My So-Called Freelance Life: How to Survive and Thrive as a Creative Professional for Hire

Rate this book

Clear rating

1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

My So-Called Freelance Life: How to Survive and Thrive as a Creative Professional for Hire

by Michelle Goodman (Goodreads Author)

3.95 of 5 stars 3.95 · rating details · 292 ratings · 65 reviews

Tired of clocking in and losing out? Want to pursue creative, fulfilling work on your own time and also make a living in the process? My So-Called Freelance Life is a how-to guidebook for women who want to avoid the daily grind and turn their freelance dreams into reality. Michelle Goodman, author of The Anti 9-to-5 Guide and self-proclaimed former �wage slave,” offers tip...more

Paperback, 240 pages

Published September 30th 2008 by Seal Press (first published 2008)

more details... edit details

Get a copy:

More…

Friend Reviews

To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up.

Lists with This Book

This book is not yet featured on Listopia. Add this book to your favorite list »

Community Reviews

(showing 1-30 of 836)

filter | sort: default (?) | rating details

Feb 16, 2009 Elevate Difference rated it 3 of 5 stars

Goodman has been freelancing for sixteen years at the time of publication. From the jump, her writing is accessible and fun. The follow-up to the somewhat well known The Anti-9-5 Guide: Practical Advice for Women Who Think Outside the Cube, Goodman is once again onto something. What other how-to guides (repeatedly) use phrases like “get this freelance party started”? When you read a book like My So-Called Freelance Life, it isn’t hard to wonder how anyone can break from a traditional mindset abo...more Goodman has been freelancing for sixteen years at the time of publication. From the jump, her writing is accessible and fun. The follow-up to the somewhat well known The Anti-9-5 Guide: Practical Advice for Women Who Think Outside the Cube, Goodman is once again onto something. What other how-to guides (repeatedly) use phrases like “get this freelance party started”? When you read a book like My So-Called Freelance Life, it isn’t hard to wonder how anyone can break from a traditional mindset about how to make money and allow themselves the freedom to quit nasty situations. My guess is that radical personal politics and at least a small cushion of safety are two important components. They were for me.

Goodman is particularly skilled at debunking the myth that freelancers are kept women who have quaint hobbies and fleeting interests. She also doesn’t assume anything is off limits because of gender. Want to be a freelance welder? According to Goodman, you just need a solid business plan – and not the ugly 200-page kind. Other practical tips include choosing your client instead of being so desperate; they choose you (and you’re forced to accept every nasty job that falls in your lap). Always be moving toward goals: better clients, bigger paychecks, more freedom. Isn’t that why you went solo in the first place? In other words, don’t be afraid to give yourself a promotion just because you’re self-employed.

You also should be clear: freelancing will not always mean working for others. Goodman loosely defines freelancers as women who have gone on to start their own businesses with multiple additional employees. Freelancers are also women (much like myself) who do creative work for pay and supplement their income with assorted odd jobs, often in the service industry or as social servants.

My So-Called Freelance Life is also a somewhat refreshing anti-establishment approach to making your own way, particularly during the recession that Americans currently face. Sometimes, freelancing can shrink some costs (less commute equals lower car insurance and repairs, for example). Fewer dry cleaning bills aren’t the only reason to work at home. And were you thinking about leaving your 9-5 while still in massive debt? Goodman doesn’t politely say, “Think it over.” She tells you to stick it out or your life, even if being lived in daily cube hell, will only get exponentially worse.

The only real criticism I’d have is that despite inclusive, pro-woman language that fills this pseudo self-help book, I cringe whenever I see a female write the phrase, “I’m their bitch.” Reclamation of the word aside, maybe this is a liberal feminism I don’t personally employ, but I do think a better word could easily be used in this type of context.

Freelancers abroad be warned – a lot of this information is for stateside folk. Certainly you should write what you know, so Goodman did just that, but if you’re a struggling freelancer in say, London or Cairo, this will give you great generalized advice, but the money sections (and some of the tech specs) won’t do you a bit of good. The author acknowledges her own limited scope, but she doesn’t spend time going into it further than that.

You don’t have to reach the final chapters before this book makes you believe you can make it as a freelancer. That, in our culture of fear and negativity, might be the most valuable aspect of all.

