Open Thread: How Long Have You Been a Freelancer?
Posted February 13, 2011 in Open Thread
Freelance Folder attracts a wide variety of freelancers. There are freelance web developers, freelance designers, freelancer writers, freelance translators, and even freelance photographers.
But, as varied as we are in our professions, we’re also varied in our experience level. Some of us are just getting started (or maybe even still thinking about freelancing). Others of us have been freelancing for years and years.
Likewise, we all started freelancing for different reasons. These differences are part of Freelance Folder’s strength as a site, but they also got me to wondering.
Which brings me to today’s question:
How Long Have You Been Freelancing?
Let’s get to know each other a bit better. Tell us how long you’ve been freelancing. If you like, you can also include a sentence or two about why you decided to go freelance.
Share your answers in the comments.
Image by Josef Grunig
Related posts:
- Open Thread: How Long Have You Been Freelancing?
- Open Thread: What Type of Freelancer Are You?
- Open Thread: Where Were You 5 Years Ago?
- Open Thread: What Do You Get from Freelance Folder?
- Open Thread: What’s Your Story?
About the author: Laura Spencer is a freelance writer from North Central Texas with over 20 years of professional business writing experience. If you liked this post, then you may also enjoy Laura’s blog about her freelance writing experiences, WritingThoughts. Laura is also on Google+.
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57 Comments
Samantha Bangayan
February 13th, 2011 at 8:55 amHi Laura! I always love your posts and have subscribed to your blog. =)
I’ve been freelance writing for a year and I started because I came to live in Peru and met other expats who were making a decent living off of freelancing. =) I never imagined that I could work full-time from home! Excited to get to know other freelancers!
Laura Spencer
February 13th, 2011 at 9:07 amThanks Samantha!
I’m glad you enjoy the blog and are enjoying freelancing. :) Nice to meet a new subscriber!
Wowie
February 13th, 2011 at 9:21 amHello Laura! It’s great to finally be interacting with you. I enjoyed reading all your posts in here. I’ve been freelance writing for almost two years now and it’s been a fulfilling experience. It has its highs and lows but I enjoy every minute. I’ve always wanted to write but didn’t want to be restricted; freelancing has offered me the freedom no other job can provide. And it’s a great learning experience.
Stephen Tiano
February 13th, 2011 at 9:27 amI first freelanced unwittingly. About 30 years ago, a typesetter I was proofreading at stopped paying our medical insurance and withholding taxes, effectively jettisoning all its employees–clerical staff, production assistants, keyboarders, paste-up artists (I said 30 years ago!), and proofreaders. We all suddenly found ourselves freelancers and with tax troubles. Oh, the typesetter got called o the carpet by the IRS and NYS, but we were still responsible for our end. Anyway, that was my intro to freelancing.
I wound up going into a completely unrelated business with a partner days and staying on as a freelance proofreader for some time–even after I began a civil service day-job that, almost 28 years later, I’ll one day collect a pension from.
In 1990 I began to set type on my Macintosh. By 1993 I was freelancing independently (as opposed to tethered to one not-employer, which the IRS frowns on) as a page composition artist on books. In 1995, I began my first book interior design jobs (spent a coupla years, too, during this time, as a layout artist on a whole roster of science journals) with the occasional cover mixed in.
Twenty years later, I plan to take my book design practice total time when I retire from the civil service job–”freelancing with a net,” I call it–in a few more years.
XtrimVerSuS
February 13th, 2011 at 9:43 amThere are more than 2 years since I started my freelance career. I enjoy what I do and I do what I enjoy. Freelancing is the best thing that happened to me.
Michael A. Vickers
February 13th, 2011 at 9:58 amHowdy.
I’m just starting up my 5th year of freelancing. The time has flown by and it’s been more or less a blast. I’ve been reading this blog for the past 4 years or so, I believe.
There are several reasons I went freelance, but I guess the main one is that when I first fired up the phone modem on my Commodore 64 a million years ago I knew I’d eventually by “phoning” my work in. Time, technology and opportunity caught up and I made the leap.
I’m currently doing software development — SharePoint, websites, databases and the like.
Cheers.
Samar
February 13th, 2011 at 10:01 amI started freelancing a little more than two years. I moved to UAE straight out of college and decided to pursue freelancing instead of commuting 2 hours daily to a 9-5 job.
The first year was spent working my way through content mills to clients to better paying clients.
The second year, I found out I was expecting a baby and decided I wanted to enjoy the whole experience and travel a bit. So I started part-timing and worked only for my best clients.
This year, I’m transitioning back to full time freelancing and loving the whole process minus the struggle of my first year :)
Laura Spencer
February 13th, 2011 at 10:11 amGreat stories!
