It’s always nice to remind ourselves of the perks of freelance writing, but I don’t think there’s a freelancer out there who wouldn’t admit that it has its downsides as well. So I’d like to put the question out there today – what’s your least favorite aspect of being a freelance writer?
Here’s mine:
Recordkeeping – I used to love accounting and everything related to it. But when it comes to freelancing, I can’t stand it. I’m admittedly one of the worst when it comes to keeping records – I can’t claim deductions for things I should be able to (and haven’t really cared), because I simply lose things.
My client files are pretty meticulous. But receipts and such…. nah. That part of the administrative side of freelancing is the worst for me. I’ve learned the hard way to get better about it though – I keep much more than I used to. One of these days I’ll finally finish setting up a new accounting system for the business (hopefully by the first of next year), and maybe I should tack a new filing system goal onto my list.
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Fast-approaching deadlines. Actually, don’t all deadlines approach too quickly?
For me it’s the feeling of being in endless ‘interview’ mode – the constant necessity to get that new client. I’m good at selling myself in words, but a bit reluctant when it’s face to face!
That’s why I love online networking :o)
Marketing, marketing, marketing. I can’t stand it. To be successful it’s necessary to some degree, but I find the whole process distasteful.
For me it’s the severe highs and lows. I’ll go from being super busy or on a project high to dribbles of work. I try to take advantage of both and express gratitude for it, but it can be tough.
Accounting is pretty hard to keep up with, especially when you have multiple income streams to keep up with.
I have to agree with LS that marketing is my least favorite part. Responding to job ads isn’t so bad, but figuring out how to approach “cold” and “warm” prospects isn’t so easy. The constant putting yourself out there is a little taxing and time-consuming. When it pays off, though, you’ll get no complaints from me.
The ups and downs in income… I love those periods when I have a big project that pays monthly or some such.
Savings turns out to be my answer to this.
Anne Wayman, now blogging at http://www.aboutfreelancewriting.com
By far, the accounting end of things. Even with a bookkeeper/CPA… still hate it!
When someone prefers a phone interview to an email interview. Not lazy — but making phone calls through a relay service takes too much out of the equation and I don’t feel in charge of the interview.
Links: 2008-11-21 | Meryl.net
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