All freelancers have different expectations for their business. Some just want extra income in order to provide extras for their family or themselves. Others want, or need, to have the ability to support themselves with the income completely. Sometimes, expectations change because your life changes.
When I first began freelancing, it was for extra income to help with the bills and take care of the extra things such as school clothes and holiday shopping. Then the economy went to hell and my hubby no longer had any work for his electrical business. Thankfully, I was able to step it up and keep everything paid for a year while he searched for work and finally went back to school to change careers. Now that he is again out of work because of the wreck, I am able to again keep everything going until his income is back. It is a real blessing to have that ability, while still being right here when my kids need me, make it to school functions, and serve a good meal every night.
I write because I have to, even if I wasn't doing it for a living I would still write. I have written for as long as I can remember! But I freelance because it allows me to adjust my work schedule around my family and put their needs first. I worked 12 hour shifts, 6 days a week outside of the home when my older children were young. I never want to do that again!
What are your expectations for your business? And what do you intend to do to make sure those expectations happen?
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Hi Carrie, I would one day love to earn an income from blogging and other residual income. I'm glad you have been able to step in to support the family in difficult times.
ReplyDeleteI write because I have to. I freelance for the freedom it brings. I'd really like to see my blog network take off so I don't have to do so much but I have a hard time seeing that happening - at least not any time soon.
ReplyDeleteCarrie, you address one great benefit that is often overlooked. As freelancers, we can easily pick up the ball and run when we have to. That isn't always an option in the outside world. You have to beg for overtime or extra shifts. Here we can modify our schedules and eggs to cover the bald spots.
ReplyDelete@Kifayat~ Thank you! It's a great source of pride for me that I can pay the bills and still be here when they need me!
ReplyDelete@Brenda~ If you can dream it, you can do it! If you want something badly enough, keep on working towards it until it happens. :)
@Angie~ In my opinion, that is one of the best things about freelancing!
I like the flexibility of freelancing. Right now I am using it as a means to make extra money we are using to pay down our mortgage and some towards savings. The flexiblity and the opportunity to work from my couch are important to me.
ReplyDeleteI do hope to build opportunities that will make it more profitable, but it also prevents me from having huge work gaps in my resume, too when I haven't been able to work full time outside the home.
I'm not committed to writing yet. I'm a ripe beginner. I'm really happy free lancing has saved the day in your life many times. I'm also glad it allows you time to stay at home with the children too. I'll bet hubby really feels a release from stress because of your writing acting as a nice cushion. I hope you continued success.
ReplyDeleteteakettle58@yahoo.com