Review by Brittany Shoot(less)

2 likes · like · see review

Apr 29, 2011 Lindsey rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: professional-resources

Before I bought this book, I handed it to a friend and said, "Do I need to read this or am I buying it because it's pink?" I had my doubts--not only about the fluff-potential of a freelance book marketed so shamelessly to young women but also because I've had more experience as a freelancer than people who might pick up a Freelancing 101 kind of book. So I should say that some of this info applied to me, and some of it didn't, but overall I'm glad I took a refresher course. Freelancing in a void...more Before I bought this book, I handed it to a friend and said, "Do I need to read this or am I buying it because it's pink?" I had my doubts--not only about the fluff-potential of a freelance book marketed so shamelessly to young women but also because I've had more experience as a freelancer than people who might pick up a Freelancing 101 kind of book. So I should say that some of this info applied to me, and some of it didn't, but overall I'm glad I took a refresher course. Freelancing in a void can be lonely sometimes, sure, but you also run the risk of getting wrapped up swinging project to project, without an overall business plan, little mentoring from other professionals, or a basic idea of how other people handle the challenges in their careers (scheduling, bookkeeping, time management, marketing, and affordable healthcare, to name a few).

Michelle Goodman draws on her own experience as a writer and editor, but the book is also filled with snippets of advice from freelance professionals in other fields. She makes a valiant effort to incorporate all freelancers under the book's umbrella, but some sections made me wish the book was tailored more specifically to women in my field. The section on writing a business plan, especially, was way too broad, and I found myself scanning through a lot of the book's chattiness to get to the meaty stuff. Aiming business books specifically at women--especially early-to-mid career women--is an excellent idea, but sometimes they feel too breezy and hip to make me feel like I'm being leveled with. I'm not looking for one of those "The 1 Hour CEO," "The Fifty-Minute Manager," or "45 Seconds to Success!" kind of business books. (Please, people.) But I do need some straight-up facts and advice about how to run a business. And there was a lot of that in this book--I just kind of had to dig around for it.

I do think this is a worthwhile book for freelancers who are just starting out or feel like it's time for a healthy reality check about their not-so-healthy freelancing habits (did you know there's this thing called a weekend?). It got my creative & practical wheels turning about how I conduct business, better ways to put myself out there, and building great relationships with clients. It also brought to my attention resources I didn't know were available to me, and reminded me why I joined the freelance world to begin with. Aside from the lifestyle, the people are great--resourceful, gutsy, and generous with information and advice.(less)

1 like · like · see review

Mar 19, 2011 Sarah rated it 2 of 5 stars

My So-Called Freelance Life: How to Survive and Thrive as a Creative Professional for Hire is written by full-time freelancer Michelle Goodman. With over fifteen years of experience under her belt at the time this book was published, Goodman provides tips, tricks and advice on how to set yourself up for success in the world of freelance.

My So-Called Freelance Life is divided up into three main sections: Section One explains how to adjust to a work-from-home lifestyle after being caught up in the...more

like · see review

Dec 05, 2010 Tristy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: business, women

This book offers some great guidance and advice for those just starting out with freelance work. It's written in that whole cutesy/blogger kind of language (with chapters like "You're so Money!") which started to really grate on my nerves after awhile. It's hard to read a whole book in that kind of language. There is plenty of information in here that applies to everyone, but I did find that she was a little too copy-editing/writer-focused in her advice (which is what the author does). There are...more

like · see review

Jun 30, 2009 Heather rated it 5 of 5 stars

Maybe it's because I recently started on my own full-time freelancer journey, but learning about making money by working from home in my jammies has been on my mind a lot lately. Graduation from my undergraduate college was in May and I start my new grad program in the fall, so I'm taking a big leap of job faith: instead of finding another part-time summer gig folding clothes at a retail joint I hate, I'm trying to support myself through my writing (yay book reviews!) and graphic design. Natural...more

like · see review

Jun 07, 2013 M. E. Kinkade rated it 4 of 5 stars

If you are considering a freelance gig--full-time or part-time, and especially if it's in a creative field--pick up this book. Goodman leverages her extensive background as a freelance writer and editor to explain the tricky points of starting your own business, and does it all in a friendly girl-next-door tone that is reassuring despite a sometimes-stressful topic.

The book is divided into three parts: Initial set-up ("You Fled the Cube, Now What?"), Getting Ahead ("Sell, Baby, Sell"), and gene...more If you are considering a freelance gig--full-time or part-time, and especially if it's in a creative field--pick up this book. Goodman leverages her extensive background as a freelance writer and editor to explain the tricky points of starting your own business, and does it all in a friendly girl-next-door tone that is reassuring despite a sometimes-stressful topic.

