Valerie Thursby Hatch
So, you want to go it on your own. But where to begin? Unfortunately, there’s no magic formula to finding contract work. As with anything else, finding contract work takes dedication and hard work, but the payoff can be well worth the effort. Here are a few suggestions that may increase your chances of success.
• Take a close look at the company you currently work for. Does it offer work for hire? Could you do all or part of your work at home? For most companies, contract workers cost less than employees because the company doesn’t have to pay for work space or benefits. Submit a proposal. You could offer to begin by doing just a portion of your work from home. Your company may find, as is often the case, that you are more productive that way. Every company wants to increase productivity, so your company just might ask you to stay home!
• Look for a position at a company that you know outsources, but don’t expect to get contract work right away. Instead, take an entrylevel position, prove yourself, and watch the offers come looking for you!
• Pick up pamphlets, brochures, and flyers anywhere you can, and then review them. If you find a problem, or if you could improve the document in any way, contact the company and offer to revise or redesign it — for a fee. You’ll be surprised how much work you can find this way, and it can become an effective way to network and establish contacts.
• Go to the Qwest Dex Web site (www.qwestdex.com) or another telephone directory site, and print a list of area publishers. Find out if they use freelance editors, and if so, send them samples of your work. Nearly all publishing companies outsource at least part of their editing and proofreading.
• Check with companies that employ engineers. You can nearly always trust that those engineers are being forced to write documentation — and hating it! “Never fear,” you say. “I will save you.” Then do it.
• Look for brand-new businesses. They usually have start-up cash and very little time. This is a perfect invitation for a freelancer. The new company may need pamphlets or introductory materials to help them get off the ground but have no time or expertise to write them. Once again, you can save the day.
• If no contract positions are available, consider interning or volunteering with a company you think you might like to work for. The company will be impressed by your willingness and dedication, and you will get your foot in the door.
• Keep looking for more work after you’ve landed a few contract jobs, even if you have more than enough to do. Contracts do end, and when companies finish a project, they may not need you again for several months. It’s best to spend about 20% of your day pursuing more work.
• Don’t quit your day job. Contracting can be a great way for you to regain control of your days — or perhaps even your life — but remember, contracting involves risk. Be certain you’ve secured stable, long-term contracts before you let a sure thing go.
It’s easy in freelancing to become your own worst enemy. It takes a profoundly strong will to get up, get dressed, and get to work like you used to. More sneaky saboteurs can be long phone calls, housework, errands, naps, and pseudo-sickness — all things you kept well under control in your cubicle. If you find yourself whiling away the time, post somewhere in your home office a mantra, a chant, a prayer — whatever it takes — to inspire you, to motivate you, and to keep your fingers flying!
Valerie has worked as a writer/editor for 18 years in manufacturing, engineering, and health care. She currently has contract jobs for a software company and a hospital, and she is working on procuring one for a religious organization. She works part time as a book editor for a publishing company and will begin working full-time after her graduation in January. You can reach her at babyjanemaria@msn.com.