Today’s post is from Katie Letourneau. I have the pleasure of knowing Katie IRL and am also proud to say she’s taken my course to break into freelance writing after following my journey this past year. Katie is super fun and super bright and I’m excited to share her post with y’all.
When someone declares that they are a freelancer – a writer, artist, designer or entrepreneur – what does that really say about them as a person?
Does it mean that they’re self-motivated? Driven? Footloose and fancy-free? Lazy? Do people automatically form a preconceived notion of you when you tell them that you’re a freelancer?
Freelancing in modern terms is relatively new, especially since the advent of the internet and the explosion of online media and social networks. In reality, freelancing, as a career, has been around for a long time, and has evolved in its meaning.
“1. Freelancer. a person who works as a writer, designer, performer, or the like, selling work or services by the hour, day, job, etc., rather than working on a regular salary basis for one employer.
2. A person who contends in a cause or in a succession of various causes, as he or she chooses, without personal attachment or allegiance.”
Sounds simple enough, and jives with today’s perception of what freelancing is in basic terms, right? But I just had to do some more digging.
Here’s what the British Dictionary had to say about it:
“Medieval mercenary warrior,” 1820 (“Ivanhoe”), from free (adj.) + lance (n.); apparently a coinage of Sir Walter Scott’s. Figurative sense is from 1864; specifically of journalism by 1882.”
Medieval Mercenary Warrior = Freelancer?
The idea that freelancing was once used to indicate one’s profession as a mercenary warrior or adventurer is rather… exciting! I personally feel like I’m having to engage in challenging endeavors to get jobs and stake claim to my niche in the world of the interwebs, minus the actual sword fights and bloody battles thankyouverymuch. I find myself being challenged constantly, and it is exhilarating.
One thing that I have discovered quickly is that the world of freelancing is not for those unmotivated or lazy. Everyone that I have encountered since I’ve embarked on my freelancing journey, has been extremely driven, dedicated, and determined.
To be a freelancer, you must be willing to put yourself out there, and be willing to go the extra mile at times to get the job done. If you think that you can sleep in all day, do one job a week, and spend your days watching the tube (or YouTube) and make gobs of money, freelancing is NOT for you.
Freelancing Is an Adventure
I know what I think of myself; I’m a go-getter, looking to be in charge of her own destiny, and do something that I am excited about – writing and educating others. I started my own website to accomplish this, and am working on getting my name out there to write for others.
Since I embarked on this journey, I am learning a lot more about myself, and whether or not I have what it takes to travel on this journey with other freelancers out there. Spoiler alert – I know I have what it takes!
Since taking Gina’s 30 Days or Less to Freelance Writing Success course, I have been challenged in new ways when it comes to writing, networking and applying for jobs that I haven’t been before. I feel rejuvenated, it’s daring, and the sky is my limit.
It’s truly a feeling of limitless opportunity. And it says a lot about what it means to be a freelancer. I know what is says about me.
What does freelancing say about you?
Katie is a teacher and a writer with a hearing loss with a specialized background in education, Deaf Culture and family services. She also offers editing and virtual assistance services. With having a hearing loss, a busy young family and millions of thoughts and ideas running through her mind, it can be hard for her to hear anything; literally and figuratively! She would love to hear from you, so stop by It’s Hard to Hear Up Here and say hi!
