Advocating for Freelancing
It doesn’t take a long visit to FreelanceSwitch to figure out that many of us were unhappy employees.
Some of us made dramatic exits from the job world–stomping out of the office after a fight with the boss, telling an especially demanding client exactly what you think of her micromanagement of your design work, or, on a Friday afternoon, walking out of that toxic waste dump of a workplace and making your weekend permanent.
Then there’s Daniel Pink, who was a White House speechwriter in the Clinton administration. His moment of truth came late on one of those muggy summer days for which Washington, D.C. is infamous. Following a meeting with Vice President Al Gore, Pink felt nauseated and light-headed. His health took a sudden, dramatic turn for the worse, and a doctor was summoned. The diagnosis was exhaustion.
Three weeks after collapsing in the Vice President’s waiting room, Pink celebrated the 4th of July by declaring his independence from employment. He’s been on his own ever since.
In 2001, Pink published Free Agent Nation, a book that documented the growing number of independent workers in the United States. While it made passing references to trades-people working as carpenters, plumbers, and electricians, much of the book was about people like us – tech-savvy freelancers who deal with remote clients. To this day, it stands as one of the key freelancing manifestos.
Through his book, Pink was doing something that I suggest that we all do: He was advocating for freelancing. The opportunities for doing so abound – and you don’t have to write a book.
For example, here in the United States, there’s quite a governmental effort to rev up job creation. So far, it isn’t going very well.
Now would be the perfect time for us to tell our elected representatives about our lives as freelancers, especially how we’ve been able to earn good livings without a job. And enjoy better lives.
If you’re freelancing parents, aren’t you glad that you can stay home and raise your children instead of having to drop them off at daycare on your way to work? Or let’s say you’re up in years, but you want (or need) to keep working. Instead of being turned down by employers who can’t see beyond your white hair, you’re freelancing just like your grandkids. Matter of fact, you and the grandkids have been known to team up on projects.
And let’s not forget that freelancing isn’t just for the tech-savvy. Know anyone in the trades? I know quite a few, and let me tell you something–the good tradespeople have more than enough work to do. Even in this economy.
After you’ve written your e-mails and letters and made phone calls to your elected reps, here’s something else for your advocacy to-do list: Write letters to the editors of your favorite publications. The letters are usually the most-read part of any publication, so if you’re looking to get your name out there, here’s an opportunity.
There’s another side to advocacy, and that is speaking up when things just aren’t right. Here in the United States, health care coverage is tied to employment. Most Americans get health insurance through their jobs, but guess what, we freelancers don’t have jobs.
As Daniel Pink said in Free Agent Nation, “America’s health insurance system is seriously and intrinsically flawed. It traps people who’d like to become independent in jobs they don’t want because leaving that job would mean losing its medical coverage. It makes the lives of those who are free agents more precarious because they have few options and limited bargaining power in the health insurance marketplace.”
A few months ago, I was one of the speakers at a health care reform rally. I spoke from my perspective as an over-50 freelancer with few options in Arizona’s individual health insurance market. This isn’t a good situation to be in, but that’s my reality. I finished my speech by saying, “Too bad that such things are allowed to happen in the richest country on earth.”
My speech was all but drowned out by rush hour traffic leaving Downtown Tucson, but I don’t regret making it. I know too many people in the same situation as I am. And I also know many job-trapped people who’d make terrific freelancers. I’d love to work with them on projects. So, I’m not just speaking up for myself – I’m speaking up for them too.
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Well Said… Martha
Freelancing is not a SIN. Its just another way of Life. For some its due to their PASSION, and for some its due to their NEED.
Well said… Martha.
Freelancing is not a SIN. Its just another way of Life. Some people do it to pursue their PASSION and some do it because of NEED
A great idea, advocating for freelancers of all disciplines. Having escaped my cubicle this past October has allowed me to grow as a freelancer. I agree that there are many, many others who just need the encouragement to make the move. The do more with less philosophy is going to be the pervasive business model for years to come. And if anyone believes that the business owners large or small, care about anything beyond their piece of the profit pie you are delusional and should probably be taking medication. Freelancers of the world unite!
Great article! I somewhat disagree with you, though, when you say people are “trapped” because they have good health insurance. In My case, an individual plan was cheaper for my family than what I was getting through my employer. Yes, I worked for a very small company, and I live in a different state which probably made a difference.
I guess what I’m mainly trying to say is, on one hand, leaving good health insurance may be a big barrier, but I wouldn’t say that a person is trapped by it. Each person is in control of his/her own life and carrier. If a person see’s himself as trapped, then his life is out of his control and he can’t do anything to change it.
Great article! I somewhat disagree with you, though, when you say people are “trapped” because they have good health insurance. In My case, an individual plan was cheaper for my family than what I was getting through my employer. Yes, I worked for a very small company, and I live in a different state which probably made a difference.
I guess what I’m mainly trying to say is, on one hand, leaving good health insurance may be a big barrier, but I wouldn’t say that a person is trapped by it. Each person is in control of his/her own life and carrier. If a person see’s himself as trapped, then his life is out of his control and he can’t do anything to change it. EVERYONE can take control and start to move life in the direction they want it.
