The Hard Work Of Freelancing

It's important to constantly reinvent yourself!  When most people decide to go into business for themselves it's usually because old employers do not care to take care of their employees. If everyone knows this, then why am I the only one going into business for myself? It's because you are the intelligent one to know that you are worth more than what others hand you. Besides, if there was a rush for everyone in your field to start their own businesses the market would over flow with competition you don't need. You may be the most detail oriented, or the most reliable but to be paid your worth may be ignored by the fact that your competition WILL under cut you with cheaper prices you won't be able to keep up with. In that case, you may as well stay with your previous employer!

Four years ago I've ended a ten year marriage. This meant that I was going to go back to fully relying on myself again. I was supposed to have been a house wife, however, I have freelanced my fashion business from my home and made a substantial amount of money and I paid majority of the bills. Now that I have made another life changing decision, I also had to allow myself to leave all of my children in the care of my Ex-husband until I can get myself to where I need to be and later bring my children home.

The Plan was to go back to Law School to earn my Law Degree, work as a Legal Assistant in the mean time, and make a good living until I graduate where I will start my own practice. Well, everything didn't go as per "The Plan"! In fact, I have discovered (to my horror) that there are literally NO JOBS in the New York City area. Yes, that includes all 5 boro's! I have sent in my very impressive resume to every Legal firm available in the city. There is noone hiring, not African-American women anyway. I've watched as I sat in many firm waiting rooms where I've seen "Barbie" type Caucasion and some Oriental women who were a size 0 thru 57 walk out of the offices with big smiles on their faces filling many positions even they are not experienced in while I was the only one going home with wasted fare, humiliation-because I was thought to be Causasion myself. And at my wits end! I was so angry, I've reported all to the "Better Business Bureau" because of discrimination. I was told from all firms, that they were looking to appeal to high-end clientele and Professionals.

I lost it in many interviews where I had said: "And WHAT THE HELL DO YOU THINK BLACK PEOPLE DO??? STILL SERVE WHITES IN THEIR TRAILORS WHILE RAISING THEIR BRATTS??? NO SIR, YOU GOT THE WRONG ONE!" I stormed out of the offices while others just looked on. I have no respect for the city if this is what its come to. I've thought about moving and going somewhere where people like myself are appreciated and services and school work hand in hand. But, then again, where is the challange in that? I'll tough it out and make an example of these firms when I get where I need to be. At times, I feel too old to start over. On the other hand, I may as well paint the town RED before my children have to experience the same treatment. I can effect change, and I will! Besides, my pride won't let me climb down off my high horse to work for these firms even if they offered me an opportunity!

There goes a dream up in flames, I thought. But then I thought, I am a freelance artist. I'll just market myself on talents I posses. So I offer proposal writing and grant researching for local small and large organizations. From the 501 (c)3's to the big profit mergers. I tried to go the local organization route like churches, mosques, etc. but all I was understanding from them were the usual scams and frauds of trying to get me to be suckered in to do all the work for free! Or if they ever did offer a stipend, it wasn't worth my time or the transportation. So, I left them and advised others how to resolve a problem without having to go to court and pay the extra fees. I got paid as a mediator, but it still wasn't worth it. Friends became shysters too, because they wanted me to use my expertise as a favor to them knowing I was out of work. So, i deleted my friendships. Friendship is nothing if usery is on the menu. My family did the same thing, I have them on hold. I have no intentions of being used for my intelligence without compensation. I never bring it up, and if they do I ask: "How much am I getting paid?" They dont bring it up to me any more. After all, for my intelligence, I am a "BIG TIME GIRL", not a small country minded individual. I am experienced in working in high traffic offices, answering busy phones, and giving presentations to clients as well as CEO's to ensure the quality of my work is efficient and I deserve my raises and bonuses. Now, I have been reduced to accepting part time or full time temporary work anywhere I can find it from time to time until I went freelance completely. At times I feel embarrassed, humiliated, and some times like I am being made an example of. So, why not do everything I am talented and have the know-how to do and self market?