Keep them coming. At the end of the day I’ll come back and share mine. :)
Lynn Cummings
February 13th, 2011 at 10:25 amFifteen years as a freelance web developer, ten as a photographer. I’d never go back.
Regina Woodard
February 13th, 2011 at 10:41 amThis month marks the official one year anniversary of when I first started as a freelancer, though this is the first year in which I haven’t had a job to back me up. So far, it’s a bit scary, as I had only intended freelancing to be a side job until I was financially stable and then maybe going full steam.
But I have to say that I do enjoy it, when I’m being productive about it of course. I just moved out of state, so I think stress is still hitting me to the point where I don’t feel motivated, but again I think that this is something that I want to do, even if I need to get a ‘job job’ for a while and do this on the side again.
Leslie A. Joy
February 13th, 2011 at 10:42 amI always had an interest in writing and marketing. After 6 months of unemployment, my friends encouraged me to try to get paid to do some research projects I did for them. That was about 14 months ago.
I started with no clients, no contacts, and my internet presence consisted of a half-filled in Facebook profile.
I’ve had to put in a lot of 12 hours days, but am finally starting to really get moving on things and get the hang of what I’m doing.
Mushfiq-E Mahabub
February 13th, 2011 at 10:55 amHello,
It’s only my first year of freelancing.I am a web app developer in http://newscred.com.
And besides that I am doing some freelance.Its a great place for me and discover new ideas,learn technologies and of course to interact clients directly.
When some one say. “Its cool”.I feel all of my tiredness goes away after a long night work.
Hopefully, I can dig deeper of freelancing and enjoy it :)
Thanks
Topher
February 13th, 2011 at 11:51 amI’ve been freelancing full time now since Apr 2010, but I started doing “side work” in the mid 90′s. I went full time when the day job started getting in the way of the “side work”. I think that’s a great indicator that it’s time to go.
Salma Jafri
February 13th, 2011 at 12:28 pmI started freelancing in May 2008 after working in the corporate sector for nearly 9 years. The catalyst was the birth of my daughter and an unwillingness to compete in the office rat race (I was never any good at office politics or the hassle of what to wear each day or the time to commute, or…I should stop :) You get the picture; life seemed like one big race to nowhere before I started freelancing. Now I have projects, clients, teams, plans, objectives, goals, strategies and am making them all happen. Its fulfilling, rewarding and I welcome the ebb and flow – keeps me on my toes :)
Roy Barber
February 13th, 2011 at 12:32 pmIve been freelancing for the last 6 months, moonlighting for the last 6 years and in the industry for 8 years. So your site is very inspirational and helps a lot.
Jessica Mason
February 13th, 2011 at 1:16 pmI’ve been freelancing for just over a year. It’s something I’d wanted to do for a long time but I just didn’t seem to have the discipline. Then I found myself with the boss from hell and suddenly found the fortitude to spend my weekends freelancing in the hopes of escape from my awful day job.
I managed to avoid content mills for the most part, but I had a couple of false starts as far as deciding on a specialty. Now, I’m concentrating on magazine articles and business writing for non-profits. Meanwhile, I asked for a reduction in hours at my day job so I could spend more time writing. And I’ve gotten a transfer to a department with a really great boss, so I’m much happier at work. But going full-time as a freelance writer is still my goal and I’m working hard to get there.
Anne Baley
February 13th, 2011 at 1:18 pmI fell into freelancing almost two years ago by being downsized by the restaurant industry. I was living in Michigan at the time, and there were no jobs to be had. I desperately tried writing as a source of income, and I’ve never looked back.
paul de wouters
February 13th, 2011 at 1:30 pmI started freelance work 2 years ago, as a translator then I decided to use my programming degree and starting coding WordPress themes.
It’s been (and still is) a great learning experience and I’ve met awesome people. The community is really helpful
Susan Johnston
February 13th, 2011 at 1:40 pmI have been freelancing for six years. The first three or so years, I wrote freelance articles on a part-time basis, then in May 2008, I transitioned to full-time freelancing because I’d reached a point where I couldn’t grow continue growing my business without spending more time on it. So, glad I made that decision! In fact, I almost wish I’d gone full-time freelance a little bit sooner.
Impulse Magazine
February 13th, 2011 at 2:11 pmI would not consider myself a freelancer because I have processes that I use to hirer other outsourcers
Laura Spencer
February 13th, 2011 at 2:18 pmWow!
These stories are so inspiring. I’m enjoying getting to know the community better. :)
Morgan Drake Eckstein
February 13th, 2011 at 2:29 pmI have been freelancing off and on for my entire working life—twenty-five years. How much freelancing I do depends upon how much else I have on my plate. It is something that I learned from my father, who used to do jobs (home remodeling) on the side for extra cash. While I am in a different profession(s), I found myself doing the same (writing and fortune telling) while working in the restarant industry. It has continued into my life as a non-traditional college student. And there are days, I suspect that I might not actually work a regular job again, and not just because of the economy either.
