Freelance Confidential - Amanda Hackwith [25]
The breakthrough came when I took the time to regularly update them on what I was doing: to show them sites I was hired to design or articles with my name in the byline. Once they were able to connect my time to projects with real world application or, at the very least, seemed to take a whole lot of work, they were able to see what I did as a legitimate vocation.
Care and Feeding of Families: Tips for Freelancers
Frequently update on your accomplishments and progress. Everyone talks about their work, of course. By continually updating them on your business, you're not only underscoring the work you accomplish, but you're also giving family members an opportunity to ask questions and take an interest.
Share "real world" projects. If any part of your work is publicly viewable, share it with your family members. Don't be shy! Like with my older relatives, sometimes non-freelancers just need some "thing" to point to in order to understand.
Set clear boundaries on time and skills. Chris related how his family thought being freelance meant he was available all the time. Make it clear when "working hours" are and also when they are welcome to call you. Once your family does begin to understand the nature of your work, they also may be inclined to ask for free work or services. There are some things you'll want to do for family, but only you can draw that line. Learn how to carefully and kindly say "No."
Develop a routine. This is especially true for families that include small children. If you work at variable and unreliable hours, some younger family members may perceive it as "working all the time" or avoiding them personally. For families with small children or other dependent family members, try to build a routine that allows for both "work time" and "time for us."
Enjoy the Rewards
It can be a tricky and time consuming process, but fostering a positive support system with your family can be deeply rewarding. Benek Lisefski describes how freelancing has actually strengthened his relationship:
She enjoys that I work for myself just as much as I do, and the flexibility and freedom that brings. My relationships are probably stronger today because I've always been a self-employed freelancer and I've never put myself in a position that would allow my work to get in the way of family or love.
Ed Gandia finds true value in the way freelancing has enabled him to participate more in his family's life:
Being a great dad and husband is a top priority for me, and a freelance business has enabled me to avoid weekly work-related travel and be home with my family every day. I can make all baseball practices, karate lessons, school events, and cook for my family every evening (I'm the cook around here!).
After all, personal time and flexibility were the reason many freelancers started their careers in the first place—both ranked high on our survey results, across the board. If family was a motivating factor for your freelance career, take the time to get the most out of it and enjoy!
Colleague Support
It might seem hard to believe, but that dreaded water cooler chitchat had a significant function in the normal workplace: it provided workers with a natural gathering place to commiserate, consult, or just blow off steam. As a solo freelancer, you will need to find a way to get the support that your former water cooler colleagues provided.
Luckily, in recent years the number of online and offline communities for freelancers has increased dramatically. Take time to find the community that will fit your schedule and needs:
Freelancing forums – Prominent freelancing sites like FreelanceSwitch will often provide a means for freelancers to get together on forums or a community board. While this is a very effective way of reaching out to freelancers who are in the same boat as you, activity and responsiveness can vary depending on the community.
Industry or skill-based forums – You'll also find online