My New Daily Ritual In This, The World of Freelancing And Not Having a Job

Spoiler: It’s a tomato sandwich

As you might have heard (hmm…perhaps because I wrote about it in this very blog??), I got laid off a couple weeks ago, just another casualty of the contracting private tech market, no more free-flow of cash to startups without viable business models. Certainly no more money for the people doing the words, at least not now, not at the company I was working for.

I was a little stressed out at first (I am always like, low-level stressed out, even in the best of times, so the fact that I am taking this more or less in stride is pretty good, actually) but (on my good days) (not so much when I’m beating myself up for no reason) I’ve since completely reframed this as an opportunity. Being able to tell people about the layoff — which I was initially dreading, because who likes being vulnerable enough to tell people that your job got cut and you need a new job? — has actually been a blessing; I’ve had so many cool conversations with people who are eager to find ways to work together. Did you know every venture capital firm needs someone to help with content? Integrated marketing agencies I’ve spoken to can’t hire enough writers to keep up with demand. If I wanted to, it’s more clear to me now than it’s ever been before that I could make a good living freelancing if I wanted to, but I don’t want to, because I’m scared of relying on myself so fully and I genuinely think I do better work when I am not my own LLC. I…