The Bit, Thus Far

I’ve been unemployed self-employed for just about 6 months now, an arbitrary amount of time to do the here’s-how-it’s-going-so-far thing. I’m consistently busy and not yet totally broke, so I’d say, overall, net win. But I wanted to share a few other things I’ve learned in these first 6ish months.

1. There’s a lot to be done.

There’s this old adage among freelancers and solopreneurs (which, the Otter Lodge has learned, is a thing), that goes, “not only are you the president and CEO, you’re also the marketing department, accountant, and janitor! Yowza!” Or something like that. But it’s true: I’m responsible for chasing the work, bidding on the work, invoicing, following up, scheduling, and trying to keep track of all the finances. Not to mention squeezing in time to actually do the work.

It’s a lot, but it’s worth it to be in charge of your own destiny. I find myself working consistently more hours than I did back in the real world, but this is balanced out by:

– Actually enjoying the work I do. When you like your job, it doesn’t matter how many hours you work.
– Getting time back by cutting out things like a commute (glory!), meetings (GLORY!), and other frivolous company functions.

2. I don’t mind being by myself all day.

I’ve heard this is a tough one for many, when going from an office to full-time self-employment; they miss the coworker interaction and camaraderie. I don’t, at least not yet. It’s not that I’m antisocial, I just don’t miss the obligatory how-was-your-weekend conversations. Guess I’m an introvert. Who knew.

3. I don’t think about time the way I used to.

I no longer dread Monday morning or yearn for 5 p.m. Often times, I’m hustling to finish my work before nighttime or weekend obligations. It’s a different way of looking at things – racing against the clock instead of wishing it would move faster.

4. I’m not sure people actually think I work.

“Oh come on, what do you have going on?”

A familiar refrain, when I inform someone I’m busy at any given time. People seem mystified by the fact that I actually do work, instead of just sitting around in my boxers waiting for the phone to ring every day. (I mean, that was ONE time.) In reality, work is more important now than ever – if I don’t work, I don’t pay rent, and I end up on the streets again. This cannot happen. Speaking of rent…

5. My roommates keep asking for extra rent.

Probably because I’m at home a lot more than I used to be, and they’re mean. JUST kidding, they’re usually nice. If you want to get to know them better, watch the donut eating contest.

6. I keep spilling things.

For example, I just spilled an entire bowl of cereal all over the kitchen floor. This is unrelated to work or self-employment.

7. It’s not that scary.

My first week on my own, I sat down for lunch with my friend and fellow business owner Shawn, and about lost it. I was having one of those, “what the shit did I just do?” moments, and was petrified by the prospect of having to make my own paycheck every month. Thankfully, Shawny talked me off the ledge, and things have gone well since then. The lesson I learned: self-employment isn’t this mythical, unattainable unicorn princess. If you have a tangible, marketable skill, and work hard to sharpen that skill and find customers, you probably will. You won’t make much money at first, but who gives a damn?

 

P.S. Thanks to every one of you who have provided me leads or helped out in any way. I HAVE THE BEST FAMILY AND FRIENDS IN THE WORLD!!!!!

I mean, I, uh…whoops. Sorry, you caught me in a weak moment of teenage girl on Facebook. But seriously, thanks. I am indebted.

 

I leave you with this song, simply because it’s one of my favorites. One of those I’ve listened to hundreds of times, yet each time find something new I like about it. I feel like it’s a Thursday song. Enjoy Ray.