Comments on: Meet the New Generation of Freelancers: The “Funemployed”

By: Ed Gandia, Editor

Ed Gandia, Editor — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 03:20:06 +0000

Susanna – I can sympathize with your situation. The last 2 years have been tough for millions of professionals. But I’m convinced that we’re entering an era where ALL workers (whether self-employed or working for someone else) will HAVE to be more entrepreneurial to survive. So while I understand your not feeling up to it now, think of it as a blessing in disguise. The skills and habits you’ll have to develop in order to do well as a solo professional will serve you well no matter where you go in 1, 2, 3 or 5 years. All the best to you!

By: Susanna Perkins

Susanna Perkins — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 22:50:52 +0000

Ed, this conversation is making me feel old. I’m a gen-old, I guess. Baby boomer. I was self employed for years. Then I decided to get a job because I was tired of constantly selling myself, my husband wanted to go back to school, so it made sense to have a “regular” paycheck. Fast forward to last March, when the company I worked for melted down as part of the financial debacle. Now I’m back where I was 10 years ago, but with less energy for the selling and having to start from scratch.
Don’t know about the gen x, gen y, 20 somethings, but I’m just tired. . .

By: Ed Gandia, Editor

Ed Gandia, Editor — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 19:45:52 +0000

Good point, Mark. People say they don’t believe there’s job security out there. But most will still feel safer in a job than on their own. Sure, nothing is 100% safe. But I’d rather be the one making the decisions than be at the mercy of executives or a board of directors who are making decisions based on quarterly profit targets.

Plus, I don’t ever want to look back and say, “Gee, I wonder what would have happened if I had tried doing my own thing…started my own business…launched my own practice…”

I hear that all the time. It’s sad.

By: Mark Keating

Mark Keating — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 19:09:42 +0000

Ed:

Right on! I came to a realization last year, after I was “downsized” for the second time in six years from a corporate marcom job:

- What’s the best way to find a job: networking.
- What’s the best way to find freelance work: networking.

If there is no such thing anymore as “job security,” why shouldn’t I go freelance, do the work I love, choose the clients I want to do it for, and do as much of it as I want/need/care to/am able?

The truth shall set you free!

Mark

By: Ed Gandia, Editor

Ed Gandia, Editor — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 17:38:36 +0000

Glynda,

It’s the reality of our times — a complex dynamic, for sure! Your analysis above is dead on. Because of that, I’m seeing more and more people get on the proverbial driver’s seat and go for a more scenic, more fun drive around the countryside (in a red convertible!). Today, 31% of the U.S. workforce is either self-employed or temporary. Within 10 years, experts predict that number to climb to 40%.

May as well start building your plan now. This shift we’re seeing is not an aberration. It’s an unstoppable tidal wave!

By: Victoria Ipri

Victoria Ipri — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 17:07:48 +0000

Glynda, I am almost certain Ed will agree with me when I say Go For It! The opportunities in freelancing are virtually unlimited, regardless of your skill set. Someone…probably many someones…are waiting with baited breath to pay you to put your talents to work doing what they can’t do, or don’t have the time to do. One word of caution: Freelancing is addictive! Rather than slaving away for an employer who shamelessly outsources your talents without your consent, freelancing offers the perfect mix of client promotion and self-promotion. Everyone wins! I began about 5 years ago with no clue about what I was doing. Freelancing fell in my lap after my own experience with downsizing, and I ran with it wholeheartedly. So grab your keys and start the car because, with your skills, I have a feeling you’re going places!

By: Glynda W.

Glynda W. — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 10:45:30 +0000

Ed and all, this is a valuable thread of thought. As a “newbie” gen x freelancer, I am still employed in corporate media. Those of us who’ve survived the lay-offs and mandatory “furloughs” are almost all seeking new sources of income. I’ve watched industry professionals of 25 years escorted from the building simply because they make too much money. Corporate doesn’t seem to agree that paying a good salary for experience is a smart plan. Some flounder around hoping for another chance in media. (Many of the best in the country are waiting up to a year for new contracts.) Meanwhile, as you said, two people are left to do the jobs of four. Some of my co-workers are in technical or traditional schools gaining skills and education for entirely new careers. “Job Security” is a myth. But, we are a generation taught by our parents to work hard, put in the long hours, give it all and expect compensation from the company. Maybe it used to be that way. For me, I know I have valuable skills and abilities. My company has used them and outsourced them shamelessly without compensating me properly. I think I’ll get in the driver’s seat for a while. What do you think?

By: Marc

Marc — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 16:58:58 +0000

I am from Spain, I can assure you that in Spain we do a lot of hours in our jobs and we haven´t a balanced live because our companies are not very flexible. In some countries in north of Europe they have more flexibility and so they have a more balanced live.

Now in Spain, you can see that people that have been working 20 years in a company is fired due the crisis, although the companies are still making money, so I ask myself: why I should work in a company if I will be fired sooner or later?

I think that in few years I will be freelancer in order to manage my life and don´t be pending of my boss desires.

By: Ed Gandia, Editor

Ed Gandia, Editor — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 17:54:38 +0000

Victoria – My plan is the same: Deliver great copy and great service, always make good on my promises, and add more value than the next guy/gal.

But frankly, the key to success is to ALWAYS treat your clients like gold, not just when the going gets rough. It’s funny — the people at my bank are now suddenly super-friendly and courteous. And the retailers I frequent are now going out of their way to treat me right.

I’m glad. But it’s disappointing that they couldn’t bring themselves to deliver great service and value before the downturn. The busiensses that truly impress me are the ones that always treat me right, regardless of what’s happening in the economy.

By: Victoria Ipri

Victoria Ipri — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 12:13:56 +0000

Right on, Ed! As more former Wall St. head honchos go to work for $25,000 a year, those of us currently freelancing face a new and interesting challenge: Where will you be when these well-educated, skilled individuals flood the freelancing market? Will you be ready for the onslaught by working now to create a solid business and loyal clients?

I began freelancing in 2006. No one had ever heard of freelancing or outsourcing. A mere two years later, outsourcing was a popular buzzword and the market was overcrowded with “freelance writers” (and designers, etc.), thanks, in part, to books like the 4-Hour Work Week. I didn’t have to worry about my competition, but many other freelancers did, as they scrambled to achieve the impossible: reduce their fees and match the costs and speed of foreign freelance houses.

I feel certain history will repeat itself, albeit the players may be even more sophisticated this time around. To glide through this change, I’m going to keep my nose to the grindstone, ignore the recession, and treat my loyal customers like gold. How about you?