Already a member?
Welcome to Brazen Careerist!
Emily Ma is using Brazen Careerist to share ideas. Join now to become a member and start networking with Emily Ma and other professionals just like you. Learn more.
Brazen careerist
Where ambitious young professionals connect and grow
Email
Print
As many of you know, I quit my “real” job to be a pastry chef about a month ago. This is a half-truth. Classes were supposed to start in December but the effing bank wouldn’t give me a loan so I’ve been transferred to an April class. Regardless, my classes are at night and during the day I’ve been slowly expanding my freelance business. While still in early stages it’s been a hodge-podge of writing for various publications, blogging for various companies and doing odd jobs for authors and publishers. I also teach old-fogies (like my dad) how to tweet. Since this is all early however, I’ve had to take a day job to pay the bills. But the last thing I wanted was another 9 to 5 which left me too exhausted to do anything but eat peanut butter and watch Bones at the end of the day.
Initially I had two part-time gigs. One was as a hostess at a fancy-pants restaurant in Chelsea, but that ended up not working out (long story, not very interesting). I still have the other job and it’s pretty awesome.
Now, while my fellow graduates may scoff if they found me working the ticket booth, I’ve established that they can suck it. While the pay leaves much to be desired, I have an enormous amount of fun, and I have to say, it helps my psyche and my social life as I’m really just talking to cool people all day. It also helps my writing. Today my dad asked when I would have time for my writing and my answer surprised me… It actually helps my writing. It makes me more productive. In fact, I think all freelancers should consider a part-time or temporary job and here’s why:
- A set schedule gets you out of your pajamas and into a routine.
- You get out of the house and actually talk to people (and talking to anyone is technically networking).
- Being productive – whether or not it’s work related – makes you feel accomplished and therefore more productive. Funny how that works.
- Ummm… money? ‘Nough said.
Part-time gigs are also perfect because you have the stability of a job but not enough stability to allow you to fall into slack-off mode….
For more timely, relevant, and engaging articles,
subscribe to Brazen Careerist.
- The Anti-Stalker’s Guide for Converting Online Contact into Real World Collaboration
- How To Find a Writing Partner Who Can Help You Achieve Your Goals and Make More Money
- Continuing Education: Extending Learning Beyond Your Campus Years
- Why You Might Be Better Off Without a Job After College
- A New Kind of Business Mover and Shaker
Comments
01.14.10
Marian, as much as it kills me to agree with you, I will. Most of us entrepreneurs wanted to escape the 9 - 5 and stick it to the man, but reality is you need money to survive. There's nothing worse than isolation AND not getting paid...
01.14.10
Haha, sorry Scott. I never said to take a 9 to 5 though. 9 to 5s are for bitches. I vote something fun and PART TIME. I'm working in a museum. It's not brain surgery, but it pays the bills and doesn't make me want to light myself on fire...
Got Something To Say?
Got Something To Say?
Not a Member? Brazen Careerist is a career management tool for next-generation professionals. Set up a free account today to comment on this post and start sharing your ideas. Learn more.
Login to view your networks!
 |
|
 |
|
|