Business will always be slow starting. But, the process is as profitable as I make it. I am working on a budget of $20 to $35.00 a month and most times every two months. Lets see where exactly where it takes me. My expenses: Business cards (I print at the library to save ink costs, but I buy the blank card stock!), Subway and Bus fare for travel for a full week, weekend included! Maybe some flyers at a print shop for good pricing too, like 100 to 300 copies if that, notebook for my financial records, and maybe a receipt book and an appointment book. Additional Expenses: Cell phone bill payment of $50.00 monthly! So The grand total comes to about $70.00 to $87.00 easy. Thank God for Boost Mobile, Public Library, Cheap Print shops, and the .99 cent stores!

My first campaign was to market myself as a "Masseuse" (online anyway) on social websites and free classified ads sites to see how successful I can be. At first, I've had many requests to provide service. However, I have come to the realization that with today's advancement in technology comes many people logging on to the internet via cell phone. Hence, "The Smart phone"! With this enhancement many people are able to jump on and off line and check emails, browse, facebook, and read my ad online. However, even with the smart phones the majority of people are still optically lazy! They still don't read the entire ad, they look at my picture, get the phone number, then they decide to call and ask for sex.

Even though there are many "Weirdo's" out there, it's my job to take or deny the callers at any time. Because I am offering such services, I am now aware of how the market thinks and again-"I DO have the right to take or deny any call I receive for an appointment!" It's not like I have a picture posted online of me in a sexy outfit or anything. My post screams cute girl, but she's professional. But, I see that most men who shop on these sites are looking for sex and sexual favors. Freelancing brings many trials, so its not best that you loose your temper most of the time. No matter what the questions are you must try to keep your composure and if the negative situation does not seem to let up then you can always ask that person to not call this number any more and/or hang up. I've learned that you'll never know who is calling you, and even they may refer you to someone they know who may better be able to use your services.

I understand that times are difficult and you need money for bills NOW!  You may get offers do perform your services or sell your items for less than what your original prices are.  Out of understandable desperation, you may feel tempted to do so.  The consumer's rule is, if you accepted it the first time then you WILL accept it again.  Or you may get a call one day for a job you've applied to months or even years ago.  Sometimes this is a good thing and other times this is not.  If you are considering accepting a job that is not offering the same benefits that you were asking for in the beginning, then this is that TRAP!  Why is this a trap?  Because this opportunity isn't really a way of making a living.  You are back at square one where you are "WORKING TO LIVE AND LIVING TO WORK" around the clock under someone else's management.  There is no way for you to maneuver your free time because you are stuck with the burden of sleeping and recouperating while you can be working on new strategies to better your business.  In time you start to settle, and then the fear of instability echoes into your mind until it reside there.  This is no excuse to take offers that veer you off of your path of self employment.  It isn't worth it.

The Public Library is your MOST VALUABLE SOURCE!  You can find all kinds of books on your business subject, just look in the Social science section.  Or ask a librarian!  I like to make a list before i attempt to look for any book on business.  I make a list of Pro's and Con's of what I need about my business type and what I know and don't know.  Or even new ways to approach marketing and how to advertise my business.  You know, the "What's HOT" and "What's NOT" and maybe success know-how's as to how others in my field have struck gold.  Trust me, this is what made me believe in myself and my business - day in and day out.  For me going to the public library reassures my selfesteem and I find all new tips on how to properly market and advertise my business and I even find out some more popular sites to visit, sign up, and become a member to spread any message I have in my about my business.  Ofcourse its all a lot to manage, but when the customers start to roll in and pay the asking price, I may be able to hire help and/or open a new location where I can run a "Professionally Legitimate-looking" business.  Of course my business is Legitimate, it sometimes doesn't look like it eventhough many people run their business from home, I run THIS Masseuse business from a local hotel. 

I only run this business from a local hotell room because I'm not  big fan of bringing customers to my home.  Not around my family!  I've met many wierdo's in this business asking or expecting sex, I can't afford for anyone to know my family.  Hopefully I will own my own spa or get my own reserved area in one, or a Gym where thousands of people work out.  "THAT's IT!  I'll call around to every Gym in my area and within the next few boro's to see what are the rates for renting my own space per week or per month?  Eurieka!  The question is, will I be able to afford it?  Or Can I just pay at the end of every cycle?  Well, here goes my next challenge. 

Wish me luck...