The Violent Truth Of Opportunity
Posted May 14, 2008 in Writing 35 Comments »
If I hear one more freelance writer whining about how she can’t find freelance gigs, I’m going to scream.
I’m like anyone else. There are times when I’m likely to sit around hoping for a new opportunity to knock me over the head. Fact of the matter is, though, I’ve come to the place in my life and career where I realize something: opportunities aren’t discovered, they are created.
I understand what it feels like to be destitute. When I lost my job in Information Technology, I applied to every position in the field within 100 miles. After six months of unsuccessful searching, I realized a couple of things:
- My state’s economy was in the tank, and my little part of the state was worse off than much of the rest of the state.
- Being out of work for 6 months in my field was like being out of work for six years. My skills were becoming dated, and even recruiters in growing areas didn’t give my resume a second look.
What do you do when you find yourself in a situation like that? I’ll tell you what I did. I tucked my tail between my legs. I wallowed in self-pity. I complained to anyone that would listen about the horrible turn of events I’d just been through. I blamed my situation on my old boss, the governor and anyone else I could think of.
One May morning, I looked in the mirror and realized I didn’t particularly like what I was seeing. I saw a man will all sorts of potential (so I’d been told as a small boy) with no hope and no prospect for hope.
But, then, it hit me: This is completely stupid. If I wanted to make something of myself, if I wanted to be a success, I needed to make it happen. No one was going to do it for me. No company was going to return my calls. Truthfully, I had little or no desire to go back to Network Administration anyways.
If I was going to be a success, I’d have to do it myself. I’d have to make my own opportunities. So, I enrolled in a Master’s program at Central Michigan University and started writing web content on the side. When my clients ran out of work for me to do, I found new ones.
Fast-forward five years. Today, I’m a successful freelance writer. I have more work than I can do most days, and I’m providing a comfortable living for my family. I’m working every day toward writing more for me and less for others, and it’s coming. My brand is becoming more and more defined with every post I write, and it’s proving to be. In another 12 months or so, my various Internet writing endeavors should be entirely my own.
Did I get here because I’m an especially gifted writer? Nope. I’m toward the high end of average when it comes to Internet writing. There are a heck of a lot of folks better at it than I am.
So, how did I get here? How did I become a successful freelance writer?
The Violent Truth Of Opportunity
I’ve told you already, and even if I hadn’t, some part of you knows it: opportunities aren’t discovered, they are created. It’s nothing new, but it is revolutionary. In fact, it can be life-changing if you let it. See, it’s another violent truth: Opportunities aren’t discovered; they are created.
It all boils down to taking action. When your freelance work dries up, get your ass in gear and get some more. When your #1 client goes under, find three more to replace him. When no one else will pay you to write for them, write your own stuff. Start a blog. Experiment with paid article directories. Finish your novel, and send it to a publisher. When they reject it (and they will, at least the first time, I promise you) send it to the next publisher, and then the next, and then the next. If they won’t pick it up, self-publish.
Can you get help along the way? Of course. My first (and biggest) web content client essentially coached me through the process of web content writing. I read books, blogs, message boards and anything else I could get my hands on. I used every tool I could find. I learned sales from Zig Ziglar, people skills from Dale Carnegie, marketing ideas from Seth Godin, and blogging from Darren Rowse.
I put as much sweat equity into learning the trade as I did into actually doing it, at least in those early days. And, when I ran out of opportunities I went out and created more.
The freelance life isn’t for the weak, it isn’t for the unmotivated and it isn’t for those who aren’t willing to make their own opportunities. If you can’t or won’t make your own opportunities, you may as well go back to your cubicle. But, if you can look in the mirror every morning and say, ‘I’m going to make things happen for me today‘, you’ve got a good shot at freelance success.
Why This Truth Is A Violent Truth
At Freelance Folder, I write about Violent Truths. What is a violent truth? Simply put, it is truth with power. It is truth that has power enough to shatter false idols and myths, but it is also truth that has the power to reconstruct reality around itself.
The truth of opportunity is violent because embracing it can smash your discouraged and defeated attitude and transform it into a true hunger to make your own way as a freelance writer.
Bob Younce
******
About the author: Bob Younce is a full-time Internet writer and writing mentor living in Linwood, Michigan. He is dedicated to helping Internet writers to achieve their dreams. Visit Bob at The Writing Journey or follow him on Twitter.
