kylesmom – It sounds like you’ve had to face a lot, and worked hard so far to get where you are. You definitely seem to have the right attitude then to survive as a freelancer, whether you do it part-time or full. :)

Ryan – I think your case is an excellent reminder that there’s more to it than just trying to make ends meet. Stick with it – I hope writing makes the difference for you. :)

These were the last two free copies of the e-book going out, and I want to thank all five people who shared their stories. :) Because of that, I’m going to go ahead and close the comments on this post. I hope everyone reading was able to take something from what they’ve shared, and that those looking into working from home to help their own financial situations do the planning, get to understand the business of it, and never undervalue themselves. :)

Nell – I just sent the e-book over to you. It sounds like you represent a pretty big group out there – parents trying to strike a balance between finances and time when it comes to their children.

I hope you stick with it, expand your client base, and make it work for you. As for being tired and cranky – freelancing can cause its share of that too. ;) But for the most part, you’re right – there’s definitely a sense of relief when you finally quit that commute (my last one was an hour and a half each way, and I thought I had it bad then – so you absolutely have my sympathies!). Thanks for sharing your story. :)

For the past 3+ years of my life, I’ve worked as a waitress and my family and I have lived below the federal poverty line. This time, I am unemployed for 3 weeks for renovations. We have no income during this period, and I have taken the plunge to become a full freelance writer, and never look back. I have started my website, polished my credits, and started applying like crazy. The hard work is paying off, but slowly, and the bills are tired of waiting.

I’ll write more about this at my blog today, but I want to take the stigma out of poverty. It happens, and it’s not easy to get out of.

I’ve decided that freelancing will be my way out. Right now, I only have one client and I complete the work at night once everyone’s asleep. And yes, I’m tired, cranky, and sometimes frustrated. But in my heart I know it will pay off! I even feel a sense of relief knowing freelance writing will get me out of the rat race, 2-hour one-way commute and more time with my son and family. Life is good. (Or will be soon!) Sorry this is so long… =)

Kimberlee – I know several people working in food service areas who have gone through similar issues (heck, I was engaged to a cook at a local restaurant a few years back, and remember how much even a few days forced off for things like that could hurt, so I can’t imagine 3 weeks). Good for you though in that you’re taking the initiative to do something better for yourself. And thank you for being willing to share your story openly for others. :)

Moe – It sounds like you have admirable goals, and I’m glad to hear you’re working towards them. :) While I don’t have a family of my own to support yet, your situation is one of the reasons I do what I do – when I do build that family I want to know that I’m not only providing for them but actually there for them as much as possible. I hope your career in writing helps you reconnect with your family and helps you meet any other goals you may set for yourself. :)

Thanks!