Pink Think: “I think when you move past your fear and you go after your dreams wholeheartedly, you become free. Know what I’m saying? Move past the fear.” – LL Cool J
I was at the store the other day when I ran into a local businessman. I told him I hadn’t been to his business in a while and asked him how things were going.
He said, “I’m actually thinking of quitting that and getting a regular job. You know, 4 10s and benefits.”
I was still thinking of that after I left a client’s house today. As some of you know, in May I started a memoir writing business called Treasured Stories.
Frankly, I couldn’t see why someone could go from running their own business to going back and working for someone else.
Granted, I write from my somewhat limited experience of being a fairly new small business owner, but I do have a more extensive experience as a freelance writer.
I’ve decided, self-employment rocks.
Over the years, as my kids have gotten older, I’ve thought many, many times of trading in the insecurity of freelancing with a steady paycheck. The closest I came to this was applying for a job that would have monthly responsibilities, but I would still have a flexible schedule.
But now, given the choice, I wouldn’t do it. I love the freedom of working around my family’s schedule. I love being able to pull an all-nighter so I can go on a week-long vacation without worrying if I can trade shifts with a co-worker. I even love the unpredictability of my schedule, because it keeps things interesting. I will do everything possible to be self-employed.
I recognize that most people cannot afford that unpredictability. I’m lucky because my family doesn’t depend on my income to pay the bills.
Still, I also know there are people who are pulling in a large income self-employed. That’s what I want to do, too.
I left my client’s home today exhausted, I’ll admit. Even though I’ve been a journalist all my life, helping others write their memoir is a different kind of experience. Sure, you’re still interviewing, and you’re using writing skills, but the randomness, the exploratory nature of writing memoirs keeps you on your mental toes. It’s draining.
But I love it.
I feel like I’m in my element. I’ve always loved getting to know people’s stories, and having a book-length format is liberating. I’m truly honored that they will let me into their world. It’s like being first to read someone’s book of life. As I’ve always enjoyed as a journalist, my world deepens with each encounter.
It probably helps that I love marketing my services to others. After initial rejections, my confidence is growing with each and every successful pitch. I love seeing others get passionate about sharing their real-life story.
Coupled with freedom, I wouldn’t trade any of that for a steady paycheck.
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