I was once told by someone while I was waiting on them at a restaurant I worked in, that some of the things I appreciated about my job were inconsequential of sorts, because things do not work that way in the real world. I felt disheartened to think that all those years I spent in the restaurant industry were wasted. Living in a world far from the apparent cruel reaches of the real, never being prepared for life outside this bubble of fantasy. But now I’m a freelancer, and I have a feeling that woman would still argue that I’ve yet to flee this bubble. I mean, it can’t be real, it’s far too fun a job!
As with any job, the employed must come to pay certain costs from their position. Sometimes socially imposed, other times they are self imposed, but these costs are paid nonetheless. For example, in serving one of the costs, is having to make your living based on the kindness of strangers. But we pay these costs. Because that’s what it costs to do what we want and love. So I began to look at freelancing, after a few months of treading water in the pool, trying to determine the costs of being a freelancer.
Cost #1 - Uniform
This is nothing new. With most jobs, some sort of uniformity in dress is expected, and freelancing is no exception. Now admittedly, in this freelance market, the dress code is much less strict than in other areas you might find employ, but there is one.
Robes are not required, but they are strongly encouraged for their warm, embracing manner and cuddle-like quality. Some sort of comfy (stretchy works well here), pajama pants (and when we say pants we mean the American translation of pants for our overseas readers), are also recommended, but equally not required. They are recommended for safety reasons to prevent possible damage your under areas, which given your furniture choices could be subject to sticking or the dreaded fabric burns (chafing can become an issue as well, if you excitedly shift in your seat to and fro, but that’s really kind of your own thing you need to work out).
A top of some kind is crucial for networking moments across webcams, so as to not offend or frighten, but what kind of top is still completely your choice. Personally, pastels tend to offer a real comforting flow and tend to translate nicely across cams. Beyond this instance, tops are generally considered flexible. As generally are, slippers or socks. Being more for foot warmth and comfort than anything else. Underthings, additionally, optional. As we said, it’s not a very strict code.
Cost #2 - Respect! (Big up yourself!)
So the purpose of the opening anecdote was to lead in to the first cost of being a freelancer. Having others not take your job seriously! Honestly, I thought switching from the service industry, I would leave that perception behind, but alas, not necessarily so. So many people see freelancing as something you do as a hobby, but certainly not as a career.
As a freelancer, you see it everyday. Job listing after job listing for freelancers, promising little pay, but the opportunity to become something more permanent. And even friends and family have offered this pearl, as if in a consolatory way, saying ’And, it could always turn into something more!’ Hello! What part of FREELANCER do you not understand? It is not that hard, so it seems less like a disconnect in understanding, and more a lack of respecting the job we have.
Furthermore, you can see the lack of respect when people demean your position with insulting your fees for your ’work’. Come on, all you did was draw a little something. Or did a little writing. To non-creative persons, this does not seem like to huge a feat. And for them, it would not be. And the quality would be reflected in their efforts. There is a reason people hire freelancers to do the job. Because they cannot! But more often than not, it's hard out here for a freelancer.
Cost #3 - Cashflow A-No-Go
One thing that is true with most businesses, is that they do not make money in the first year. Well, freelancing is no exception. In fact for freelancers, work can be overwhelming at times, and at others be sparse. So having a steady cashflow, especially in the beginning, can be an issue for freelancers.
Now we are not saying that all freelancers are scrounging and need your pity. There are like two who are doing really well, but the rest of us are screwed. Just kidding, everyone else is fine. The only ones who need work are us, so give us all the jobs. You can hire us here.
Seriously, though. Freelancing is not a business for those who have to have a steady paycheck, in fact, a lot of freelancers that we know have second jobs. Not because freelancing is not a viable career, but because it takes time to get started, and there are times when the work just isn’t there. Through no fault or failure on the part of the freelancers, and with no reflection on their abilities, it is just the way the market fluctuates.
More to come
That is all for the first installment, but What Does True Freelancing Cost Pt. 2 is looming right around the corner (so I would avoid going that way. Seriously, it’s had like three shots of espresso and two mochas. It ain’t gonna be pretty.). But check back, and hit us up with your favorite costs of being a freelancer, and we might just feature them in the next one.
The Complete Series
- What Does True Freelancing Cost? Pt. 2
- Freelancing Costs Pt. 3 – Return of the Red-Eye!
- The True Benefits of Freelancing Pt.1
- The True Benefits of Freelancing Pt. Deux!
- Freelancing Benefits Episode III : Revenge of the Myth
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I’m a full time freelancer — I do have a proper uniform for the job. A comfy pair of fleece yoga pants that I affectionately refer to as, my “freelance pance”
Lizs last blog post..Designers/Developers Share Their Top Resources
Good writing. Keep up the good work. I just added your RSS feed my Google News Reader..
