Will You Quit Freelancing in 2012?

I was reading the 12 Must Read Freelancing Predictions for 2012 on Freelance Folder, and what I saw was very troubling. Believe it or not, some of you will quit freelancing in 2012. Some of you will simply give up. I thought about that, and I know that I cannot let that happen. I cannot let you go back to working in a cubicle for a salary. It may seem "safe" right now, but ultimately you are jeopardizing not only your happiness but your ability to make a professional decision.

Let me tell you a story... back in April of 2010, I went to work just like I did on any other day. The difference was when I left work that day, it was a bit earlier than usual. Why? I had been fired. My thing is, I wasn't a puppet, and I would not tolerate being treated like one. I've always felt that I have the right to stand up for what I believe in, and well, not everyone likes that. When you are found to have that spirit of a leader, you will surely be singled out and working in an "At-Will" state, they could say anything to kick me off the payroll. I was still able to draw unemployment, of course, but that was not the point. I actually felt rather defeated. I felt like I failed. Yes, I had my dignity, but I didn't have my job. It almost made me question how much my dignity was worth. The people around me didn't make it much better, as I didn't tend to find myself surrounded by other entrepreneurial people. Everyone else had a 9-5 (aka a "real job"). I had no one to lean on to find out about transitioning into the world of freelancing.,

I had worked as an independent contractor before, but it was a bit scary. So, instead, I applied for job, after job, after job until my knuckles hurt from typing. My full-time job was trying to find a full-time job. In a down economy, that was a recipe for disaster. I was at the mercy of employers who had plenty of other people to pick from -- perhaps and most likely more educated and/or qualified than myself. After all, I had taken a slew of college courses, but to date had only completed a high school diploma. Pay no never mind to the fact that I was expecting to graduate soon. The jobs that did hire me were all sales jobs and all completely out of my element. I've never been a person to enjoy high-pressure sales. I sucked at both jobs.

It was not until August 2010 (4 months later) that I found the perfect opportunity - even though it was an independent contractor position. The good thing about it was, though, that I could work from home around my own schedule. I gave heavy consideration to it and ultimately decided to go with it. I don't regret it for even one moment.

Why do I have no regrets? I love the freedom that comes with it. I have the type of personality where I don't like to be micro-managed (who does like that?) and appreciate having more free-reign in my work. I also was put into greater control of my own earnings. I could take on as much (or as little) work as was available to me. I was given freedom to choose who I work with. I never declined any project, but it was good to know that I did have that freedom.

I want you all to know this freedom. That's why you can't quit freelancing. If anything, I recommend you come up with a plan to quit your day job to freelance. Once you do, the freedom you experience will be amazing. You will be able to set your own schedule and work on your own terms. You will be able to do the work you truly desire. The bottom line is -- you will have choices.

So, stay strong in the fight. Don't be a statistic. As a matter of fact, you can make it one of your SMART goals to continue freelancing at least for the rest of 2012. Once you've done it for a year and given it your best effort with no real results, it may be time to re-evaluate.

What is your plan to make sure that you don't quit freelancing in 2012?

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