Notes from the Freelance Life

Since taking the plunge and going full-time with freelance writing, I’ve learned a lot about the process.  It’s easy to get discouraged when the turn around is often slow and it feels like I should have everything figured out by now.  Here’s what I’ve learned:

1. Get the right equipment. All the books advise this, and while I thought I had my desk space organized enough, it has been a huge distraction.  The chair I use is uncomfortable after I sit in it for several hours.  My computer is over six years old, which slows me down sometimes.
2. Set up an organizational system immediately. I didn’t want to spend much time planning because usually I spend too much time doing just that and not enough getting to work.  This strategy backfired.  I’ve set up a make-shift system, but I don’t think that will last.
3. Narrow your focus. When I started, I thought I’d write anything at all.  The idea was to keep my options open and cast my net wide.  Well, what sounds good in theory does not always work in practice.  I would start on a project and convince myself of a certain direction.  The next day I’d have a new plan and direction.  This is no way to finish projects.  I’ve decided to focus on magazine writing (online and print) for now.  Then, when I have a handle on that, I can branch out.  Fiction will continue, of course.
4. It’s hard to stay on task without projects. When you’re just beginning, and the majority of your time is spent on marketing/start-up efforts, it’s difficult to be efficient.  Research and query letters take time, but they don’t generate articles immediately.  It’s hard to have the motivation to start from scratch with each query.  So I decided to submit essays on spec while I wait to hear from editors.  Some of these don’t pay well, but it’s nice to write a full article or essay in between query letters.
5. Finish what you start. I think my progress has slowed considerably because I get excited about several projects while I’m in the middle of other ones.  I’ll have multiple ideas and query letters in the works, but never get them out because I put them on hold to start something else.  Another reason this happens is because I want everything to be perfect, so in the middle of a query letter, I’ll decide that the magazine is not one I could work for again and again, and therefore, not the best investment of my time.  That logic is good eventually, but right now, anything at all is better than a stack of half-finished letters.
6. Stay social. I prefer to solitude to crowds, so in the past I’ve guarded my time.  Now, I find myself without a lot of social interaction, which makes it difficult to work.  Don’t ignore the advice to fill up your weeknights and weekends.  Your sanity will thank you.
7. But don’t be too social. One of the perks of self-employment is setting your own schedule.  However, little by little, you may find yourself giving up your time boundaries because it’s more convenient to meet during your work hours.  Most people don’t understand why you can’t talk on the phone or meet during the time you should be working.  After all, you can make up the time later, right?  Don’t blame this on others, though.  It’s far too easy to get bored or starved for conversation and compromise your work hours.
8. Create boundaries between work and play. This is one that I have yet to figure out.  I began wanting to get an early start on the day, but before long, I found (much to my surprise) that I was more productive in the evenings.  One thing led to another, and I found myself working throughout the entire day, but not productively.  A half hour here, an hour there, squeeze in some work between pleasure reading or a run.  Soon it feels like I should always be working and I feel guilty for not.  But then I’m not getting as much accomplished as I should be because I take frequent breaks.  Find a workable schedule and stick to it.  Work while at work, and after, if you think of something to do, write it down, but save it for working hours.
9. Remember that you’re starting a business. While I often feel like I’m not far enough along, I realize how much I’m learning about the business side of freelancing.  I have to learn about taxes and all that jazz.
10. You have to learn about yourself. You have to keep in mind that you will learn how you want your business to look and how you operate as a business person.  You may spend a few weeks learning to be self-motivated.  If you’re coming from the business world, you have to learn to work on your own without someone telling you what to do.  You have to be your own boss as well as your own employee.  What kind of training do you need?  What is your best working environment?  What are your goals and how can you achieve them?

What have you learned about yourself, freelance writing, or owning a small business?