Tags
Belief, Blogging, Copywriting, Faith, Freelance writer, Inner critic, Kung Fu Panda, Po, Svasti for hire, Unemployed, Writing
I still don’t have a job. It’s all a bit of a tease right now… just missing out, hearing about this one and that one. But nothing confirmed for ongoing work.
Yet.
However, seems I’m slowly and in miniscule ways (inch by inch even), developing a little bit of belief in myself…
Thanks in no small part to this blog, and of course to the lovely people who read my wild rantings here.
See, what’s just happened is this – last week, someone I used to work with (years ago) and who I’m Facebook friends with, posted a status update: Looking for a freelance writer who understands cyclists.
Wait-a-second…! That sounds like… it could be me!
Granted, I’ve never worked as a freelance writer. But I’ve done plenty of copywriting in other jobs I’ve had, both for websites and print materials.
Then of course, there’s this here blog. When I first started writing it, I gave myself permission to write without worrying too much about quality, with good reason.
For years as a high school student I was known for my writing, but the problem was… my mean old inner critic. Harsher than any of my teachers. I’d write and re-write and exhaust myself in the process. I was never happy with what I wrote, no matter what other people said.
So I stopped all together. Gave up the pursuit.
But this blog grew as something of an impulse – a very strong desire to save my sanity. And in writing endlessly here (with feedback from some of you good folk) my confidence in my writing abilities has grown. Slowly and tenderly.
So much so, that when I saw my friend’s status update, I was brave enough to suggest my services! She asked for some sample writing, but I didn’t have anything suitable (not sending stuff from my blog!). Said I’d put something together within a couple of days and submitted it by my self-imposed deadline.
Got an email the next day saying her boss was very happy with the sample, and they’d get back to me with a brief, some timings and to agree on a rate…
Someone is gonna pay me to write copy!!
Better still, it’s for a non-profit organisation that promotes cycling safety (right up my alley). Of course, it’s not yet a done deal, not until we’ve got some kinda agreement in writing. It’s a pretty good start though (here’s hoping my writing about it won’t jinx anything)!
Just today, I was asked to go to their offices for a briefing this Thursday. Yippee!
It’s only a one-off at this stage, but its something, right? And it could turn into more somethings? Yes? That’s what I thought!
And I’ve been thinking… perhaps this lack of work is all about me learning some kind of lesson. That, actually, I need to break away from the type of work life I’ve had to date? Become more flexible and independent in how I earn a living? Who knows, but that’s how I’m choosing to take it…
As such, I’ve decided to add another page to my blog (coming soon)! And it’ll be all about: Svasti for hire – copywriting, blog design, website production, SEO and digital marketing.
If you know anyone who’d like to hire a slightly neurotic, but highly creative yogini who’s got some kinda okay skills in the communication arena… send ‘em my way!
Oh, and I’m also gonna be doing some work for Anthroyogini sometime soon (when she sends me a brief!) on her upcoming big idea (which really is kinda cool).
~Svasti
Congratulations!!!
This news doesn’t surprise me one bit.
Just goes to show you never know what tomorrow will bring. Seems to me you’re headed in a good direction.
@tricia – Thank you!! Well, I’m not assuming anything about directions. Been there before, and all I can say is, its great to have something positive going on. BUT I don’t expect it to all be roses from here on in. Exciting, though…
Oh, my, Svasti! Isn’t the world of blogging just amazing? How it can just open up your life? I LOVE THAT. 🙂
@Blisschick – Its true. When I first started, I thought I’d write this little diary out there, and that would be it. But its brought me so much more 🙂
I’m not sure which I find more exciting: the potential income or the faith in yourself, Svast! Rocks out on both fronts, is my theory 😀
@CK – Why, thanks! I think its kinda cool, too 😉
congrats…
I got a job through my blog too…but my health took a nose dive so I had to give it up…
but!!! I’m pretty sure it will happen again…
it’s very exciting. I know just how you feel!!
@giannakali – Here’s hoping your health is on the way up again!!
Congrats on the writing job. Woo hoo – you just never know where it may lead you. And you do write so, so well. Fate, perhaps??
@Lilly – Thank you! Yes, perhaps its fate, or just putting myself out there instead of hiding away from the world!!
I say take every opportunity that comes your way and keep the faith! I wish you success in all your dreams (and hopefully you can earn money at it too)! 🙂
@Bobby – Thank you so much! You’re very sweet 🙂
Yes, here’s hoping I can earn some money some time soon!
Yay!
Congratulations, Svasti! How cool…you get to write (it’s what you’ve been doing anyway) about cycling (it’s what you’ve been doing anyway). Double cool!
And it sounds like writing on your blog has helped with that perfectionist thing that can really hold one back. Hmmm, “perfectionist” sounds like it should be a good thing, yet is so debilitating.
Anyway, so happy for you and what seems will be your new career! :o)
@earthtoholly – Well, I don’t know if its my new career yet or not, but it certainly means I’m diversifying. Which can’t be bad, right? Perfectionism can be rough, especially when you never feel like you’re getting there no matter what. I think it can be a good thing if you believe in what you’re doing, but I certainly didn’t at that time. And no one could tell me otherwise. Weird but true!
YES!!! Your writing skills deserve to be rewarded!
@Bird – Why thanks! 🙂
I’m catching up (again!) and just read this — great! I think blogging opens things up, both figuratively and literally. We end up making all sorts of mental and emotional connections that can lead to good things.
And I’m also seeing all these familiar faces here in the comments section. It feels like an extended community. Just wanted to note that. 🙂
@Jennifer – Yes, I know! I find myself getting behind/catching up with people’s blogs too. Its true, blogging does seem to open things up. And definitely there’s a sense of community forming around some of the blogs I visit recently (with lots of mutual readership going on).
Speaking of freelance writing… think I’ve gotta do some work on that right now!