Wanted: The Career Equivalent of an Open Marriage

November 4, 2009 by 8 Comments

three footsies

It always begins the same way:

I find my perfect match, give pursuit, and find that my positive attentions are — more often than not — eventually returned. I am giddy…fulfilled…content, and months pass with minimal complaint. I’m more than willing to overlook the small things. I even start to consider: Could this possibly be…The One?

But the honeymoon period inevitably ends. Small annoyances are now BIG DEALS. That, and I’m sort of bored. I crave variety…excitement…a good time with little commitment. I start to feel resentful.

I’m scared, though. My original match still makes me feel safe and secure and, well, I still need that. The reasons I had for loving my match haven’t changed, after all. But my dissatisfaction eventually becomes too big to ignore, and…

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When I’m Not Home…

August 12, 2009 by 1 Comment

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The other day, I mentioned that I had agreed to an on-site proofing gig, on one condition: I would only go in for three half days a week, rather than three full days.

It’s amazing how big a difference a half day makes. I already feel a lot less overwhelmed, and have begun settling into a rhythm of nighttime blogging, a.m. article work, and afternoons at the office.

And, of course, there are benefits to this gig. Namely:

  1. money
  2. it forces me to leave the condo

Then again, there are things that I miss:

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Filed Under: career path

Are You Being Challenged By Your Career?

February 17, 2009 by 3 Comments

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Why is it so darn tough to remain interested and engaged by a job after you’ve been there for four months?

I used to blame it on semester syndrome (we’ve been conditioned to expect that change after a semester’s length of time), but I’ve since become  convinced that it actually has more to do with the ways in which a job stops challenging you after you’ve been doing it for an extended period of time…the ways in which the newness wears off.

Are new challenges necessary in order to achieve career satisfaction? If so, freelancing definitely fits the bill for the ideal career path.

After the jump, the ways in which freelancing constantly challenges me:

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10 Things I Did Wrong In 2008

January 1, 2009 by 7 Comments

me-equal-fail

2008 started out strong. I was finishing up an internship at Material Media (of Nerve and Babble fame), and gearing up to take on more hours at the New York Sun. And then I was chosen to be a blogger for Modern Materialist.

Soon after that, I realized that — only six months after leaving my full-time job in academic book publishing — I had matched my previous salary. I reveled in my blogging gig, was content with my regular copy editing gig at the Sun, and was also doing freelance work for several book publishers. I even got the occasional writing clip. I began planning for more.

I continued my self-education, and began blogging about blogging for Smarter Than Your Average Blog (a gig I eventually left behind). I also began considering a path toward career coaching, and career-related writing. I did extensive research and conducted informational interviews. I was all set to enter a certification program when everything went to hell.

The Sun folded, and the rest of the industry (not to mention the economy at large) followed suit. I no longer had the income necessary to sign up for a coaching certification program. I floundered trying to figure out whether or not I was cut out for freelancing, and what I even had to offer. I struggled unsuccessfully to find a part-time job in the publishing field.

I’ve since gotten a number of new clips (see here, here, here, and here), but I have yet to take advantage of the momentum, and suffer from mood swings and lack of motivation. Can I turn things around in 2009? Perhaps. If I’m willing to learn from my mistakes.

After the jump, 10 things I did wrong in 2008:

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Filed Under: career path, marketing, motivation, preparation, productivity Tagged With: ,

Coffee Break: The Death of All Media?

October 10, 2008 by 2 Comments

Now, I don’t actually think that my field of choice has no hope left. I mean, my employer folded. Gawker Media fired a bunch of people. Sex writers are dropping in droves. The Star-Ledger almost went under. The world is coming to an end.

But, still. Things will bounce back. Right? Right???

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Coffee Break: Not Ready To Concede

September 12, 2008 by 3 Comments

It’s been a Xanax-worthy week, you guys.

Since finding out that the New York Sun may fold at the end of this month (I do freelance copy editing for them, 15 hours a week), I’ve been panicking.

Over a year ago, this regular gig gave me the courage to leave my full-time publishing job. A few months ago, however, I came to realize that I’ve been using it as a crutch, relying on it to the detriment of growing my at-home business.

And so I started looking for part-time work and freelance projects closer to home, eager to cut out the commute that took so much away from the work I was doing at home.

Now, however, with the final moment of truth for the paper only two-and-a-half weeks away, I’m wondering: Is it time for me to concede defeat?

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Filed Under: career path

To Be Or Not To Be a Generalist

August 6, 2008 by 1 Comment

My husband once said something he found absolutely hilarious (I found it obnoxious).

It was in response to my complaint that I was always handing out his business cards, but he was never handing out any of mine. “It’s a two-way street,” I insisted.

“Yes, but my side gets more traffic,” he said, smirking.

It’s times like this I worry that I’m too picky about the work I’m willing to do. It’s a worry that many freelancers wrestle with. Should I settle for little or no payment, or a small-name client, just to build my portfolio? Should I take on every little job I can, even if it’s only peripherally related to my specialty, just to keep my head above water? Should I widen my net? Offer additional services? Find additional areas of expertise?

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My 5 Favorite Things In: One Person/Multiple Careers

July 24, 2008 by 4 Comments

one person/multiple careers

When I first read Marci Alboher’s One Person/Multiple Careers, I felt vindicated. After all, while I had been happily frolicking from interest to interest, maintaining a comprehensive list of things I wanted to do and accomplish in my lifetime, my husband had been calling me unfocused. Unfocused! Can you believe it!?

Alboher’s book assured me that I wasn’t a weirdo for wanting to do so much. She wrote that “slashes” (those receiving income through multiple avenues) seem more satisfied, and less oppressed, than those holding only one job.

I immediately read the passage aloud to my husband and made nyah nyah sounds at him, my immature way of announcing victory. The reasons you should pick up this book as well

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Filed Under: book review, career path
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