Thirteen years ago this month, I left my job as a speechwriter and communications manager for the president of San Diego State University to start my own business and make writing my full-time endeavor.
Taking that initial leap was not an easy decision, especially after a decade-plus career at SDSU. Our family relied on both my and my ex-husband’s income. So if I didn’t make enough money on my own, that would be the end of the my freelance endeavor. While this was a scary step, I knew it was the right one.
When I left my job, I had three freelance gigs. One of them was for a woman named Susan, who owned a marketing business called Egg Marketing and Communications. She told me to make sure to diversify my clients and never put all my “eggs” in one basket (pun intended). A week later, one of the major Egg clients dried up. Susan and I rebounded and I added more work. But it’s a good lesson; and in 13 years, I never take a client or work opportunity for granted.
Being a freelance writer and business owner has not always been easy. But I’ve never regretted making that move to be my own boss. I am eternally grateful to my clients — present and past — that keep me going. … Cheers to 13 years and many more to come!
Graphic Design Credit: Michelle Masson