I want to work for...myself?!?

...and the job search continues. *sigh*

Many apologies for my lack of presence lately, but I've been diligently searching for a long-term position while holding down this part-time gig in the PR field. So, crawl up with your keyboard, and let's catch up!

For starters, the last time you heard from me, I was beginning the interview process for a job in D.C. that was just that--a job. It was three-sentence news stories and writing at a break-neck pace. It was suit-and-tie and in-the-office-by-7-a.m. It was...well, it wasn't me. I took the first step in beginning a happy yet somewhat destitute life by e-mailing the editor and telling her that I wasn't really interested in the position. I know, I felt daring, I felt adventurous, I felt...still unemployed and uninsured (please don't tell Hillary).

So the next bump in the road came last week when I got a call-back from a company in Miami to which I had sent my resume and some clips. The assistant editor got me all in a tizzy with a 30 min. conversation only to call back the next day and say they are only considering in-state applicants. Just when I had thought everything was coming together, it all turned out to be a tease. This sent me into hiding for a few days, during which I only wore pajamas, guzzled riesling and watched reality t.v.

But I am happy to say that another option has presented itself to me last night while I was painting my nails and watching George Lopez. Why not create a job? Why not build my own career? I've been freelancing for two years now. I love writing but hate the politics of the newsroom, so this would be the perfect opportunity for me! I jumped up to find a notepad and pen so that I could make a list of pros and cons. This is what I came up with:

Pros
+ I can choose what I want to write about.
+I can make my own schedule.
+I can work on a variety of projects.

Cons
-I have to be REALLY organized.
-Will I be able to find steady work.
-Oh, yeah, I still need to get insurance.

The columns turned out even. So I'm still debating this new career path. What do you think?




Freelance writing resources that MAY help me out:

The Muse Online Writer's Conference: It's a free (yeah, gratis) online conference for freelancers. Registration deadline is Sept. 1
http://www.themuseonlinewritersconference.com/

The Blay Report: created by one of my all-time favorite writers/freelancers and journalistic inspiration, Zandile Blay. She's worked for Vibe, Seventeen, InStyle and Teen People just to name a few. Lady Z fuses her love of journalism and fashion as a global style + culture writer. Did I mention she's also a stylist herself? I admit it, I'm totally geeked. Think I could follow in her footsteps?
http://blayreport.blogspot.com/

Writer's Market: I think this could help me ease some of my financial worries about plunging into the uncertain world of freelancing. It even has a 'personal dashboard' to help keep you organized. Minor minus: subscription isn't free (but it's only $3.99/month).
http://www.writersmarket.com/