I’d gladly advocate… just as soon as I make the leap into freelancing
I’m dying to do it. Just need to get a solid client base together along with a safety net fund.
Wonderful article! I’m a new freelancer who is enjoying all the perks (and that nasty healthcare drawback) you are talking about. I know so many people who are trapped exactly as you described. It’s a shame it’s so “risky” to break out on your own.
Very well done!
I started working for myself back in August and will never go back to being an employee again. I am an advocate for following your dreams. I mean you only have one life, right?
I started freelancing full-time since I left law school. That was the best decision I’ve ever made. Since then, everyone’s been asking if I had a job/applied for job/seeking for a job. Glad to tell them that I’m earning more than what I could possibly earn as a starting lawyer.
Telling my friends about what I do is my way of showing appreciation for my craft. I’m helping out a friend who just resigned from her job to start freelancing.
I’m glad you bring up the health care issue with freelancing… and a reminder to do something about it. I coincidentally ran into an article on the Fast Company which definitely got my attention on it.
A good ol’ letter to your state representatives is all that’s needed.
I can’t say I’m doing wonderful. This is my first time as a freelancer and I started after loosing my Job three months ago. I had no clients base and not to much on my bank account when I started, and I still dont have them, but I’m just starting and I’m getting paid for doing what I like… I’ll gladly advocate for freelancing… it makes you be productive, free and happy with what you do… Isn’t that the whole idea of living?
Just wanted to say greetings to a fellow Tucsonian, and great article.
Up in the article, I urged all of you to contact your elected representatives. Well, I’m here to tell you that I just talked back to the President of the United States. Again.
Here’s what I said:
I think it’s about time that the President and his Administration recognize that the focus on job creation is misguided. Why? Because a lot of the jobs that were lost during the current recession are not coming back.
This is not to say that there isn’t a lot of work to be done in this country. There is.
But there are plenty of things that can be done outside of the employment realm. Take my own situation as an example. I’m a freelance graphic designer and photographer. From my 90 square-foot home studio in Tucson, Arizona, I deal with clients all over the country. I’m also a staff writer for an Australian website called Freelance Switch – my beat is the business side of creativity.
Like many of my fellow creative professionals, my business has been on the upswing for the past few years. Yes, you read that right. Business is getting better for us, even in the midst of the Great Recession.
And lest you think that we freelancers are just biding our time until someone comes along and offers us a great job, think again. Many of us look upon our years of employment like a jail sentence. We’re free of jobs – and all of the commuting hassles and office politics that go with them – and we’re not going back.
To add a bit of historical perspective, consider what’s happened to recent American Presidents after they’ve left the White House. Except for Lyndon Johnson, Ronald Reagan, and George H.W. Bush, they all have pursued an entrepreneurial path. I suspect that, given his considerable talents for writing and speaking, the same will be true for President Obama.
So, if independent entrepreneurship is good enough for former Presidents, it’s good enough for the American people.
With regards from your ambassador from the State of Freelancia,
Martha Retallick
Great post! I am currently employed as a graphic design for a university. I love it, but I’ve always know I was meant to do my own thing. I am in the process of building a client base so I can eventually work for myself. I’ll add that book the the others I’ve been reading about freelancing, good suggestion. I agree, people like us that create our own jobs are what is going to help give the economy the boost it needs!
Matt Hernandez
matthernandezdesign.com
@matthernandez
I took a different path to most with my corporate career – I did a series of temp jobs through agencies after finishing university (with my journalism degree) so I could explore different industries and roles.
I was offered some permanent roles but I didn’t take them up because I either didn’t like the organisation or didn’t like the role being offered.
But when I was offered a contract technical writing role I thought it worth taking up. And I didn’t look back. I got contracts from agencies and directly from clients.
It wasn’t until 8 years later and a badgering placement consultant that I tried going permanent. I gave it a go for 3.5 years but realised it wasn’t for me. I much prefer the freedom associated to freelancing, contracting, consulting than being a permanent employee.
I am lucky enough to live in Australia so medicare looks after all of us – no worries about health insurance (we can easily get affordable private health insurance if wanted on top of the public system) but I do understand the US doesn’t have anything like that (but hopefully something can be worked out for you with the latest efforts to make things better).
From my experience once you got a name for delivering quality work there was plenty of opportuntities about. Networking and getting known also made a big difference. I always had my hourly or daily rates in the middle of the field and was signed up with a few agencies with regular contact when I needed to organise the next role.
I also found helping out agencies with leads about upcoming roles within organisations kept me in their good books so it was worthwhile placing me in jobs.
Another important aspect was attitude – avoid politics, over deliver and always be positive, never get into negative conversations.
With my personality permanent roles just don’t work for me, whereas friends of mine would see what I feel is freedom would be insecurity for them – no matter how well they deliver on their work. So it is horses for courses.
Now I have my own business with an online women’s magazine and I’m loving it. My corporate freelancing days gave me the skills, attitude and discipline to make it happen.
Freelancing really worked for me so I hope you find it great too.