About the author: Bob Younce is a full-time Internet writer and writing mentor living in Linwood, Michigan. He is dedicated to helping Internet writers to achieve their dreams. Visit Bob at The Writing Journey or follow him on Twitter.
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35 Comments
Barbara Ling
May 14th, 2008 at 4:53 amYou speak wisdom. I’m reminded of one of my mom’s favorite sayings:
“Trust in fate…but first, you need to give fate a kick in the right direction.”
Enjoy,
Barbara
Rebecca
May 14th, 2008 at 5:42 amA well-written and powerful post. You drew me in paragraph by paragraph until the final two sentences that were like a slap in the face:
If you can’t or won’t make your own opportunities, you may as well go back to your cubicle. But, if you can look in the mirror every morning and say, ‘I’m going to make things happen for me today‘, you’ve got a good shot at freelance success.
That is indeed a violent truth.
I am beginning to realize the truth that most (if not all) of the limitations we live by are self-created. I wrote about this in one of my own posts titled “What are your self-limiting beliefs?”
Thank you for saying it bold and well.
James Chartrand - Men with Pens
May 14th, 2008 at 5:45 amThis is very true. There are jobs out there and there are opportunities. Those who cannot find them are either not looking, or… something that many people refuse to acknowledge… NOT ABLE.
*moves into general rant*
If you have put in months of legwork, learning, applications, etc etc etc and you know that you’re doing everything right, take a good look in the mirror. You may SUCK as a writer. Admit it. And move on.
Now go find opportunity. For god’s sake, do something else. But don’t sit there and whine that there are no jobs online or that you can’t find work or that you can’t get a job or that you can’t earn money. There is opportunity all over, just like Bob said. It’s finding the right opportunity for you, and that takes time and effort.
Monika Mundell
May 14th, 2008 at 5:59 amOh Bob, I couldn’t agree with you more. It is absolutely amazing to see what happens when we embrace opportunities. I loved the way you said that we have to do the leg work as it is what makes us successful.
Kind of like laying those sleepers for the railway.
@ James: I just crack up when I hear you rant. LOL *nods her head in regards to what James said.
Bob Younce at the Writing Journey
May 14th, 2008 at 6:29 am@ James – My state, Michigan, is in a “last one out, turn off the lights” type of condition right now. There are folks who have lived here all their lives who never would have dreamed of moving away who are packing up because their work has dried up. I’ll grant those folks some quarter. But in our biz, right now at least, it’s wide open.
@ Monika – Thanks for your comment. I like your phrasing of it, too: embracing opportunities. Holding them tight, not letting them go, that sort of thing.
Lis Garrett
May 14th, 2008 at 7:30 amBrilliant post!
I’ve always lived under the assumption that no one is going to just hand me work, but as self-motivated as I am, even I need a kick in the arse once in awhile. To tell you the truth, Bob, this post couldn’t have come at a better time for me. I am printing this one out and hanging it on the wall over my desk to use as a motivational piece.
THANK YOU!
Jenny
May 14th, 2008 at 8:18 amA great article – encouraging me to move forward and find my own opportunities. Thank you.
Matt Tuley, Laptop for Hire
May 14th, 2008 at 8:52 amWhen I read “My state’s economy was in the tank…” Was?
The great thing about this job we’ve made for ourselves is how geographically unlimited it is. I’m in Michigan, too, but my biggest client is in California.
I got some help along the way, too. Driving back and forth to a part-time job gave me plenty of time to listen to all sorts of audibooks from my library’s business section. Applying what I learned from those (free!) resources has helped a lot.
Great post!
Lisa
May 14th, 2008 at 8:58 amThanks for this post, Bob. I’m just getting started in freelancing, hoping to move to full-time eventually. This post was a good reminder that I can go out and get the work and be a success!
lisa
Jamie Grove - How Not To Write
May 14th, 2008 at 10:07 amI’m always surprised when people tell me they don’t see opportunity. It’s almost like they expect it in 20ft high letters on the tallest building in town. Of course, the truth is that it really is that obvious for those with the will to make it happen.
I love this post, Bob. I never get tired of hearing your story.
