Reply #3: It's what I do, and it's the best/worst job ever

[nosillies]

The magic of it is obvious: be your own boss, work from home, take the assignments you like, etc.

But here's the hard reality: if you like money, if you ever have a bill to pay, if you ever need to see a doctor or take medicine, if you don't like to whore yourself out at times, it can be tough.

You will find at times the self-criticism is worse than anything any former boss could have dished out. You still have co-workers -- they're just called editors now, and they can drive you nuts like co-workers in any other field. You will go through periods where you haven't seen a check in weeks and you have to decide which matters less, water or electricity (unless you have loads of savings to take you through the lean times). And writing too much can take a physical toll on you, as being hunched over a computer all day is good for no one!

Maybe ease into it, with a part-time job somewhere enjoyable (favorite retail store, e.g.) that brings in guaranteed money and a chance for benefits. Then you can slowly back away from the "job" and move further into your "joy" in small increments. Then again, maybe you are the type who is most successful when you jump in full throttle! Think about an approach that would be comfortable for you.

All said, I would encourage anyone to give freelancing a try. The realities may be very difficult, but the job satisfaction level is off the charts!