The book is divided into three parts: Initial set-up ("You Fled the Cube, Now What?"), Getting Ahead ("Sell, Baby, Sell"), and general topics ("Your So-Called Freelance Life"), and each part is divided into chapters on particular topics, like setting your price or figuring out insurance. And she covers a lot--despite the fluffy fun title, starting your own business is serious work, and Goodman reflects that. She offers practical advice, a trove of books and online resources, real anecdotes from freelancers of all stripes, and some wit along the way.

It's not just for creative professionals, and Goodman does a great job of creating examples for people of all industries--for example, in a section about why you might want to go freelance and still be able to pay the bills, she says "More often than not, your breadwinning work will help you fuel your enthusiasm for the screenplay, crocheted handbags, or life-size ceramic replica of Margaret Cho you're chipping away at on the side."

Interestingly, this book IS targeted to women freelancers, something I guess I was supposed to assume from the cover's pink writing but honestly surprised me when I realized it 20 pages in. Nothing about the front or back cover (except the pink) says this is a no-boys-allowed book, and I don't think it really needs to be. Despite the occasional mention of things that are slightly gendered, like childcare, I think a man starting out on his own would benefit from Goodman's sound advice as much as any woman. (I'm pretty sure the IRS doesn't come after female freelancers only, if you know what I mean).

While it does claim to help freelancers from the beginning up, I'm not sure it quite does. I would have liked to see a whole chapter related to "getting your business started," beyond the nuts-and-bolts "what do I charge?"-type questions. Though she mentions that all freelancers she knows have taken some kind of temp job to support their freelancing, she doesn't really explain, and you don't get a sense of the reality of the beginning of a business except through cobbled-together snippets scattered throughout. While the chapter on time management (at the end of the book--I had to skip ahead and read it sooner because it felt pretty urgent to me) might help a phone-always-ringing professional like Goodman, it doesn't offer much for a newbie, so you're more or less on your own there.

Similarly, I plan on picking this reference up again as topics become more relevant to me: protection against lawsuits isn't at the top of my list when I'm still figuring out if getting a business card is worth it.

Overall, this was a very helpful and inspiring book and I'm glad I found it before I got my editing business off the ground. (less)

like · see review

Feb 09, 2009 Mo Tipton rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: biz-money-econ

Whether you're still debating taking the freelance plunge from the safety of your cubicle or you've already been around the freelance block a few times, this book is an excellent resource on everything from drafting contracts to handling hell clients.

1 like · like · see review

Oct 20, 2012 earthy rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: nonfiction

Goodman's got the freelance experience and the clever, easy accessible narrative voice to back it up. Most of the info here is fairly basic, which I actually found very helpful, though it didn't quite cover the more specific freelance issues I've been having. While the intended audience seems to be primarily women interested in freelancing for large-ish companies, the advice here is good for any gender in any work situation.

I've been reading a lot of how-to freelance books lately, and this was o...more

like · see review

Feb 08, 2009 Iris rated it 5 of 5 stars

This book changed my life. Seriously! I didn't realize how much I DIDN'T have my act together when it came to my finances and doing freelance work. Believe it or not I didn't think twice about taxes and a year into my official freelance life, I realized that I was supposed to be saving taxes myself and sending them in 4 times a year. Needless to say I'm kind of in trouble at the moment, but in many other ways this book has set me straight.

Michelle Goodman, who fortunately for me seems to be work...more

like · see review

Nov 25, 2008 Kim rated it 5 of 5 stars

Not 5 stars for me, but I've been freelancing for years so most of this was old hat. Anyone who's been freelancing on their own for a while will (or should) already know most of this material. Give this to your favorite cubicle worker who has dreams of setting out on the freelance path, and encourage them to take the leap...

2 likes · like · see review

Feb 24, 2010 Sarah rated it 4 of 5 stars

Even if you're not a "creative" freelancer (and I count myself among the noncreative types), this is still a very informative and entertaining book. And let's face it, when it comes to discussing nitty gritty business and work-life matters, entertaining helps. A lot. Goodman's style is easy and casual, but she's not just writing this to have fun. She comes across as sincere in her desire to help others learn from her mistakes and successes in the world of being in business for yourself. And she...more

like · see review

Dec 10, 2008 Wendy added it

Shelves: writing-biz, books-by-friends

Even if you don't know Michelle, this book is like having a good friend teach you the ropes.

