Timing
By LMReviews on Apr 4, 2009 in Multicultural Writing, Writing/Freelancing
When it comes to freelancing there is a lot to be said for timing, courage and faith. With courage, I quit my job nearly 11 months ago on the belief that I could be a freelancer. Back in November, I even planned a vacation for this month when I had know idea where the money would come from. Then last week I decided to end my temp assignment early in preparation for that vacation coming up and a writing assignment. When that assignment was finished and I thought I’d have some downtime before my vacation, another assignment was waiting in the wings. I didn’t see that coming and as a freelancer, I’m not complaining! (Honestly, I could have said no, but since I am in the current cycle of feast or famine, I don’t know when the next famine is coming. )
I’ve always been a big believer in timing. What I often forget is that my timeline isn’t always in line with that of the universe. What seems like an impossibility may be a definite sure thing at a different time in the future. We fanatical organizers arrange things to eliminate any and all inconviences and discomfort. Yet it is in the inconveniences and discomfort that we see who we really are.
Would I really know that I could take on a temp job and finish writing assignments if I didn’t have the need to do so?
Would I be able to plan a future vacation during a time when money was uncertain if I didn’t first entertain that I would be able to recognize opportunities in the future that would bring the means to pay for and take the vacation in the first place?
Normally I would have never considered planning a vacation at a time when savings were dwindling and I had no idea of what my employment situation would be. Would I still be freelancing with all the work and freedom that comes with it? Or would I be forced to adhere to the vacation policies of an employer? Back in November I had no idea, but I acted on faith and here I am a week before that trip and I am more than ready for it.
The point is, no matter how we try to account for it, schedule it or arrange it, our ability to control time is an illusion. You could have every second of every day planned and something will come up to change everything. That emergency response nature of yours is saying….”No way, I’m prepared for anything.” Well, in order to be prepared for anything you must first believe that anything is possible.
Time still passes and what it will be for us in the future has a lot to do with how we spend it now. How’s your timing?
