clients' budgets were being cut, so monthly publications were cut to quarterly, quarterly publications were cut completely. Also, a couple of my clients went from a 30-day payment cycle to a 60-day. (Grrrr...) I had a number of editors tell me they really wished they could hire me, because they were just having to do all the work themselves, but they just didn't have the funds.
ReplyDeleteThings aren't back to 2007-2008 levels this year, but they're better. Budgets are still tight, but they may be loosening up a bit.
Hi there, Julie,
ReplyDeleteHappy to hear from you today. I agree--budgets are tight, but hopefully things will get better for everyone in this industry soon. :-) Thanks for chiming in.
I do get a lot of work, but the payment per hour is really less. I am juggling my sites and freelance writing, but at the end of the day I find myself working more for them and less for myself. But something is better than nothing though as a day-job pretty much means that my online ventures are killed. I can never stand to see that.
ReplyDeleteES,
ReplyDeleteThanks for writing. Keep up the "good fight". Most times, "something is better than nothing."