1 like · like · see review

Apr 01, 2011 Marissa Meyer rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: nonfiction, writing, publishing

I was thinking that reading books on the freelancing life would either motivate or intimidate me, and I guess this one did a little bit of both.

I am not fond of the idea of having to market myself or network with potential clients. I never have been. BUT (silver lining alert) I will of course have to do that stuff as a novelist anyway, so I might as well start practicing now, right?

And there are clearly perks to the freelancing life that I'm very much looking forward to (being my own boss, worki...more

1 like · like · see review

Jan 23, 2011 Ashley rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: art, art-practice, business, research, creativity

When I checked this book out from the library, I at first wasn't exactly sold on it. The premise seemed like something that could be helpful, but the first couple of chapters didn't quite feel like new information to me.

However, now that I have finished it, I am quite literally sold on this book - I'm going to buy a copy of my own for future reference. It's just that useful. Tucked in among the witty writing are some true gems of information covering everything from naming your business, to avo...more

like · see review

May 10, 2010 Sara rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: for-projects

I have really garnered a lot of useful information from this book. As I delve further into freelance writing/editing, its been very practical to learn all aspects of working for oneself. There were so many things I didn't really know I needed to do or even how to do. She really stresses the points of creative versus "bread buying" projects, which not every freelancer wants to hear . . . but when you first start out in business foir yourself, you've got to do some nitty gritty along with some fun...more

like · see review

Jan 07, 2010 Jenny rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: freelancer wannabes

Shelves: nonfiction, all

Great book with lots of information for those who want to make the switch from a full-time job to a freelancer. I bought this book because I'm doing freelance work (on top of being a full-time student) and needed some guidance on how to manage my business. The author presents the information in a casual, light-hearted manner which makes the book a delight to read (not like some dull manual) and provides insight from her and many other freelancers' experiences.

like · see review

Dec 13, 2008 Lesley rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: non-fiction

This is a good, basic book on freelancing. I picked it up thinking, "I may want to freelance someday." This book seems to lean more towards people who are looking to replace their 9-5 job with freelancing, where I'd just be doing it as a moonlighter, or perhaps in retirement. So, maybe I read this book too soon in the process for me. But still, it gave me some good things to think about for the future. The back of the book lists some good resources, both websites and books, for freelancer-wannab...more

like · see review

Nov 07, 2010 Jeannette rated it 2 of 5 stars

I did not like this book nor was it useful or had any tips I could glean from. I admit that I didn't read this cover to cover, only flipped around, but I did try to get into it without success. Author's chit-chatty you go girl writing style? Ugh, not for me. There are so many better books out there on this same topic. Just go out and buy or take out from your library Lauren & Emira's book, "The Boss of You", now that's inspiring reading.

like · see review

Jul 28, 2010 Emily rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: entrepreneurship, career-books

Good advice for structuring and growing a freelance career, tho mostly targeted towards creative freelancers. The principles can definitely be applied towards more service-based work (like massage therapy or doula services), but it is written by and for someone working as a writer, illustrator, or designer for clients.

I will definitely think about how to balance "bread-and-butter" clients or jobs with the clients that really make me feel passionate about my work in the first place. Goodman offe...more

like · see review

Apr 09, 2012 Milka rated it 3 of 5 stars

If you're thinking about starting a freelance career and have never read a book on freelancing, you'll find a lot of useful information in this book. If you've read other books about the subject like me, you probably won't learn anything new. I had picked this book thinking it'd be interesting to read a book written by a woman on this topic. Unfortunately I quickly found out Michelle Goodman is not married and has no kids, so she's got a lot of working time on her hands, something I don't have....more

like · see review

Jan 22, 2010 Rachel rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: entrepreneurial, creative

This is a down-to-earth yet inspiring book about hanging out your own shingle as a creative professional. Goodman's humor and tales of personal experience demonstrate her knowledge of "yep, been there, done that" and here's a better way to do it.
A great book for anyone considering freelance work, or part-time freelance.

like · see review

Aug 05, 2011 Kristen Haynie rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I've learned more from this book alone than I have from months of research elsewhere. This book tells me what freelancing is REALLY like, and isn't full of fluffy crap (don't let the cutesy cover mislead you). This book has taught me some valuable lessons I'm better off not learning the hard way!

like · see review

May 04, 2011 Jen rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: non-fiction, reference