Karen Swim
May 14th, 2008 at 11:43 amBob, as a fellow Michigander I absolutely know that things are tough right now, however I am of the mindset that there is always a way. You may have to expand your thinking or conversely narrow your focus but opportunity always exist if you’re willing to uncover it and act upon it. The Freelancing rant is one of personal pet peeves. Many freelancers fail to realize that in any business you actually have to sell to get customers. As a freelancer, you no longer rely on Corporate to gain the business so that you can work, YOU are corporate. If you’re not willing to do business development and would rather sit on your butt and collect a paycheck, freelancing is not for you. Your advice however is good for everyone! Cows don’t produce milk unless you grab hold of the udders and squeeze (at least that’s the way I think it works!).
stinson
May 14th, 2008 at 11:45 amBob-
This post really struck a chord with me. I am going through this process of creating new opportunity for myself in the music industry right now. I enjoyed reading your story because I feel I can really empathize with it. The music industry is going through a very large and unique change right now. Those that create new opportunity are the ones who are surviving. I have always felt that one should maintain this attitude, as the music industry is one with high turnover. Many people find themselves without a job, often right after they had a huge success. I feel that there are more opportunities than ever before. The time could not be more right to be a young startup in the music industry. I needed to read this. These types of posts reassure me that I am following the right path. Thank you for fueling my inspiration.
And BTW, I’m now one of your followers on Twitter.
Bob Younce at the Writing Journey
May 14th, 2008 at 11:55 am@ Karen – Having spent many summers on my Uncle’s dairy farm in nearby Wisconsin, I can tell you that, yes, you have to squeeze.
On an unrelated note, I love my home state, but it seems that it’s emptying out quickly. Soon it will be me, Karen, and the cows.
@Stinson – Thanks for the comment, and for the follow. I’m glad the post hit home.
It’s a universal principle, folks: Freelance writing, cows, music business, even relationships… you’ve got to make your own opportunities and then, Like Monika said, embrace them.
raj dash
May 14th, 2008 at 12:04 pmBrilliant post, Bob. I too lost my career in IT, and my state of mind led to losing a lot of other things (cell phone, cable TV, Internet access). It was “impossible” to find work in my field. I ended up checking coats and nightclubs, washing dishes and cooking in restaurants for four years. Even after I took up blogging, I still had trouble finding reasonable paying gigs. But a light went off in my head recently, and things have really been picking up for me. Take it from me: don’t wallow. Find your passion(s) and follow them. While you’re looking for work, build your skills.
Bob Younce at the Writing Journey
May 14th, 2008 at 12:12 pm@ Raj – When I lost my job in IT, I nearly lost my marriage, my family and my mind. The rest of that story, if you’re interested, is here.
Deb Ng
May 14th, 2008 at 3:07 pmOne thing I wish people would understand is that the job hunt is part of the job. Know why I found work? Because I took two hours out of each day to look. I get a lot of mail from people who want hand holding or secrets and contact lists. Not a day goes by where I don’t receive at least a dozen pieces of email from people who want me to tell them a contact name at About.com or b5Media so they can bypass the whole application process.
There is so much work out there right now I don’t get why people are complaining. They just have to take the time to find it. The job hunt has to be part of the job, it doesn’t just fall into your lap.
Susan Lim
May 14th, 2008 at 3:13 pmBob,
I love this post and your blog. Actually, I am undergoing big changes in my life also after recently resigned from a job of 4 months and previously a 6-years job. I was working in IT line also. :)
Unemployed and decided to rest for a while, I have sometimes to discover what I want to do in life. I find that I really love writing. I admire what you have achieved so far. I hope I will be there someday too, especially able to earn a living through writing.
On opportunities, I think we have to lose some in order to create new ones. For e.g., I lost my opportunity to earn a high-pay and stable income but I have my freedom now and time to discover a new career path. At least, for a while before I get totally broken.
My motto and blog title – Passionate About Life.
Meryl K. Evans
May 14th, 2008 at 3:41 pmAs I tell people, you can’t quit a “day” job and expect a sudden outpouring of new clients. I started with one client while keeping my day job. I lost a major client while still early in my freelance career (and undecided whether it will become a full-time gig). At that point, it was either think “I suck at this and that’s why I have nothing else” or throw fear out with the wind and do some marketing.
Within a day, I had two new clients. It’s easy to fall into the “I suck as a writer” trap since many want to be writers or proclaim themselves as such (especially with millions of bloggers out there). But you have to push that thought out of your mind and keep working.
Dwell in it too long (we all get stuck, depressed, blocked… it’s how quickly we move pass those that matter) and you can just go back to corporate world or whatever you were doing before.