Laura Spencer
February 13th, 2011 at 4:33 pmThese are really great stories! I feel like I’m getting to know all of you. :)
Nine years ago I became a freelancer. I had already been a writer in the corporate world for over 12 years.
My goal was to gain more control over my schedule and to attain more balance between my personal and professional lives.
In the corporate world, I often found myself working 10 or even 12 hour days BEFORE my hour commute home. As a salaried employee I wasn’t even eligible for overtime! It goes without saying that this was not good for my health or my family life.
As a freelancer, the 12 hour days are gone and so is the hour commute home. I have the freedom to turn down projects that aren’t right for me as well as pursue projects that I find interesting. When I do work overtime it’s my own choice.
The difference is fantastic–even better than I expected it to be! My stress is a lot lower. My health is better. And, I can make time to actually have a life.
Arne K. Haaje
February 13th, 2011 at 4:48 pmI have had a part time extra business for 11 years, but went fully freelance 5 months ago. Before that I was employed at the same job for 10 years.
It was a good and interesting job, which taught me a lot, but in the end I for several reasons wanted to do something else. I saved up a bit of money for a buffer, and decided to have a go at going solo.
So far I have not yet become rich in money, but I sure have found a richer life. Head is above water, and I have this year to get established as a self-reliant (?) freelancer.
I had a talk with a friend recently, and a question was “what will you do if you struggle?”. The answer – to go back to work for someone else (“The Man”) again, was never on my lips.
If there is no other way to pay the bills I guess needs must, but I can’t even contemplate now not working for myself. Good luck to us all! :D
Stephanie Gonzaga
February 13th, 2011 at 6:41 pmI’ve been freelance writing since 2008, first as a SEO writer at a Philippine outsourcing company under their content development team. I spent almost 60% of my hours in their website taking on assignments until I realized come 2009 that I needed to find higher paying writing work.
Freelancing directly with clients is very rare here in the Philippines, so I ventured into oDesk and was able to build an excellent contractor profile and acquire many projects that were fun, interesting, and that supported me financially. It’s been a great experience, both with its ups and downs, and I have this gut feeling I’ll still be doing this even after graduating from university.
Bruno Rodriguez
February 13th, 2011 at 9:28 pmI’ve been part-time freelancing for the last 3 years….and now I’m on transition to become fulltime…
Aubree Holliman
February 13th, 2011 at 9:33 pmI started freelancing about 8 months ago when my family moved to Portland, OR. I have been pleasantly surprised at the work that I have found so far. Meeting the right people and really putting myself out there has made a huge difference.
I love the ability to work and be at home with my kids in the afternoon. I am also finding that the projects I am getting are much more engaging than the work I had at my ful-time job.
There is the added stress of never knowing when the next check is coming in. I have the security of a spouse who works full-time. I don’t know if I would feel the same if I were on my own. But for my situation and circumstances right now, I feel so grateful for the ability to freelance.
Lillie Ammann
February 14th, 2011 at 1:37 amLaura,
I had always dreamed of writing someday, but I’d always been told I couldn’t make a living writing. I spent the first few years of my work life as a government employee, then I owned and operated an interior landscape business for about twenty years. After I had a stroke, I realized that I didn’t know how many “somedays” I had left. So as soon as I recovered enough to function, I started writing a novel. I sold my business in 1996 and have been freelancing fulltime since then. I would never work for someone else. After all the years of being the boss then being on my own, I couldn’t function as an employee.
Vivek Parmar
February 14th, 2011 at 7:49 amGreat initiative. getting to know each other is a great way.
I have been freelancing from last 1.5 year and now i can say i have been recognized by everyone in this industry.
Rachel Small
February 14th, 2011 at 8:54 amInspiring stories! Thanks for sharing yours, Laura. I have been freelancing for almost a year now and just quit my part-time job this week. Feels great :)
Samantha Bangayan
February 14th, 2011 at 9:05 amRachel, this is so exciting! I am thoroughly ecstatic for you! Love your website and have subscribed.
I love reading about everyone’s stories from the exciting first steps to the established mentors. Laura, thanks for sharing yours as well! =)
Happy Valentine’s Day, all! =)
dp
February 14th, 2011 at 10:33 amI’ve been a freelance print/interactive designer for 25 years
Tom Bentley
February 14th, 2011 at 6:58 pmI’ve been freelancing since the mid-90s (with a couple of corporate stretches). At first I was only writing contract technical documentation, but that has long morphed into all kinds of marketing collateral and business writing. Toss in lot of magazine and newspaper work, and even the occasional short story, and there are many freelancing noodles in my pasta bowl. But that’s what makes it fun.
Thanks for a great and helpful site!
