Freelance web design is something I fell into courtesy of a friend named Phil. It is not something I ever planned on doing. When he referred my first client to me over three years ago he unwittingly changed my path in life. That one chance circumstance taught me three things: that it was possible to work for myself, that the client / provider relationship is more satisfying and egalitarian than the employee / employer relationship, and that if I could work hard and provide something people needed I could live without depending on a “boss” or anyone else for that matter. For that I will always be indebted to him.
It’s funny how one conversation or act can result in wildly unforeseen consequences. That is a mind-boggling thing about life. But in many ways, freelancing is a return to my roots. When I was a kid it was obvious to me that money was a powerful tool for creating independence, if you could find ways to earn it AND keep it. Many people forget that second part, which is even more important than the first part, as I know many poor people who are paid significantly more than I am. As a boy, I was always saving my money and trying to earn more of it, mostly to buy Mad Magazines. I used to mow yards, polish my dad’s shoes, and baby-sit to earn money before I was old enough to work for it legally. When I was in 5th grade, I piled all my old toys into a yellow plastic basket and went door to door trying to sell them.That same year I remember this kid named, Victor, paid me $5 to draw a picture of our teacher with hand-grenades and bandoleers. I was surprised that anyone would throw away that much money for something like that, but I enjoyed being paid to do things I enjoyed. Better yet, both he and I were happy with the exchange. I gave up something I was proud of for something else of value. There is a perfect symmetry in that relationship.
The point of this entry is that I plan to work full-time for myself very soon. It is time to stop talking about it. I would like to take the plunge by mid-May at the latest. I am ready to live a life of greater freedom and flexibility, and I even enjoy the prospect of serious challenge and hard work. Sure, there is some risk involved, but I am in a unique position I may never be in again. I make very little money at my day job, I have no family that depends on me, nor am I overly burdened with financial commitments. I will keep you posted.
Good luck, smookie pants.