4.5 stars really, but greatly valuable as a resource for anyone wanting to start a freelance business. Solid advice on setting rates, filing government paperwork, paying taxes, signing contracts, finding clients, etc. etc. etc. A quick read, too - not drawn-out and boring. For the short time it took me to read it and the valuable advice and resources it contains, it was well worth the investment.

like · see review

Jun 01, 2010 Jessica rated it 5 of 5 stars

After reading and loving Goodman's "Anti 9-to-5 Guide," I requested this from my library's ILL department. Funny and chock full of useful information for a new small biz owner like myself, I bought both books immediately thereafter and reference them often.

like · see review

Jun 18, 2012 Kathleen Dupré rated it 5 of 5 stars

This is a book that I am destined to reference again and again. I am not normally a big reader of nonfiction, but I was riveted to this book from the beginning. Michelle Goodman has a frank, funny voice that supplements her invaluable information perfectly. It is clear that she is not only a truly seasoned freelancer, she has also done her research. And she's so likeable. Normally I feel condescended to when I get advice from authors in books, but reading Goodman's advice genuinely felt like hav...more

like · see review

May 25, 2010 Nicole rated it 3 of 5 stars

A great place to start if you have a desire to go freelance. Since my world of freelancing is a little different than most other types, I was only able to use some of the tips here; I did, however, think this was a great, useful book.

like · see review

Mar 09, 2009 Elaine Nelson rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: self-help, legal, business, read-again

Had to take it back to the library -- a good sign of its quality: there were IIRC several other people with holds. A cheerful and encouraging guide to starting as a creative freelancer. I'm feeling a little too overwhelmed at the moment to really take it in, but I want to get my own copy when I'm in a better space for it.

like · see review

Aug 01, 2010 Marceline Smith rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: non-fiction

Totally brilliant. If you have even the slightest wish to work for yourself, this is full of excellent advice. Was glad to discover I have been doing most things right. She has a good blog too – The Anti 9-5 Guide

like · see review

Apr 07, 2009 Rosemary rated it 2 of 5 stars

Quite helpful for the information about how to make a living as a freelancer, but the jam-as-many-pop-culture-references-as-you-can-into-each-sentence style got real old, real fast.

like · see review

Mar 28, 2009 Jen rated it 4 of 5 stars

A fun afternoon read. A lot of common-sense information, but a few gems I hadn't thought about before, so I am happy I read it. Her writing style is witty and enjoyable to read.

like · see review

« previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 … 27 28 next »

new topic
Discuss This Book

There are no discussion topics on this book yet. Be the first to start one »

Recommend it | Stats | Recent status updates

combine
Other Editions (2)

Genres

Business

31 users

Non Fiction

29 users

Language > Writing

14 users

Reference

4 users

Self Help

3 users

How To

2 users

Humanities > Language

2 users

Economics

2 users

Autobiography > Memoir

2 users

Art

2 users

See top shelves...

Readers also enjoyed similar books

About Michelle Goodman

Hey there. I'm author of "My So-Called Freelance Life: How to Survive and Thrive as a Creative Professional for Hire" and "The Anti 9-to-5 Guide: Practical Career Advice for Women Who Think Outside the Cube." My articles and essays about alternative careers, human mating rituals, and cultural trends have graced media outlets such as ABCNews.com, CNN.com, Salon.com, The Seattle Times, BUST, Bitch,...more

More about Michelle Goodman...

Books by Michelle Goodman

The Anti 9 to 5 Guide: Practical Career Advice for Women Who Think Outside the Cube

Microsoft® .NET and J2EE Interoperability Toolkit

More…

Share This Book

Facebook Twitter Your website

Trivia About My So-Called Free...

No trivia or quizzes yet. Add some now »

title link	preview: My So-Called Freelance Life: How to Survive and Thrive as a Creative Professional for Hire
avg rating	preview: My So-Called Freelance Life: How to Survive and Thrive as a Creative Professional for Hire Goodreads rating: 3.95 (292 ratings)
small image	preview: click here [close]
med image	preview: click here [close]
BBCode	[url=http://gr-assets.com/book/show/3148320-my-so-called-freelance-life?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1328746844l/3148320.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://gr-assets.com/book/show/3148320-my-so-called-freelance-life?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]My So-Called Freelance Life: How to Survive and Thrive as a Creative Professional for Hire by Michelle Goodman[/url]

My So-Called Freelance Life: How to Survive and Thrive as a Creative Professional for Hire

Friend Reviews

Community Reviews

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website