I’m sipping single malt on my porch as the sun sets. The cat is hunkered underneath the outdoor fireplace, and the dog is chewing noisily on a bone. Life seems to be moving slowly.
I’m not fooled. It’s just starting to speed up.
The scotch is a present from my wife. She’s congratulating me on quitting my job. Just a week ago I gave notice at the day job. It’s not something one does every day. In fact, I’ve worked there for over six years.
But it was time to go, and opportunities await. I am going to freelance, full time, doing web design and a little bit of podcasting. After six years at the day job, this could be a bit of a terrifying possibility. I mean, leaving your job without any guaranteed income? Are you crazy?
Maybe, but honestly, I have a lot of peace about this opportunity. I already have some great clients as well as some excellent prospects.
Originally, I had thought I might quit my job and work at a traditional design agency; however, the freelance stuff has just been pouring in too fast for me to really slow down enough to hunt down a normal job. So, I tell myself, why start now?
More and more designers these days are quitting their jobs. They are extremely successful outside the standard corporate architecture. Groups of designers will band together for a project or two, and go back to freelancing solo-style. It makes a ton of sense. It’s why we’re founding Method Arts (launching next month, yeah, I know I said that once before, but this time free beer will be involved).
Still, I have moments of being scared. I think it’s healthy. Often I think that’s a good spot to be in. I’ve always pushed myself to do things that require me to be in that spot. If I hear people tell me “man, that’s cool, but I could never do that,” then I feel right at home.
Thanks for both your excitement and support. I’m open for business.
All articles on this site are licenced under the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial Share-Alike license. All design, code, etc are All Rights Reserved.
Icons by iconbuffet and FAMFAMFAM.
Be Good Not Bad is all about really good web design, based on the utmost respect for web standards, accessibility and respect for the user. Based in Denver, Colorado, Be Good Not Bad is run by Brian Warren, freelance designer, blogger, homebrewer and coffee nut.
Brian.
congrats on going your own way. I did it for a few years and enjoyed it, worked for a few years, and am about to venture out on my own again. Blessings.
§ By Kendall at 7:34am on August 24 2006 ★ Are you sure? Delete // // Cancel
Congrats! Im really glad you’ve finally been able to make this a reality.
§ By vance at 7:34am on August 24 2006 ★ Are you sure? Delete // // Cancel
Brian, congrats on your big leap! I can imagine how excited you are right now.
While I work as an employee for a firm, I do work remotely from home (on my own). My advice:
1. Establish a working hours structure — sure you can break from it (flexibility is one of the attractions) but make that the exception rather than the rule. You’ll get more done that way. :<del>)
2. Keep a steady flow of meetings with colleagues, friends and so on in your life, as working solo can get lonely if you are at all a social person. IMs are OK, but physical getting away and meeting people helps me greatly.
3. Have fun! Now you can do what you’ve always wanted to. Of course your new boss (yourself) is probably a slave driver but you’ll get used to it. :</del>)
§ By Mike Rohde at 7:34am on August 24 2006 ★ Are you sure? Delete // // Cancel
Having just completed one of the largest contracts (www.miox.com) in my freelance life with Brian as my CMS programmer and design/CSS integration guru, I can with full confidence recommend his services in every capacity. He was very service minded and willing to tackle every aspect of the project. Brian kicks butt! What more can I say?
§ By Vincent Thome at 7:34am on August 24 2006 ★ Are you sure? Delete // // Cancel
Best of luck, Brian!
§ By Dave Child at 7:34am on August 24 2006 ★ Are you sure? Delete // // Cancel