How to Freelance Without Losing Your Mind

Episode 024 • 44 min

In medieval times, a free lance was a medieval mercenary who would fight for whichever nation or person paid them the most.

So goes the etymology of the word “freelance” from Merriam Webster — the joke being that freelance has literally always been a battle. With the economy in recession because of COVID-19, some organizations are hiring, but many are holding off and instead hiring freelancers to fill gaps as the economy slowly starts to improve. Becoming a freelancer can seem daunting because it’s so different than having a structured job. Our guests this week offer their advice from over 10 years each in the freelance and consulting business. Trish Fontanilla, aka Trish of All Trades, joins us as guest co-host and helps us understand what freelancing means and how she navigates opportunities while remaining true to her values. Then we’re joined by Sydney Janey, who founded her solo graphic and communication design practice in 2007 — we all discuss the design-sides and non-design sides of freelancing, including business development and… yes, taxes. Plus, we all share our weekly dose of good design.

Weekly Dose of Good Design

• Liz: Zaha Hadid
• Sam: Meet the National Parks’ ‘Ranger of the Lost Art’ by Ranger Doug’s Enterprise
• Trish: Emerson Orientation 

Links

• Organization: Center For Women & Enterprise
• Organization: Freelancers Union
• Company: MassChallenge
• Book: The Aspiring Solopreneur: Your Business Start-Up Bible
• Resources: Boston Public Library Online Resources