The Minimalistic Office
Robert’s minimalistic officeAlthough working freelance means freedom from that vile cubicle, a proper workspace is still a necessity. But finding such a place can be a challenge, especially for someone starting out with limited funds.
In my case, I share a small apartment with two other people, which makes space even more scarce. I can’t afford to rent office space (though on some days, the nearby public library works well) so what is a freelancer to do?
The solution for me: commandeer the coffee table! It’s the most minimalistic, yet functional solution I could find.
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A Writer’s Guide to Freelance Blogging
Selling the written word is precarious business these days. We regularly hear about declining circulations, layoffs in newsrooms and magazines folding.
So what’s a freelance writer to do?
Consider science fiction writer Tobias Buckell.
Last year, Buckell found out his job at a university was on the chopping block. Finding a new job would have required moving, plus it would mean his wife would also have to search for a new employer. Having spent nearly a decade writing in his personal blog, he decided to become a freelance blogger.
He scoured job boards, Google and anywhere else he might possibly find openings, mostly catching ones that paid very little. But persistence paid off and after a few months, he landed a few paid-posting gigs and was able to make a livable income.
This is the age of Media 2.0 and there are plenty of opportunities as a professional blogger.
The Tao of To-Do Lists
by contributor Robert Janelle
Hi, my name is Robert and I am a slacker.
This is a problem, particularly for a freelancer who doesn’t have an angry boss who yells when you’re not working. A few months ago, I realized I need to knock off the bad habits and start becoming more productive.
For me, the first step in slacker rehab was to replace the angry boss with a to-do list.
A list of tasks is simple, yet incredibly powerful. The question, “What should I be doing right now?” is answered by glancing at the list. Get distracted? A look back at the list and you know where you were going.
Plus, there’s the endorphin rush that comes from crossing off tasks as they’re completed. The feeling is even better when you realize there’s nothing left on the list.
Of course, the to-list becomes useless if it’s neglected, like deferring tasks without adding them to a new list list or forgetting to add tasks as they come up. It would be similar to your boss not caring if you finish the project or not.
Getting Past Your Fear of Pitching
Sometimes you just have to jump…As a freelancer, getting gigs often means pitching your ideas to potential clients. This is especially true for writers like myself. However, what holds many aspiring freelancers back is fear.
Personally, I’ve held back many of my ideas for fear of looking foolish to the potential client, but certainly the big one for most is simply fear of rejection.
Because of my fears I’ve spent a lot of time only pitching articles that I knew would be accepted (mostly business stories for small trade publications) even though it means fewer jobs and nights working in a call center to pay the rent.
Then while reading newspapers and magazines on shift, I’d see articles, usually personal essays, that were less than impressive and couldn’t believe someone got paid to write that drivel.
“Why?” was always what I would ask.
