On Friday I told my boss that I'm making the jump to writing full time. I couldn't blog about it until I told my coworkers and created a plan for the transition, but now I can finally share this exciting bit of news with all of you!
It's funny because earlier in the week, someone blogged about how two weeks is too much notice. I respectfully disagree, because I'll be consulting part time for my company for at least another month after I step down from my position. It's the perfect set-up for me and my coworkers, because they won't need to panic if they have questions and I won't have to worry about bringing in enough money during my first month or so on my own.
But even funnier are the reactions I've gotten. A few weeks ago when I emailed friends to say "we need to meet for drinks, I have big news on the horizon," not one but TWO of them replied with "You're engaged aren't you?"
And tonight, when I met Penelope Trunk for dinner, one of the first things she said was, "did you get engaged?" Must be the glow of someone who knows her days of riding the subway during rush hour and working out of a cube are almost over.
A few people were concerned for my well being ("what happens if you get sick?" "won't you be lonely at home all day?"), but most of my coworkers have been remarkably supportive. I was worried that some of them wouldn't see freelance writing as a legitimate career path, but after reading No More Mondays, I decided it didn't matter. This was something I needed to do, and I was going to do it.
I'll admit I've had a few moments in the last few days where I've been tempted to log onto Monster and search for a new job (which is silly because I could certainly resume my old post), but mostly I feel an incredible sense of liberation and relief.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
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18 comments:
Good for you. Congratulations. I look forward to seeing your many articles and published works. Maybe even a book or two.
Patricia
Susan, congrats. Look forward to following your successes as a full time freelancer --- it's a road I'm aiming for myself but not quite yet!
Cheers from NZ
Liz
Welcome to the wild, frenetic, wonderful cycle of freelancing, Susan. :)) It's the best worst job you'll ever have, and you'll love ever minute of it!
Thanks, all! I have had more assignments than I can handle for the past few months, so it will be nice to be able to immerse myself in the writing rather than having to say no.
That's fantastic on so many levels. I'd love to take the jump now, but with the family obligations, it's on hold for now.
Congrats! I think you're going to love that decision.
Congrats, Susan! I'm sure you'll very well as a full-time freelancer!
Lisa
Congratulations, Susan — an auspicious move. I'm new to full-time freelancing in Boston. Here's to mutual prosperity.
Congratulations Susan. I'm sure you'll do well based on your self-discipline that Penelope wrote about in the Boston Globe in January. I'm also looking forward to following your freelance writing career and your future blog posts.
Thanks again, everyone! I have several projects lined up, and I'm pretty excited.
Susan!
congrats. I am so happy and excited for you. I look forward to hearing about all of the great assignments and clients you'll be working with.
Woo hoo!!!
Congratulations!
Hooray for no more mornings on the subway :)
Congrats, and best of luck! Dave and I have a saying around the home office: no collars allowed, unless they're flannel.
This is so overdue!!! I am INCREDIBLY psyched for you and I wish you the best with your new business. Welcome to the club!
Yes, it is overdue! Can't wait...
Congrats Susan! Welcome to the freelance world. It's the BEST.
Hey Susan
I'm also taking the leap into fulltime freelancing. Five minutes ago I had a meeting with my editorial director to tell her that I'm leaving the media house. Because of the nature of what I do, and our relationship, I chose to give her forewarning before I give HR the resignation letter.
In SA, a normal notice period for a professional is a full calendar month, but we agreed that I give the company two months.
It gives them time to hire my replacement, and for the candidate to give a month's notice at their old job.
We also agreed that i would continue to write for this media house - do a daily blog, as well as some features across 3 publications.
My thanks to you and your readers for the insight and encouraging words you offer freelancers.
@About: congrats on your leap into freelancing! I wish much success and freedom.
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