They used to say, “You know you work at a Dot-Com when you eat from the best restaurant in town the vending machine down the hall in the same week.” Working as a freelancer isn’t all that different. The wonderful picture, working in a cafe, sipping my lovely beverage, sun shining through the window with music filling my ears, is all true. Even the day itself, with a flexible working schedule and calendar, and being my own boss – it’s all true. My stress level is much lower. My relationship with Nikki has greatly improved. Frankly, it’s all rather lovely.
When you are getting paid. When you’re looking for work or hoping for a check in the mail, it can be terrible. Fielding recruiter calls, putting on the dog and pony show during an interview, stressing about making it to the interview on time – I despise this part of my job. You’re being evaluated – judged, the potential value you might bring being weighed against your daily rate. What is that other person thinking? Are they wondering whether I’m any good? Have they had a bad experience with contractors in the past? Is he actually a bit pissed off that his department didn’t get this work and the company has to call in a third-party? All these questions add a bitter, neurotic flavor to interviews and getting new clients that is simultaneously exhausting.
No one will pay you for rebuilding your machine because Windows is crap, for training that you actually need to get more contracts, for a new hard drive when yours finally dies, and all of the other accompanying costs. But my laptop is a bit like my right hand now; I care for it like my glasses and need it just as much. I love learning new technology and regularly learn new tech that has little or nothing to do with my job. And all of these things, these costs, are now tax deductible.
So bring on the clients and I’ll be happy. Bring on the flexible but unpredictable schedule, the weird hours and full project control, the working in cafes and free wifi. It’s imperfect but it’s mine. And today, at least, it makes me very happy.
Posted by: Kate
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