All the best,
Belinda
Why do people assume health care is tied to employment in the US? It ISN’T. You can find independent and cheap healthcare. Actually, my health insurance is $4 cheaper than what my last employer offered – and for the same plan. I’ve got a $2500 deduc HSA plan for $56…you can’t tell me that’s expensive, and anyone can save $2500 for the deduc…or you have other problems than health insurance.
I was actually forced into freelancing (IMO). I had a good job at a good company the only issue was we sold to Americans (from Canada). The american economy tanked (which we have avoided for the most part). I started talking to other web development companies looking for a job.
I couldn’t stand how most of them were run by slimy business men who cared more about the car they drove then their clients. So I decided I’d take the plunge into Freelancing and actually caring about the client.
I still have a bottom line that I have to meet monthly, but it’s much cheaper than what a business will charge.
I found this article interesting and inspiring.
Thanks
Loved the article. And look to be a voice for freelancing as much as I can. While I am still building my client base back up, doing the financial balance dance and focusing on my niche so to speak, I believe I have chosen the right path for me. Personally I feel that so many jobs can be done on a freelance basis AND remotely but it is a power control trip that companies insist that your actual body be present. I disagree!
I know so many people who attach the health care situation with their jobs and live in absolute fear. Yet they are miserable at their jobs. Life is too short and that is no way to live and I am tired of hearing them complain about it. Yes health care does cost a bit more as you get older. However it is also motivation to stay healthy – not just know you have coverage for WHEN you get sick. I just have basic coverage and a higer deductible for IF I get sick or have some type of major medical need. People need to shift their thinking about it.
I love the article, except the health care bit. If people are afraid to jump into freelancing, it has less to do with losing their health care, and much more to do with living on an unpredictable income. It’s feast of famine. And as others have pointed out, what’s stopping freelancers for paying for their own health? We pay for everything else ourselves, love our independence, so why the dependency on the government to provide our health care? Doesn’t fit the mold.
Martha ~ nice article and advocacy for all freelancers or self employed is a great idea. I recently discovered NASE ( http://www.nase.org ) and have been a member of Freelancer’s Union for a year or so now. Both organizations are worth checking out.
I agree with the few here who have expressed that it isn’t fear of letting go of health insurance that keeps people from leaving cubicle culture and I agree with you as well that health insurance is definitely one of the reasons people don’t leave jobs they hate.
Reasons for going solo are complex and unique per individual and family. There may not be just one reason.
For those who have commented that health care is not expensive… If you are young (20s-early 30s) and healthy (no pre-existing conditions), sure, health care isn’t going to be expensive. But for those who fall into the category of ‘older’ and ‘risky’ (the list of what can get you declined health coverage is amazing) premiums are at an all-time high even with a high deductible ( greater than $5000). Those with families can be paying at least $1200 per month for insurance. And coverage by state varies so much. Some insurance companies actually quote coverage annually at $120K!
When cash flow is hard to come by and maybe you only need to support yourself, letting go of health care may be the easier thing to do because what you are paying for is a trade off. Pay for services now (higher premium) or pay for services later (higher deductible, lower premiums).
Think about all the people who are older, 55 + who lose their jobs and find themselves just shy of retirement and forced to work for themselves. It is scary.
Fear is also such a real feeling. We as a culture, society have grown up with certain values, expectations. Letting go of whatever each one of us as individuals perceives as comfortable, safe is a product of our surroundings and the masses. Going solo on purpose seems “not normal” in the US.
I was forced to leave cubicle culture a few years ago and after struggling to get comfortable, I feel great about it now. But that took time and luckily I had a great support network.
We definitely have to support each other especially in these crazy unpredictable times. People are still losing jobs and need help (emotional and practical), the basic kind, on how to keep moving forward.
freelancing its good for side job, so good for family too..;))
@ Deb Pang Davis, here are my comments on NASE. They’re part of the speech I made at the aforementioned health care reform rally:
For several years, I’ve been covered, if you want to call it that, by a Health Markets (formerly called Mega Life) policy sold via an organization called the National Association for the Self Employed (NASE).
After I purchased the policy, I learned that this insurance company has been sued by several state attorneys general. There have also been class action suits. Do a Google search on “NASE class action” and you’ll find plenty of information.
I’ve tried to get on the Arizona state plan for small business people, the Healthcare Group, but guess what? Our legislature recently passed a law that excludes sole proprietors from this plan. Thanks a lot, legislature.
So, I continue with NASE/Health Markets. Let me tell you, if and when that nationwide public plan goes into effect, I will cheerfully kick that NASE/Health Markets policy to the curb.
All I can say is, I hope I live long enough to do so. I’m 52 years old and already avoid/delay regular checkups and tests because I fear that, if something is found, the cost of treatment will bankrupt me to the point where I will lose my house.
So, that’s where things stand for me. Too bad that such things are allowed to happen in the richest country on earth.
@ Martha Retallick ~
Thanks for the information about NASE. I would have never thought of typing in the keywords you mention…
After some research I found that even “group rates” via organizations are not necessarily all that great.
My own research and hunt for health care has been an eye-opening experience.