I am free. Free from billable hours, scrutinization of my personal social networking activities, commuting, and parking fees. Free from feeling like shit when I leave the office at 5pm to pick up my kid at daycare and feeling like shit if I have to stay home because she’s got a fever and can’t go to daycare. Free from having to be anywhere at any given time.
It feels GREAT.
Let me ‘splain: I quit my job and am now in business for myself doing freelance and consulting work. I’ve had people say “wow that’s a brave/ballsy/crazy thing to do!” But it’s not as brave/ballsy/crazy as you might think. For starters, I did not just say “fuck this!” and leave my well-paid, medically-insured, secure job. I made sure that I had enough work lined up that I can pay the bills and feed my spawn. And as soon as the contract was signed on the big client that pushed me over the edge of “I can do this in my spare time” to “I can make this work all day every day” THEN I said “fuck this!” and quit.
I have three clients: A big one, a medium one, and a small one. I’m doing different things for each of them. For one I’m doing copywriting, for another I’m serving as the community manager for an upcoming video game, and for one I’m providing social media strategy and guidance. I set my own hours and can work from anywhere. My clients are in three different time zones and I can work for all of them from my apartment in Redmond, at my family’s beach cottage near Santa Cruz, or my husband’s military base.
My new endeavor is not only freedom FROM the things I mentioned at the beginning of this post. It’s the freedom TO: pick up my daughter early on sunny days and go to the park. Run errands during the day and not incur anyone’s side-eye. Skip the make-up and stay in my sweats all day. Pack up the laptop and baby and go spend a week or two with my husband. Have lunch with friends without watching the clock and having to account for my time. And last but not least, I have the freedom to take on as much or as little work as I want. The more I work, the more money I make. I can take it easy and keep my income at a sustenance level or I can rock that shit and have ducats for a vacation or a new car. My paycheck doesn’t depend on a yearly review and if it’s ‘my turn’ for a promotion.
Freedom is good. Trixie likes.
Trixieland 
So jealous and so happy for you! I wish you nothing but the best of luck in everything. Very awesome – you are living the dream that so many of us would like to live.
Seeson likes this. I’m happy for ya! 🙂
You could also work in a lounger next to your cousin’s pool with a cold one in your hand!
oh yeah!!! Sweet 🙂
So happy for you! Brilliant decision! Bask in your peace for a while before you go too big on the work. You deserve it!
Hell yea Trixie! I was sad when you left M$, but it seems as though things are working out for you. I hope you continue to be successful 🙂
Awesome for you!
I am in the middle of doing the same thing. I am doing some consulting, and am trying to talk the several people who want to hire me, to simply let me do what they need on a consulting type basis. I agree wholeheartedly with the appeal of the lack of the “yearly BOHICA”…err…review. Less politics, less meaningless TPS reports, and reporting on the tracker, that is reporting on your CRM, that is tracking your activities, and quite possibly your fiber as well.
I am even thinking about doing the stereotypical writing a book.
Any advice on how you are running your gigs, or securing additional gigs?
Plus, I kind of want to pick your brain on another industry topic, and see what your thoughts are.
In the meantime, isn’t it simply amazing to wake up with your kids and hang out for a while, and watch them grow?
Trixie, I started following you because of M$, but will now follow you for LIFE!! What you did is inspirational for both Moms & Dads that feel the same way. Corporate America is what it is no matter what company you work for. I did the same thing about 10 months ago and don’t regret it at all. Your my hero for life, and tell your hubby thanks for Protecting our Country.
I accidently foudn this- loved it. Thank you.
*found