Re: FN-FORUM: The first six months..

date posted 16th August 2004 10:28

> I got extremely low on money back in March, i.e. the whole "how the
> hell
> am I going to pay the rent next month, and I'm being chucked out so how
> I do cover the move and deposit" type situation. I managed to land a
> healthy contract that I had to travel to, so I could use my credit card
> to cover my costs in the meantime. However, I didn't have anything all
> ready borrowed on the card.

Yes, nobody said it would be easy, but we can all relate to what Aaron
is going through.

When I started, it was part of an early mid-life crisis a week before
my 30th I just packed my job in. No clients, no money in the bank, only
a few contacts, I also lived alone and had a mortgage to pay, I must
have been mad when I think about it. I sent mailers out, joined
agencies and despite what people say about agencies, they get you
started and pay sooner than direct clients and its easy money. My first
ever freelance job through an agency is now a regular client 4 years
later, though obviously not through the agency anymore.

I used to panic every now and then but I found somehow, something just
turned up out of the blue and saved the day. Yes its hard, and though I
always seem to be busy I rarely have excess money in the bank and I'm
sure I should be earning more than I do but the lifestyle choice
outweighs the cons.

It helps to have a backup plan and be prepared to do most things. If I
got stuck, I could always ring round and get a couple of weeks
artworking at a design agency. If you can fix computers, like Dave said
you can make money helping technically challenged people. If I had that
skill and was short of cash I'd put a card up in a local post office
offering help, I know so many people who have trouble with email etc
and don't know where to turn without being ripped off.

Hang in there!!

Lindsey

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