Matt Hanson
@Liz — LOL, I have one as well. It’s an old hippie skirt that is pretty much torn to shreds at this point. But it’s so comfy and just feels like a part of my work process :).
@Matt — Thanks, I hope you enjoy what’s to come :)
And there was me thinking the robes I have been ordering in from Egypt espcially were crucial. Well, least that will save me some money! :)
All valid point and all good to hear from time to time. The cash flow issue is one I have not experienced before, and because Im really only just starting out, things are, shall we say, challenging.
But am hopeful…
Looking forward to the next installments.
Graham
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Genius — soo many giggles had in this, thanks for making this freelancer dude smile :)
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And don’t you hate having to keep track of the calendar, so you remember when the official day is to switch from shorts and tees back to sweats?
Seriously, tho’, does anyone videoconference–I’ve had iChat for years now; and there’s Skype and Google with a video capacity, but I’ve yet to have a single client or prospective client suggest or take up my suggestion that we videoconference.
I really enjoyed this one. And is so true.
I have trouble explaining my girflriend (which does and always used to work in an offcie) tha I DO ACTUALLY WORK.
“Would you bing the laundy?“
“OK“
2 minutes lather:
“Did you brought the laundy?“
“Hell no, I am working right now!“
“OK, do it then when you’re taking some rest“
another couple of minuutes
“Did, you…?“
“No“
“Why, you are at home? It takes just a minute“
“Why don’t you come to home for just a minute to bring that laundy?!“
“This is impossible! I am working!”
and so on, and so on…
Hey. Thanks for this. I just started freelancing in April and I’ve been seriously considering applying for a “real job” over the past week. I don’t want a new job at all. I LOVE what I do. I’m just not rolling in the dough right now and I feel guilty that I get to work from home in my super comfy clothes, dog in lap, doing what I love. It doesn’t seem like I deserve that…especially when I’m not making very much money.
Anyway, your post made me feel better, more justified in my career as a freelancer.
Ahh..but you wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world!
I feel I have no choice–it’s what I was meant for, so I better make it a go. While I’m at it, why not wear comfortable clothes? I’m sure my dogs don’t mind if I’m not suited up in Prada for them ;0)
This was an excellent read. The cost of being a freelance designer extends far beyond the value of a dollar. It’s a tough gig, but hey someone’s gotta do it!
Getting the ball rolling is the hardest part. I think you feel these things especially before you have established yourself. I’ve been doing freelance for a few years now, except it’s not my full time gig. I certainly haven’t established myself yet and I feel these pains often.
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Referring to pants “…are also recommended, but equally not required.”
Ha! Nice.
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@ ImJustCreative — I believe in the initial draft of the Freelancer’s code robes were required. You probably just didn’t see the revised copy sent out in late ’07 :P.
I honestly don’t think you will be hoping long. I think you will go far, fast. My friend, you got skills!
@ svgrob — Glad to oblige!
@ Stephen Tiano — I just wear my shorts over my sweats and then I’m covered all year long! ;) As for the videoconferencing, we haven’t had any experiences with it yet, not with clients, only family/friends using Skype or IM.
@ crowdadmin — lol! Thanks for that exchange. Folks just don’t understand us do they?
@ Stephanie — Wow, Stephanie, thanks for that. You made me smile. Glad we could reassure you some. Keep it up!
@ Alma Gray — Wouldn’t trade at all, you are correct. For me, it’s the first time that I’ve been able to incorporate writing into my actual job. Big plus there.
Apparently dogs aren’t as picky as cats. Ours always look down on us for dressing down. That’s why they aren’t welcome in the office/sanctuary.
@ Bob Pease — Thanks, Bob. It’s true, it is tough in the beginning, but it’s an awesome gig no matter how you slice it!
@ Frank — Ha, thanks. Much appreciated.
Nice article, and oh so true. Both sides of the fence have their pros and cons, it’s good to see some of them explained.
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@ Miles, thanks for the kind words. Much appreciated.
Good read,
#2 irritates me the most! you’re expected to be available (to everybody) all the time just because you work from home.
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Its not all work work work is it! I know what you mean regarding your girlfriend and her understanding of the term ‘working from home’ I have learned to accept that working from home (as a freelancer) means you are also on call to do some of the household chores or changing nappies for example. They just don’t get it do they?!
Yeah, that part about Cash Flow A No Go really resonates with me.
But I’m in my first year. So, no big deal. Getting a real job will help keep the cash flow going for the freelance sideline.
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