If you know me personally, or via Blogger/Facebook/Twitter, you may remember that I was laid off earlier this year when the ad agency I worked at was sold. Didn't exactly throw me into a state of panic, but I was forced to reflect on my employment life.
I've been looking for a job using the traditional resources. But there aren't many places looking for an actual proofreader. Many businesses are too small to warrant a full-time person. Larger companies may have a system already in place. And honestly, I'm sure a lot of organizations don't realize the value that a fresh set of eyes can bring to their printed (and web) materials.
Having some time off has given me more time to spend with a friend who would also do well being self-employed. It's been helpful for both of us to identify and discuss our talents and skills, exploring options together. We're both good at what we do--it's just tough trying to define what that is and translate it into a way to make money! Another friend was recently laid off, so now we've got three great minds formulating a plan for mutual success.
I had to miss our last two "freelance staff meetings," however. I was busy...freelancing. A local marketing firm had a big project in-house. I have worked with a few people there, so my name came up when they determined it was time to have someone else take a look for little things that might have been missed. So I got the call. As luck would have it, I was available. For eight days, I went to their office and read every word that was put in front of me. Then I set upon my task of adding hyphens, deleting commas (just because I'm a fan of the serial comma doesn't mean I can't ditch a few sometimes), capping and un-capping, noting typos, and making sure that things were stylistically consistent.
It was really kind of a rush, making notes with my red pen. I know spelling and punctuation isn't everyone's cup of tea, but I truly enjoy it! Sort of a treasure hunt...looking for little things that other people might not see. Even though I was in unfamiliar surroundings on a strictly temporary basis, I was in my element, doing what I know how to do. And when I'd finished reviewing, I packed up my copies of the AP Stylebook and Grammar Girl's Quick and Dirty Tips and went home. Sent off my invoice and officially completed my first freelance project.
I know the life of a freelancer has its ups and downs. Sure, there's some flexibility, but there's also less reliable income. It's truly performance-based pay. You don't get a check if you don't put in the time. Am I still looking for a "regular" job? Definitely! Unless I buy a winning lottery ticket, I've gotta continue to bring in some cash. But I think I could get into being an independent contractor. We'll see where this road goes.
Thanks to the people close to home for their encouragement and support. And thanks to my Twitter friends, too. They really know how to build you up. And since a lot of them are also in the freelance world, I know that I can learn a lot from them.
I can't wait to see what's next!
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