Why You Shouldn’t Question a Freelancer’s Career Choices

cartoon pregnant woman in pink clothes with coffee

When I began sharing that I was going through a divorce, a few people asked if I was planning to find a “real job” or what I intended to do “for work.” I found this inquiry quite curious since I … already had a job, and they were well aware of it. I’ve been freelancing for nearly eight years now.

While I did need to ramp up my workload after becoming the sole provider for my family, I managed to do so within a couple of months by leveraging my network and seeking out additional opportunities. Freelancing is undeniably a job, folks. Sure, there are days when I feel like tossing my hustle out the window because I’m exhausted from constantly searching for better-paying gigs. However, for the most part, I enjoy the freedom and flexibility that comes with being a freelancer.

My income stems from various sources, making each day, week, or month unique. The four novels I’ve published generate passive royalties every month, regardless of whether I promote them or not; although, I can boost that income if I put in the effort to advertise. With a college degree in music performance, I teach violin and viola lessons a few hours a week. In non-pandemic times, I also perform with the local symphony (which I’m eager to return to!). Additionally, I write articles for different websites and take on editing jobs to fill any gaps.

My work is highly independent. I set my own schedule—if I want to work one day and take the next off, I can do so without needing anyone’s approval. If I have a headache and want to rest, that’s perfectly fine; I can take a nap and catch up on work later. For the majority of my tasks, my laptop serves as my office. I can travel to visit my partner without having to check in with a boss, and as long as I have my laptop, I can keep up with my responsibilities while away.

I’m currently typing this from my couch, dressed in a T-shirt and underwear, no makeup, no bra, with my hair a bit messy and my dog curled up beside me. Every few sentences, I take a bite of cinnamon oatmeal or sip my coffee.

And the best part? I’m literally earning money right now just by sharing my thoughts for others to read. Hello, friends!

This is my chosen path for making a living, Judgy McJudgerson, who seems to think freelancing isn’t a legitimate profession.

And yes, I do earn a substantial income. With the right skills and networking efforts, it’s entirely possible to make a great living as a freelancer. Many freelance writers I know bring in six-figure incomes. A woman who started blogging around the same time as I did has constructed a million-dollar business designing high-conversion email campaigns for clients and companies. The woman who edited my novels is thriving as a freelance editor, all her clients coming to her through referrals because she’s that skilled.

Just because someone isn’t working “for” someone else in a traditional 40-hour-per-week job doesn’t mean they aren’t putting in the effort. And just because someone works in their pajamas doesn’t mean they aren’t making money.

Of course, freelancing does have its challenges. Finding affordable health insurance can be a significant hurdle for those considering this career path. My children are on their dad’s insurance, while I have a plan subsidized by the Affordable Care Act. For those needing to cover an entire family but earning around the ACA subsidy limit, health insurance can cost as much as rent or a mortgage. This expense often overshadows the benefits of the independence and flexibility associated with freelancing.

And let’s not forget the tax situation; as a freelancer, managing taxes can be a nightmare. I pay estimated quarterly taxes and then face the daunting task of organizing about 22 1099 forms come tax season. Tax time is the most frustrating aspect of freelancing. Each year, I wish I could just fill out a W-2 and be done with it.

Nonetheless, I truly enjoy the freelancer lifestyle. It’s a job—a genuine job, and yes, I, along with many others, earn a living from it. So, if you’re a freelancer hustling like I am, know that your work is just as valid as anyone who clocks in at an office every day.

If you’re accustomed to a traditional nine-to-five job and receive a W-2 at year-end, please avoid undermining a freelancer’s work by asking when they’ll find a “real job.” It reflects poorly on you.

For more insights on related topics, check out this article on home insemination or learn about the at-home insemination kit for your family planning needs. You can also find excellent resources on pregnancy treatments that might be helpful.

Search Queries:

In summary, being a freelancer is indeed a valid and legitimate career choice. It comes with its own set of challenges, but the freedom and flexibility it offers can outweigh the drawbacks. Avoid asking freelancers when they plan to get a “real job,” as it diminishes the hard work they put into their careers.

Keyphrase: Freelancing as a legitimate career
Tags: “home insemination kit”, “home insemination syringe”, “self insemination”