HAPPY INTERNATIONAL FREELANCERS DAY!

To celebrate the International Freelancers Day, the freelancer website Elance organizes a contest for the best inspirational story about freelancing. The Rabbiter entered the contest with the following post:

How Freelancing Has Changed How I Live And Work
by The Rabbiter

From the idea that lit the fire of my freelance business, through the excitement of my first awarded job, to keeping a 4.8 star profile at Elance.com for the last 12 months – this is a 3 and a half years old story, yet it already changed my life. And these are the 5 main changes:

My daughter calls me daddy

I used to work as Brand Manager for a multinational health care company. I have worked for 50 hours per week. Now, I am working for… 50 hours per week. There is one but, of course. Today, I can set my schedule the way I want. Before becoming a solopreneur, I was like an uncle to my daughter as I was always working late. Now, she calls me daddy.

I choose the bullets on my website

Do you remember thinking how many things you would have done differently if you were in your boss’ shoes? Congratulations, it’s Independence Day! Now, I can set my own rules and make my own mistakes to learn from. This is my business – my style. I can finally design my work the way I see it.

Now I know exactly where the British Virgin Islands are

From the American “thanks, man” to the Australian “cheers, mate” – I had the unique opportunity to work with clients from every continent on the planet. Such experience gives you variety, confidence and the sublime feeling that you speak to the whole world.

I stopped working

Confucius once said “choose a job you love and you will never have to work a day in your life”. Clearly, Confucius was talking about freelancing. As soon as I became a freelancer I started perceiving work differently. This is not something you do for money, this is now something you do for yourself and for… even more money.

I will probably live longer

No more picking the right tie, no more traffic jams, no more end of the year meetings, no more “Get in my office! Now!”. Freelancing gives you the exclusive opportunity to do your job by lying on your living-room’s sofa with no socks on. And if stress shortens life, then being a freelancer means I will most probably see my great-grandchildren growing up… and becoming freelancers.

Now, I realize that it all started from a funny idea, like a joke, really. This joke is now my biggest pride, my inspiration. Freelancing can be your dream come true if you find your vocation. The best freelancing website Elance called for inspiring stories. However, freelancers don’t really need inspiration because freelancing starts with one.

Happy International Freelancers Day!