A way of lifestrictly editorial

February 23, 2007

A recent post on a recent thread on an editorial discussion list got me thinking.

I don't think everyone who freelances does look at it as a business. For many, it's an income stream like the one they used to get from a job.

For me, freelancing is not a business. It is a way of life.

Some are interested in business as business. Some are not. Rather soon after college I discovered two things about myself that came as a total surprise. I'm good with numbers and at running a business. Neither, however, appeal to me.

One does one's time. For me, that was 15 years as an employee crunching numbers, running a business or two, and making the transition into publishing. Now, as a freelancer looking back at 14 years and forward to maybe 20, I take on projects that engage my one or another of various interests, or from which I can learn or at least broaden my mind, or that are by my reckoning worthwhile. The final criteria is practical and I have my share of common sense. They must meet a certain pay rate.

I don't do it for the money. I do, however, depend on the money. It is and doubtless always will be the sole significant income stream in this household.