Go your own way! From L-R: Me & some of Miami’s finest freelance writers Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon, Alex Britel, Yined Ramirez-Hendrix, Liana Lozada and Kara Franker at Wynwood Walls.
During the holidays, my friend and fellow freelance writer Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon of JetSetSarah.com organized a little holiday luncheon at Wynwood Kitchen & Bar. The idea sprung from a conversation we had this time last year about how we, as freelancers, don’t get invited to holiday office parties because, well, we don’t work in an office. For me, that’s just one of the things I blissfully love about working independently, but Sarah missed the camaraderie she had in her former life as a magazine editor. Either way, we thought throwing our own holiday lunch with fellow freelance writers would be a nice way to celebrate the season with our peers.
It was a perfect mild, sunny December afternoon to dine outside amongst the murals, nosh on tapas, chit chat, and talk shop and travel. Towards the end of the meal, Sarah suggested we go around the table and share one thing we learned this year from our work and one piece of advice we’d give to fellow freelancers.
After a moment of reflection, my lesson and piece of advice sprung to mind rather quickly. In 2014, I learned just how much I value my independence and the opportunity that freelancing affords me to constantly reinvent myself creatively. I think I knew that all along, or at least that was the hope, when I started freelancing full time four years ago, but it was something I fully realized in 2014. I work best when I work independently, and when that’s compromised, I’m not as happy or productive. That’s not to say that I don’t have clients and editors and deadlines and expectations to meet, but I know I work best when I work on my own terms.
The opportunity to constantly grow and chart your own course based on what inspires you is what I truly love about the freelance life. It’s a long journey and it’s a lot of hard work, but I think if you keep your eye on the horizon and listen to your inner artist (something I want to honor more this year), the possibilities of where you can go and what you can do are limitless.
My one piece of advice to freelancers is to quote high. Be expensive. Always negotiate for the highest rate you can secure. This life isn’t easy, and in order to survive we have to make a living. The only person who’s going to advocate for your rate is you. At the same time, save your money when you can. This work can be fickle. You can lose an account at any moment and with that, a chunk of your income. Do what you can to normalize your salary from month to month, and save that extra cash for lean times and the chance to recalibrate. Finally, understand your contracts and make sure they work for you.
Here’s to health, wealth, happiness and love in 2015… and, of course, doing what you love! Here’s to the mighty freelance life!
