Comments on: Mad to start freelancing in the recession? Networking, procrastination and press trips

By: What to do for living? | Barnabas Nagy

What to do for living? | Barnabas Nagy — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 14:00:39 +0000

[...] Mad to start freelancing in the recession? Networking, procrastination and press trips [...]

By: Ffion

Ffion — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 17:02:56 +0000

Hi Laura,

Of course you can freelance from overseas. Not only are you already in a supposedly ‘exotic’ far flung destination so can come up with some unusual angles for stories, but also, no-one but you needs to know you’re working from overseas anyway.

Have fun!

By: Alastair McKenzie

Alastair McKenzie — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 18:35:36 +0000

Join the 270 members of the BGTW (www.bgtw.org), Rosie.

Online conversations and advice all day long about who is commissioning/paying & other freelance stuff, monthly get-togethers (usually in London), and an annual big bash in, alternatively, a UK or overseas city.

By: Laura Wheat

Laura Wheat — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 15:53:06 +0000

Hmmmn I need to get moving on the freelance front. I have an offer to go abroad for a while though – I’d be living for free and would only need a bit of ready cash – does anyone know if it’s possible to freelance for English mags etc from overseas? Or is it too difficult when you haven’t yet made a name for yourself? I’m uninformed I know: I definitely need this website!

By: Tom Spender

Tom Spender — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 13:28:40 +0000

Just thrice? Such procrastination was my main activity while I was freelancing. That, the isolation and the desire for a steady wage are why I now have a job.

BUT – I have to say I’m not that over the moon to be back in wage slavery. As a freelancer you have complete freedom, you can follow what you want and you learn a lot about yourself.

I think what’s crucial is being at the top of your game – being interested and inspired by what you are covering, networking hard to get your social interaction, feeling fit and healthy so you get through the day and having enough going on in the rest of your life as a counterweight to work. It’s like having good quality kit to climb a mountain or sail a boat. With the kit, the experience is tough but exhilarating and rewarding. Without, it’s misery and it makes enjoying the experience harder…