“Going to work” each day by stumbling the six feet from my bedroom to my kitchen table.
Heeding a strict dress code of sweats and yoga pants.
Enjoying unlimited access to my supply of caffeine, which I might happily overindulge in without fear of side-eye.
When I took the plunge and became a full-time freelance writer, I had a number of expectations. Many of them came true, including the uber-casual uniform and obscene amounts of coffee.
I also got to travel the world, be present to help and hang out with my family, and manage my brain’s funky relationships with sleep and anxiety — all without losing my job.
But there were plenty of surprises along the way, too, including my total annual revenue.
Want to learn how I (just barely*) cleared $50,000 in my first year as a full-time freelance writer? Head over to The Penny Hoarder for a quarter-by-quarter breakdown of everything I earned — and learned — last year.
Working for yourself is weird and challenging and scary and tedious and fulfilling and wonderful. And if you put your mind to it, take your time, and say yes to even the odd-sounding opportunities, you can do it, too.
Want help? Advice? Someone to freak out alongside you? Shoot me a message. Just because you’re a freelancer doesn’t mean you have to go it alone; I know I wouldn’t have been able to do it without the support of my friends, colleagues, and mentors. Besides, writers are always looking new ways to procrastinate — you can be my next “project.” 😉
*When I say barely I mean by, like, less than $100, and also I was literally writing that last article on New Year’s Eve just so I could say I’d done it. #stillcounts