Re:I’ve been a self-employed independent creator for 10 years
by EvanAnderson on Monday July 17, 2017 @05:00PM
(#14792217)
(I'm an American, working in the United States. My perspective is that one alone.)
I've never understood the irrational desire have a job.
My contract work over the last 13 years has been immensely rewarding, both financially and personally. I've met and worked alongside many very interesting people. I've had some great relationships and untold wonderful conversations (and billed for them). There have been contracts that are grueling and difficult and some that have been embarrassingly easy. I have always been thankful that diversity in my income has allowed me to ride-out economic hardships and to be selective about the work I do and how I spend my time.
When I see people chain themselves to a single source of income (and particularly a single source of health insurance) I get a little sad. I see people frustrated with dealing with HR policies, working unpaid overtime, and forced to deal with unpleasant co-workers. So many people seem to be slaves to their jobs but are either unwilling or unable to make a change. The fear of losing a job today and being without health insurance has turned work into near-slavery for many people. I've heard many stories of hardship that start with "I lost my job..."
Working intentionally and working a job/freelance are orthogonal. I work very intentionally, but I don't have a job. I watch my billable number every day, and I tune my work up/down based on my personal commitments and goals.
Any perceived "security" in a job (for the vast majority of jobs) where you hold no equity is an illusion. (Sure, sure-- different states have different protections for employees, unions have contracts, etc...) I feel very comfortable that, so long as I don't do anything to tarnish my reputation in the public sphere I have pretty good security in my income.
I've never understood the irrational desire have a job.
My contract work over the last 13 years has been immensely rewarding, both financially and personally. I've met and worked alongside many very interesting people. I've had some great relationships and untold wonderful conversations (and billed for them). There have been contracts that are grueling and difficult and some that have been embarrassingly easy. I have always been thankful that diversity in my income has allowed me to ride-out economic hardships and to be selective about the work I do and how I spend my time.
When I see people chain themselves to a single source of income (and particularly a single source of health insurance) I get a little sad. I see people frustrated with dealing with HR policies, working unpaid overtime, and forced to deal with unpleasant co-workers. So many people seem to be slaves to their jobs but are either unwilling or unable to make a change. The fear of losing a job today and being without health insurance has turned work into near-slavery for many people. I've heard many stories of hardship that start with "I lost my job..."
Working intentionally and working a job/freelance are orthogonal. I work very intentionally, but I don't have a job. I watch my billable number every day, and I tune my work up/down based on my personal commitments and goals.
Any perceived "security" in a job (for the vast majority of jobs) where you hold no equity is an illusion. (Sure, sure-- different states have different protections for employees, unions have contracts, etc...) I feel very comfortable that, so long as I don't do anything to tarnish my reputation in the public sphere I have pretty good security in my income.
Edit: Grammar... oh, the grammar...