Sure hope everyone is doing well! I’ve been so busy juggling client work that I’ve had no time to blog in quite awhile. BAD excuse, I know!
I’ve had a client for several years now that I feel a certain degree of loyalty to. This client has seen me through two pregnancies and is always flexible. The pay is retainer based and significant – so we’ve come to count on it.
One of the scary facts about freelancing though is that sometimes money is simply not flowing. When my clients aren’t being paid by their clients… well – who pays the price?
In this instance it’s been me! And my husband who’s also recently come on board to do some database work for this client. So in total I think we’re nearing nine weeks of no pay. Ugh.
I’m sure some of you think I’m nuts – to just continue working like this with no pay right? Some of my colleagues for the client just refuse to lift a finger until their payments are up to date. I’m always a little bit envious — but I still do the work. Mainly because I know the guy, and know he’s good for the money and that all and all I have a good thing going that I am not mentally prepared to jeopordize.
So my solution? Take on several other gigs and juggle. them. all!
So right now I have a few design projects and a couple SEO projects on my plate that I’m weaving into my regular work days. The good news is – it’s a ton of work in a faltering economy which I’m genuinely grateful for.
On that note, we always keep our eye on the local paper. Every so often during times like this (non paying clients) my husband goes through moments of ‘weakness’ when he wants to go out and get a ‘real’ job. But it’s funny – there is really never anything worth applying for in our local paper (small town) and so then we’ll head over to elance, and are always so heartened to see the incredible amount of freelance jobs available! In this economy I actually thing unemployed people ought to consider freelancing as a serious viable option!
So – that’s why you haven’t heard much from me lately… Feel free to give me your advice on my current predicament! Or let me know I’m not the only ‘softy’ freelancer out there!
