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When I began sharing the news of my divorce, I was surprised to hear some people ask if I was planning to get a “real job” or what I would do “for work.” It struck me as an odd question, especially since I already had a job, which they were well aware of. I’ve been freelancing for about eight years now.
Sure, when I became the sole breadwinner in my household, I had to ramp up my workload, but within a couple of months of leveraging my network and hustling for more gigs, I managed to do just that. Freelancing is a legitimate job, folks. While there are days I feel like tossing my hustle out the window because I’m exhausted from constantly searching for better-paying opportunities, most days, I cherish the freedom and flexibility my freelance work offers.
My income comes from diverse sources, ensuring that no two days, weeks, or months are ever alike. The four novels I’ve published generate passive royalties every month, whether I promote them or not; however, if I invest time in advertising, I can boost that income. With a college degree in music performance, I teach violin and viola lessons weekly. In non-pandemic times, I perform with the local symphony (almost back to that!). I also write articles for various websites and occasionally take on editing projects to fill any gaps in my schedule.
My work is incredibly independent. I set my own hours — if I choose to work one day and take the next off, that’s entirely my call. If I have a headache and need a few hours to rest, I can do that without seeking permission from anyone. Most of my work is done from my laptop, allowing me to travel to see my long-distance partner without having to check in with an “office.” As long as I pack my laptop, I can maintain my workflow even while visiting them.
As I write this, I’m lounging on my couch in a T-shirt and underwear, no makeup, no bra, hair a mess, with my dog curled up next to me. Every few sentences, I take a bite of cinnamon oatmeal or sip my coffee.
And the best part? I’m literally earning money right now just by sharing my thoughts with you. This is how I make my living, Judgy McJudgyface, who seems to think freelancing isn’t a “real job.”
Yes, I do earn a living. With the right skills and networking, it’s entirely possible to make a very good income as a freelancer. Many freelance writers I know earn six figures. A woman who started blogging around the same time I did has built a million-dollar empire designing high-conversion email campaigns for businesses. The editor who helped with my novels also makes significant income through her freelance work — all her clients come to her through word of mouth because she’s exceptional at what she does.
Just because someone isn’t clocking in at a 40-hour-per-week job doesn’t mean they’re not working. And just because someone works in their pajamas doesn’t mean they’re not earning a living.
Of course, freelancing has its downsides. Finding affordable health insurance can be a major hurdle for those wanting to pursue this path. My children are on their dad’s plan, while I have one subsidized by the Affordable Care Act. For those needing to cover a whole family but earning close to the ACA subsidy limit, the cost of health insurance can rival rent or mortgage payments, often overshadowing the benefits of freelancing flexibility.
Doing taxes as a freelancer can also be a nightmare. I pay estimated quarterly taxes and then scramble through a mountain of 1099 forms come tax season. Every year, I wish for the simplicity of just filing a W-2 and moving on.
Yet, for the most part, I adore the freelancer lifestyle. It’s a genuine job, one that allows me and many others to earn a substantial income. So if you’re a freelancer hustling like me, know that your work is just as valid as anyone’s who clocks into an office daily.
And if you’re a nine-to-fiver who receives a W-2 at year’s end and breezes through tax season, please refrain from undermining a freelancer’s work by asking when they plan to get a “real job.” It only makes you appear inconsiderate.
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In summary, freelancing is a legitimate and rewarding career path that offers independence, flexibility, and the potential for a lucrative income. It’s essential to acknowledge the hard work and dedication that freelancers put into their craft, rather than dismissing it as a lesser form of employment.