Thursday, June 12, 2008

Facing Your Freelancing Fears

This week I have read more than a few posts discussing the challenges and fears of taking the leap to start freelance writing full-time. My first post explains how I went from wishing I was working full-time as a freelance writer to actually doing it. I am still scared all of the time that I don't have enough clients, time to write as much as I need to in order to pay my bills each month or the talent and guts it takes to stick it out.

Naomi Dunford's post at Ittybiz.com came at the right time. She unabashedly talks about the fears you may feel when you start a new business, which is humbling considering how fearless and confident she comes off. She's a lot like having that bluntly honest friend you need to take you by the shoulders and just shake you until you come to your senses. What are we so afraid of? If I go back to a nine-to-five corporate gig I'll just start worrying about getting laid off and wondering how to be accessible to my kids.

These are scary times and there are no guarantees. There was no better time for me to start my business than when I did. It wasn't the perfect time, but I saw no point in waiting around for something that wasn't going to be – waiting around for that illusive "perfect timing." Besides, I'm at a point in my life where I don't want to have to say "what if" about the things that matter to me. I'm often scared to death, and that's okay. But if I want to be a successful freelance writer, I can't avoid taking risks because of fear. I'm okay with that.

2 comments:

Naomi from IttyBiz said...

Glad you liked the post, sweetie. You're right -- you're going to be terrified no matter what you do, so you may as well be terrified on your couch in your underwear.

Kimberly Ben said...

Thanks Naomi. Being on the couch in my underwear and getting paid - how cool is that!

 
Designed by Lena