Marketing is PART of a writer’s job description. Period.
Magnolia
May 14th, 2008 at 5:42 pmBob,
If you and I weren’t married I would marry you. :) You inspire me and you are able to do it with simple, straightforward and clear advice.
You’re not selling rocket science, that’s for sure, but sometimes we need a swift kick in the butt to get it in gear.
I need to hear success stories like yours. It gives me hope.
thanks,
Mags
Alex
May 15th, 2008 at 7:37 am“Opportunity is missed by most people because it comes dressed in overalls and looks like work.” – Thomas Edison.
Thanks for an inspiring and well made argument, Bob.
Susie
May 15th, 2008 at 9:33 amThe old saying – “the truth hurts” came resonating through my ears while I read your post. I can not believe the people around me that on a daily basis have a pity party for themselves because of their misery in a job, it boils down to a lack of ambition.
I see jobs in the paper all the time for the skills that so many of them have, get up off the couch, put your big boy pants on and get motivated. It’s amazing how it will make you feel.
Delve into your desires, and your dreams and come out holding your destiny – sdk2008
Dave Navarro
May 15th, 2008 at 11:46 am“Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.” Thomas Edison.
‘Nuff said!
(Great article Bob. Dugg.)
Zakman
May 15th, 2008 at 1:36 pmQuote: If I wanted to make something of myself, if I wanted to be a success, I needed to make it happen.
I’d love to disagree and blame my parents all my failures, but then… as you said, if I wanted to be a success, I need to make it happen. Similarly, if I wanted to be a failure, I need to make it happen. Get me?
Inspiring post, Bob. Thanks.
Lois K
May 15th, 2008 at 2:49 pmYou know every once in a while we all need a good kick in the pants. I was going through a quiet time a couple of weeks ago. I should have enjoyed it while it lasted. When one part of my trade is having a slight breather, the other side kicks in and I’m busier than ever. There are plenty of opportunities in Texas for freelancers to grow and ply thier trade. Thank you for acknowledging the only industry that is openly growing for those of us looking!
The Freelance Writer's Blog
May 29th, 2008 at 9:36 amBob:
Wow, wow and triple wow! I love this part: “If I wanted to make something of myself, if I wanted to be a success, I needed to make it happen. No one was going to do it for me.”
I find that so many people want you to hand things to them. Deb Ng nailed this point perfectly.
I too get a ton of people asking me how to do “X”, or can I give them work, help them find work, tell them how to do “x”, etc. The hardest part of freelancing is not the work itself, it’s finding the work, carving out a niche for yourself and then taking the time to find out about what you don’t know about.
I’ve managed to become pretty successsful as an SEO writer, but a year ago, I only knew what the letters SEO stood for — nothing else. How did I learn? I scoured the internet reading any and everything I could on it, lurked in tech forums, researched web trends, etc.
Many days I wanted to go for a run while the sun was shining, join my sister and my girlfriend for margaritas at our favorite Mexican hangout, take a nap with my fiance (he’s 6′3″, 220 lbs of the finest strapping Marine with washboard abs you ever saw).
BUT NOOOOOOOO, with all this temptation a mere 12 feet away, what did I do — I sat my butt in the chair in my office and researched until I was cross-eyed. This is what it means to want DO. You don’t make excuses, procrastinate and/or sit idle and hope that things will change.
You get up off your butt — or in my case — sit on your butt and just get going! A simple message, but a powerful one.
Thanks for letting me rant Bob. If one more person asks me how to become a freelance writer, I’m going to . . . ignore them.
Yuwanda
Bob Younce at the Writing Journey
May 29th, 2008 at 5:55 pm@ Yuwanda – Rant away, any time! I’m with you fully. Very cool observations.
While I don’t have a weakness for marines, I am enjoying golf these days. I try to reserve it for Tuesday nights and the occasional Friday afternoon – once my work is done.
The Freelance Writer's Blog
May 29th, 2008 at 10:47 pmEven though I freelance, I’ve kind of given up trying to squeeze in fun afternoon activities. I envy you that (and look forward to when I can do it again). The most I’ll do is run errands and watch some tennis (eg, the French Open, which is going on now). Most other week days though, I’m right in front of my computer.
And thanks for the opportunity to rant — you may live to regret that!
Yuwanda
P.S.: I’ve come across your comments on other sites and have always enjoyed your writing style.
love
October 15th, 2009 at 2:07 amjust let love be
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