The WMF Archives: Freelance Writer Goes Back to the Cube

Friday, March 19, 2010

Freelance Writer Goes Back to the Cube

6:00 AM

By Rebecca Sebek

Sometimes as a freelance writer, you have to do what you have to do. If you're building your business or money's tight, you may have to take a temporary or permanent full-time or part-time job which means you'll have to leave the house. This sounds scary, but the bills must get paid.

As a freelance writer, you become accustomed to the lifestyle. Perhaps you write in your PJs with a big cup of coffee within reach. Maybe you take your son or daughter to the park every Wednesday. Perhaps you grocery shop at 10:30 am during the week and catch those sales. Running errands is when you're at home. Ah, it's great to be a freelance writer. But sometimes you have to suck it up and go back to the cubicle for a short period of time. Sure, this means you can't go to lunch whenever you'd like or work in your sweats, but at least you'll be earning extra income to pay the bills!

Tips to handling the cube

Be grateful for the opportunity and extra income.
Focus on doing the best job you can.
Make contacts because these people know people.
Look at it as an adventure that you can write about for your blog.
Realize how far you've come from your corporate America days and pat yourself on the back.
Work your freelance writing at night and don't give up!

If you came from corporate America and didn't have a great experience, going back to the cubicle can send chills down your spine. Remember that it's a temporary situation until you get back on your feet. Focus on earning the extra income, meeting new people and contacts, and contributing to the organization while you're working there. Who knows, you're positive attitude could rub off on your co-workers.

Being a freelance writer gives you much freedom. You create your own schedule and work on projects when you like. No one tells you what time you must begin or stop your work, take vacation, or what to wear. You're in charge!

Some freelance writer's take writing from home for granted. Please don't be one of those writers. Relish your experience because you may find yourself in situation that requires you to work outside of the home. If you must take a job outside of freelance writing, be grateful that you have the opportunity to do so. You may not be thrilled at the moment, but there is someone out there who would step into your shoes in no time!

Labels: freelance, freelance content writers, freelance write, freelance writer's, freelance writers, Rebecca Sebek

7 comments:

Alyssa Ast said...: A fellow writer and I were just talking about this the other day. I couldn't imagine going back to a "real" job. It's absolutely wonderful I get to spend all day with the kids, sit in my pj's, and drink coffee-- all while being at work. Hang in there Rebecca!; March 19, 2010 9:27 AM
Carol Tice said...: This is a cautionary tale reminding writers to work hard on building your freelance business so that it earns well, and you never have to go back to the confines of working for one employer on-site! I've been freelancing full time since 2005 and I have no idea how I would ever go back with all the responsibilities I have with my 3 kids. May your cubicle time pass soon, Rebecca!

Carol Tice; March 19, 2010 9:50 AM
Pam Houghton said...: But also - as you say Rebecca - make the best of it. You have an opportunity to meet new people, make contacts - you never know how they may help to shape future writing goals (even if your job isn't writing related). If you make a good impression (and I'm sure you will) you never know what they'll recommend you for in the future. You got to look at it as a positive. And a lot of companies will work out a flexible schedule with an employee if they value the employee's services. If they like you, want to keep you, maybe you can work out a flex sched that allows you to continue to write.; March 19, 2010 10:13 AM
Alyssa Ast said...: Well said Pam! You have to take every experience as a learning experience. Even the small steps (whether forward or backward) can lead to bigger and brighter things.; March 19, 2010 10:24 AM
Tess said...: Rebecca,

Recently, due to an unexpected financial crisis, I seriously considered going back to a cubicle job for a period of time (gulp) to get caught up. Then somehow I was provided with two wonderful new clients and the ability to cover myself moneywise for another month. I thank God everyday that I am able to support my family with my talents, but when things get tough it's often neccessary to find another means of paying the bills, such as selling stuff on eBay or taking on a part time "day job".
There's no shame in that!

I wish you all the best in your new adventure and may it give you some new material to fuel your desire to write and get back to what you truly love.; March 19, 2010 1:19 PM
Deb Lamb said...: Rebecca,
I really feel your pain for having to return to the cubicle, however, I know you must be thankful and grateful for the opportunity as well.

I was laid off for over a year and a half and tried my hardest to locate employment outside my home, but never found anything. We were sinking quite rapidly and I was so desperate to find something, but with the economy and job market the way it is, nothing ever materialized.

My business was slow and I was searching endlessly. Finally, business picked up and I gained several new clients and I am now able to contribute tremendously. Thank God!

Whatever the situation is, we do what we have to do to survive, take care of our families and exist in this hectic economy. And, we never give it a second thought! Just as you are doing...you go girl!

Remember that everything happens for a reason and I'm sure you will come out of this with outstanding opportunities.

I wish you much success and the best of luck. Hang in there dear!

Deb :); March 19, 2010 2:25 PM
Rebecca said...: Hey everyone!

I made it through the work week! I don't think I appreciated working from home as I do now. I really, really appreciate working from home.

This opportunity has shown me how much I've grown as a person. A few years ago, I was not in a great place. Through self study and meetup groups, I get to see the "fruits of my labor" and how much I have changed as a person for the better. I definitely am not the same person I was two or five years ago.

I feel this opportunity has helped me to become unstuck. Being in my four walls is fabulous, but the energy was not great for me. I always felt like I was stuck. Now I don't feel stuck anymore. The bonus is I have many, many blogs posts to write for my writing, personal blog, teen life coaching site, and WM. It's a good thing I carry paper with me so I an write down my ideas. I forgot to bring my recorder with me.

Sometimes it's great to get out, even if it's volunteering. You never know where it will lead you!; March 19, 2010 7:20 PM