Comments on: Open Thread: Do You Feel Secure?

By: Jason Green

Jason Green — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 16:15:19 +0000

I’m planning to go full-time with my business by the end of March. My main reason for doing this is security. I’ve been laid off in the past, and it shocks me when people think a “job” is secure. Everything could be going great for you, but then upper management makes a couple bad decisions and you’re suddenly out of a job.

I can’t say I’m not scared or worried, but I’m confident that once I make the switch, I’ll be on the “secure” side of the fence.

By: Joohliah

Joohliah — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 10:15:00 +0000

I have to say I agree with Chad on this one. Freelancig is exciting, we’ve got freedom, passion, a job we love (supposedly). BUT in order to feel secure, you need a good client database and turnover.

I’m a graphic designer (a very good one, you should try me !) and until very recently I only had 2 clients. Fortunately they like me and stick with me, or I couldn’t have made it. Now, some 7 months later, I finally have other clients stopping by, and that makes me feel more secure. It would’ve been quicker I guess if I wasn’t working on some other project on the side, as I would’ve been more active in my client research.

Anyway, I can understand how a freelancer can feel insecure, as I’m not very secure yet myself, although in France I’m lucky to have social security and so on, and a loving husband who feeds me when I need it. But at the end of the day, I am never desperate ’cause I know that everything I need is my posession, in my head, my imagination, my friends and colleagues, and that in the end, how could it really go wrong ?

Good luck to all the other freelancers out there :)

By: Katharine

Katharine — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 20:53:20 +0000

After 13 years as a freelance editor, I feel quite secure that I’m always going to have work.

What I’ve never felt secure about is being able to afford health insurance. That’s a huge issue for U.S. freelancers, especially those older than 35 and those of us with children. It’s doubly concerning for those of us with spouses who are also self-employed.

By: Jon Phillips

Jon Phillips — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 06:21:57 +0000

hehe nope no panic attacks (yet), I do feel more secure, probably because my past experience working as an employee for a big corporation resulted in a little more than a year on strike (which actually gave me enough time to also study sound engineering) I can say I do feel more secure, but maybe if I was feeling ‘too’ secure, I wouldn’t do much and things wouldn’t be moving as fast. Balance, that would be the right word I think :)

By: Zakman

Zakman — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 06:45:43 +0000

I’d think it’s a very natural thing to feel insecure. Besides, it could be driving factor, as well.

What really matters is how you take it. Does it make you feel depressed or cause panic attacks? That would be bad.

By: Monika Mundell

Monika Mundell — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 04:41:07 +0000

As a brand new full time freelancer I can truly say that I’m happier than ever before in my professional life.

Being my own boss. Making my own choices. Taking full responsibility. This is security for me. I alone have the power to choose my next client. This is my freedom that I created with hard work and persistence.

So does this equal security for me? You bet your life it does, I wouldn’t want it any other way.

This is my life and I live it to the max.

By: Amy Lillard

Amy Lillard — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 02:30:38 +0000

I think the major difference is between happiness and security. I am much happier as a freelancer, as I control nearly everything about it. But that singular control is also a source of insecurity. I’m responsible for my financial well-being. I’m responsible for planning for the future. Success or failure are in my hands. That is an alternately exhilarating and terrifying idea.

By: Allena

Allena — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 01:11:31 +0000

Do I feel secure in the freelance writing industry? Yes. There’s a million jobs out there, just so very many. I feel so secure freelancing because I can reach out of my region, out of any one industry and am never dependent on one thing, person, field for my well being.

By: Chad | ProFreelancing

Chad | ProFreelancing — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 00:55:15 +0000

I’ve been freelancing for 6 months and gotta say – I didn’t feel secure until four months in.

As soon as I built a client base that pays well…I became less worried about the one or two clients that didn’t seem to return emails. I found value in my work, became confident enough to raise my rates, and probably even established myself as a better writer.

When I read the report I was shocked by the statistic as well…but I can certainly relate to why 45% of freelancers feel that way.

By: James Chartrand - Men with Pens

James Chartrand - Men with Pens — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 23:59:08 +0000

I feel secure for one reason: I control my destiny, and almost completely.

I choose where I work and when and for whom. I pick my jobs. I select my rates. I am the only person who can let myself down, and I’m the only one who sets my own standards. I’m the one who pushes myself to do better or who gives myself a screw-off day to go play outside.

I am in control.

But at the same time, I am ever conscious that one day, this may disappear. I may have to polish my resume and bring it to McDonalds. I might have a three-month dry spell that has me sitting through a cold Canadian winter with no heat. I might face international competition that ends up taking over my indus-

Um, yeah right. No way, dude.

I feel more secure than ever, because for 20 years, I’ve worked for people who weren’t secure, from the small B2B to the large international corporation.

The difference is, I’m smart enough to not get too comfortable ;)