This week marks my one year anniversary of being on my own: for work, for money, for something to fill the hours previously spent sitting in a cubicle on the 6th floor of a University of Phoenix tower off 32nd Street. Prior to this, I had been writing off and on for clients: as a reporter for the now-defunct Ocotillo News, as a columnist on theme park history and points of interests for WestCoaster, and for Paper Models, Inc. I also managed to release two books (Churches, Pubs & Hostels and Dichotomies & Hypocrisies), publish a photography book, work on an independent film, and co-edit a short-lived literary journal.
I had been tempted to go full-time in freelancing for awhile, but there is something appealing and tempting in staying in a comfortable office job – even though it wasn’t exactly a right fit for me (I worked in financial services – full of spreadsheets and collection calls). Suddenly, my job was up in the air during a period of massive layoffs. I couldn’t have picked a worse time, financially speaking, to begin freelancing. The economy had just tanked and I had virtually no savings built up to act as a net. Like most beginning freelancers, I scrounged Craigslist looking for work.
After a few months, and some horribly low-paying writing gigs on topics that made me cringe with boredom, things began to change. I networked, continued trying anything and everything, and built up my professional portfolio. An essential part of this was the chance to work with some personal and professional contacts that I had previously made. Maybe it was being in the right place at the right time. But these relationships (none of which were born out of a desire for work) led to two very fulfilling projects: the chance to create some whimsical and creative marketing pieces for my friends at redPear and a chance to work with Disney in some storyline developments. These are still relationships that continue to grow, and I am blessed to be working with extremely fine individuals in both companies.
It sounds very over-used, but it is true: if there aren’t opportunities, you must create them. A friend of mine, Jennifer Maggiore, began to expand her marketing and consulting business and tap some of her friends who were great at what they do to be apart of it. I was lucky enough to be one of those people. In April, I also joined with Brandon Willey to create PackFlat – making our own opportunities here, we are launching a series of online guidebooks. I also go out of my way now to help people develop and create their ideas – and while these ideas may or may not benefit me professionally (or financially), this true investment in relationships often leads to work and referrals down the road. People don’t forget those who helped them or spoke with them early on. I also believe in working pro bono on a select basis if you believe in the projects and the people. In turn, I try to involve those closest to me in my projects whenever possible.
The downsides to working for yourself in this matter, and pursuing the entrepreneurial spirit, are many. Financial stability can, at times, be a bit erratic. You have to look out for your own employment, benefits, and financial well being at great length. Office hours and space (while enjoyably flexible) can be a challenge. Crafting a time when you’re not working can be difficult – that is, if you’re like me, and you have trouble separating the times of work and relaxation and not pursuing things when you have downtime at home. You’re always juggling multiple projects – there’s never an end to the all-important to-do list. These are all things, however, that you can learn to adjust over time (that is if you want to remain sane).
I’m often asked questions from people who want to go the solo career route – and the truth is, it’s incredibly rewarding but incredibly difficult at times. I can’t believe an entire year has passed. But the amazing people I’ve had the pleasure to work with, both in Phoenix and Los Angeles, have made the journey invaluably rewarding. And now, after a year, there’s no thought of going back to anything else. This is who I am. This is what I do. Failure or laziness is not an option; to make any kind of self-employment work, there’s two ingredients: great people and incredible passion. You can control both, and they both take work, but these two ingredients will forever change your life and how you view “work” – and subsequently – life.
-WJNM