Bogdan
February 15th, 2011 at 7:33 amHi,
I have been doing part time freelance work for just 6 months, but the experience so far has given me hope, and convinced me to pursue a real career in freelance writing.
Joel Dahlin
February 15th, 2011 at 11:18 amI’ve been freelancing for 3 years now and not sure if I could ever go back to work for someone else.
I enjoy working with so many different clients and doing everything freelancing encompasses ie. marketing, networking, all the business stuff vs just programming which I do.
I find the biggest downside to freelancing is actually pulling myself away from my work.
Matthew Avella
February 15th, 2011 at 10:54 pmI started freelancing as a web developer three months ago. It hasn’t been easy being the new guy but I am determined to be successful.
Laura Spencer
February 15th, 2011 at 11:55 pmWow! This is an awesome response. It’s so encouraging to read all of your stories. :)
I can see that we range from just getting started, to being well along in our freelancing careers (and everywhere in between).
Jen Walter
February 16th, 2011 at 10:30 amI’ve been freelancing now for 7 years. Geez – the time flies. :) My first 5 years I freelanced full time, then my schedule got to be too big and decided to give myself a bit of a break and go back to the corporate world and freelance on the side. Funny, never thought i’d go back to the corporate grind to get a “break”! LOL!! Made more money freelancing than I do for a corporation.
KelliS
February 16th, 2011 at 8:06 pmI’ve been a freelancer for over 10 years. I started off doing part-time freelancing and when it became too much to handle my day job and freelancing both, I quit the day job. That was before I had kids, but now with two young kids I must say that freelancing is the best! It’s flexible with their schedules and offers me a creative outlet. And I agree with Joel, I don’t think I could ever go back to working for someone else again! I love being my own boss and working in my sweats! :)
Saffron Scott
February 18th, 2011 at 3:03 pmGreat idea for a post!
I started freelancing in 2001 at about 20 (I’d been designing websites since 1997 then) and kept it up – on and off – until last year when I finally hung out my own shingle proper with a registered business name and what not.
So — 2001-2009, and about 10 years total. :)
Wowie
February 19th, 2011 at 5:50 amI started writing online in 2008 for a US-owned company. I discovered I can earn extra cash by accepting freelance gigs and when I had enough part time projects, I decided to go full time. I resigned from my job and found clients of my own. It was awesome. For the first three months, I had enough projects that I decided to buy my very own laptop (I was borrowing my cousin’s PC before that). Also, I was able to go on vacatiob for two weeks yet still managed to work. The experience has been great so far. Despite the low points, which are normal for freelancers, I totally enjoy freelancing.
Pesto design
February 20th, 2011 at 8:20 amI am a freelance webdesigner, illustrator for 2 years now, and planning to keep it for a good while. Just found this blog today, I have a lot to read the next week :)
bye: István
Michelle Davis
February 21st, 2011 at 11:57 amI’ve been freelancing full time for five years after decades first in the daily newspaper business and then writing for a specialty trade publication. I decided to go freelance when my oldest child started kindergarten and I wanted to be at the bus stop in the morning and afternoon. It’s been the best decision I ever made. I specialize in education and have been lucky to have some amazing clients and steady work with a lot of flexibility. I have creative and challenging assignments, but I also get to go on my children’s field trips and take several weeks of vacation during the year — unpaid of course, but on my terms. I’ve been offered numerous full-time jobs since I started freelancing and I have turned them down. At this point, I have no plans to go back to working for someone else. I believe one of the keys to having a successful freelancing career is specializing in a particular area. That way you build up a lot of expertise and you are seen as the expert in your field. I always advise new freelancers to try to figure out a particular area to start out in. Once you get established, you can always branch out to new areas of interest.
As an aside, I just discovered this blog and find it very engaging and helpful.
Web Design Business Academy
March 6th, 2011 at 12:57 pmNice to read some great stories!
I used to work for NASA as a radiation research scientist before I got the bug for web design and learnt it all by myself. I then quit my NASA job and went into full time freelancing as a web designer and have never looked back:)
It’s been 8 years now and the success and passion for the web design industry is something I would never trade.
Nick Desai.
Tracy Mitchell Griggs
December 5th, 2011 at 8:28 amI started freelancing because I kept getting fired from everything :) Translated? I possess a lot of energy, talent, ideas, creativity and ambition – jobs to me are boring and my threshold for boredom nears zero. Freelancing as an interior design and architecture writer permitted me access to amazing people in all walks of life – who but CEOs, celebrities, salespeople and non fiction feature writers can are invited in to other people’s worlds? That said? I find “publishing,” publishers, content publishers and the business side of publishing to be horrendous, I could not gain financial traction and abandoned the career in June to pursue new interests-but am grateful for the experience!
Tracy Mitchell Griggs
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