The Secret to Successful Freelancing Might Just Be Having a Good “Coworker”
Years ago, when I was an editor at an office, I met a woman named Megan who was immediately impressive. We were in the midst of a brainstorm meeting, and every single idea she had was fun, smart, and practical. And on top of all that, she delivered her thoughts in a balanced and approachable tone, even when she was basically telling someone, “Sorry, your idea sucks.” I knew then that I was lucky to work with her, and as the months passed, I grew even more fortunate that we became friends.
About two years after that initial meeting, Megan moved on to another job and I decided to try my hand at freelancing. I had cultivated a list of editors who were willing to hire me, updated my website, and got a business-only credit card — all of the must-dos freelancers are told to accomplish before they cut ties with a 9-to-5. But here’s the one thing I didn’t know I needed until I was already in the thick of it: The discernment of a friend like Megan.
Freelance writers, by design, are mostly on their own. Except for an editor asking about the status of a story, a bevy of strangers to interview, and the occasional update from accounts payable, it’s possible for a freelancer to complete an entire assignment without asking another person, “Well, what do you think about this detail?” Megan and I already trusted each other’s judgment when it came to pitches, edits, and layouts, and so we continued to be supportive when needed.
“Hey, do you have a moment to read over this email before I send it, please?” I’ve asked her, sure she would catch something I missed. “Tell me if this pitch is good or bad,” I’ve texted, knowing she would have a wise take to share. Megan has proofed drafts, strategized the best way to ask for a raise, and told me what to include in contracts. She has even helped me secure stable gigs on more than one occasion. That’s why, whenever people ask me what they should do in order to freelance successfully, I tell them, “The usual, but make sure you have someone like Megan to lean on.” If my name is on anything anywhere, there’s a good chance Megan has already gotten a glimpse of it.
Do you have a work buddy that you trust? Share how they’ve been there for you below.
