Today I’m going to meet up with someone who is about to strike out on her own freelance adventure.
From what I’ve gathered, she’s a bit nervous, and is wondering if leaving her job is even the right decision in the first place.
My plan is to encourage her, and promote the freelance lifestyle.
Of course, I assume she is not four weeks pregnant and about to lose her “reliable” transportation.
Quitting my job less than a week before learning of my condition, along with the subsequent fatigue, nausea and preparing that comes with said joyous state, turned out to be a good thing. But I would not recommend it as a business plan. The main reason it was so excellent was that the job was causing me too much stress, and that’s not good for fetuses. It also gave me time to really prepare for the baby mentally, physically and in the home.
The Jeep dying… well, that was less of a happy accident.
BUT. If you have a work environment/schedule you hate, and have solid reasons to believe you could make some cash freelancing, go for it. And have these things ready at all times:
- The Internet
- A computer
- A plan for meeting local folks face to face if need be
- An updated resume and references list
- An online profile/portfolio
- Email that looks professional with a logical address and signature
- The willingness to close the Facebook tab
- Skype and a web cam
- Knowledge of freelance taxation stuff
- A plan for food and shelter should income suddenly run dry – seriously
There’s more, I’m sure. But these are what come to mind. I also recommend making time for healthy food prep and exercise. This can help you avoid becoming the stereotypical internet nerd who lives on coffee and ramen, and shows it in the eyes and waistline. Spending all your time making money online can be cool. Looking like you spend all of your time on the Internet is not. I say this because I love you.
Happy Friday!