Comments on: Born To Be… A Freelancer?

By: Alex

Alex — Sun, 25 May 2008 11:20:35 +0000

I’m only new the whole freelancing idea, have been employed as a designer for a while now and just working on starting my own freelancing. I agree the desire is a major factor, if you don’t want something enough, it just won’t happen. But with that said I don’t think I would ever make it on my own without all the skills i have learn from working within a large company.

By: Luke

Luke — Sun, 25 May 2008 08:46:37 +0000

It is also about the special know how the freelancer can offer. When you have no special skills and competencies to offer, you cannot be a freelancer.

But many people enjoy the risk of being unsecure for some time, which makes them growing personally as they are fighting for their security every single day.

The freelancers are fully dependent on their own negotiation skills and presentation skills – and they usually say they like “NO BOSS” status, but they always have a boss – it is the client.

By: Jenny

Jenny — Sat, 24 May 2008 13:50:42 +0000

I like the flexibility and variety of being a freelancer. Commissions are usually varied and you can manage your own time and work around other things in your life. Sometimes it can be difficult to motivate yourself, but the ‘desire’ is a strong influence.

By: Joe Norton

Joe Norton — Sat, 24 May 2008 04:52:13 +0000

I’d like to think neither, but I’m really not sure. I saw others were busting out their MBTI results – I admit it’s the first thing I thought of as well. I frequently test as ENTJ but I believe I’m actually INTJ at heart (with a love for public speaking and spotlight).

I really wonder if an extrovert would get what they needed out of a freelance career. Atleast from my perspective, the way I’ve freelanced in the past it was more of an independent thing which didn’t involve a ton of interaction and was perfect for the time when I like to be on the computer to all hours, letting time fly as I’m in my “creative zone”.

Good Post…

By: Brian Nelson

Brian Nelson — Sat, 24 May 2008 04:00:11 +0000

I think somewhere in the nature part is the desire to communicate via writing. I know lots of people who meet all the other requirements but have said time and again that they would just rather talk than write. If you don’t have that passion to communicate via words chosen with the luxury of time, then you can’t be a writer. The rest of the skills can be learned.

By: Mike Smith - Bootstrapping Blog

Mike Smith - Bootstrapping Blog — Sat, 24 May 2008 03:52:30 +0000

Nature 100% … I am a natural salesman and love being creative in design, marketing, sales, ect. I can’t shut it off :) I also love taking risks. I have a laid back personality as far as being worried about things go, yet I’m outspoken and love being in groups of people. The perfect match I think.

By: Rebecca Leigh

Rebecca Leigh — Sat, 24 May 2008 00:46:50 +0000

Desire is definitely the major requirement – if you don’t have the desire and will then you will give up at the first hurdle.

As for the rest… writing, problem solving and quick comprehension are skills that came naturally to me from an early age. But, like Laura, I also learned important principles through a decade of ‘traditional’ work. My understanding of marketing and risk-taking come through this experience: seeing what works and what doesn’t.

By: Noobpreneur

Noobpreneur — Sat, 24 May 2008 00:39:14 +0000

Laura,

I’ll go with you – either.

I was born as a true office worker. However, my desire is to be free – I don’t want to wait till 7 pm just to know my boss is eventually cancelling the meeting! I want to work with my own time and scheduling – whether it’s 2 pm or 2 am – I’ll work when I wanted it, how I wanted it.

Good post, Laura!

Cheers :)

By: LS

LS — Fri, 23 May 2008 22:27:52 +0000

I think it’s a little of both It definitely suits my personality and I can see how it could be the result of nature But, both of my parents were self employed most of the time when I was growing up, so I saw it as something normal because of that nurture factor.

By: Fringe

Fringe — Fri, 23 May 2008 21:45:03 +0000

Definitely nature…I just can’t stand being told what to do,when to do it.I hate that.It’s great to be free and make your own decisions when it comes to your job.It’s a risk ,I admit , but hey I like taking risks :)