The Anti 9-to-5 Action Plan Update

I've finished the next stage of the Anti 9-to-5 Action Plan, and here's where I am. The comments in brackets are mine.

Create or update a profile that includes your work history on LinkedIn or another social network. [Done.]

Update your resume. [Done.]

Update your resume or portfolio on your website or blog. [Done...mostly. I just have to put my resume up and add a couple of things to my porfolio on my website.]

Select three networking events to attend in the next two months. [Okay...I haven't done this, but I have some in mind and just have to narrow down which three I plan to attend.]

Create your thirty-second face-to-face intro and practice on a couple of friends. [I've done this, but I plan on reworking it a bit because I'm not happy with it.]

Overall, I'm doing well on my checklist; I'm pretty much right on target. I think the next stage is going to take me a bit longer than two weeks to do, but as long as I keep moving forward, I think I'll be able to feel like I'm staying productive.

Though this isn't on the action plan, I've also begun applying for freelance jobs. I know that a big part of my career is marketing and advertising, so I'm also coming up with a marketing package to send to clients who request more information.

And today is my official grand opening. Woo hoo!

The Anti 9-to-5 Action Plan Update

So...originally I had a really great timeline worked out detailing how I'd work full time as a freelance writer this summer, drop back to part time during the school year, and then in January 2009, go to full time for the foreseeable future.


Since developing the timeline, my plans have changed. Instead of waiting until January 2009 to quit my day gig and become a full time freelance writer, I've decided to do it now. June 11th is my last day "in the cube," and beginning June 12th, I'll officially be a full time writer.


This decision is one of the biggest, scariest, most exciting decisions I've ever made. Part of me is afraid because I don't know what's going to come in the future, but the majority of me is excited about writing full time and eager to work on something for which I've had a passion as long as I can remember.

I know it's going to be a difficult rest of the year--we've been relying on my day gig income for our bills--but this is the best decision for me, and for our family. I may have to work 50, 55, 60 hours a week at first in order to get to where I want (and where I need) to be. And really, I'm okay with that. I love writing. Even if I'm just making a grocery list, I love writing. So I'll work as hard as I have to in order to accomplish my goals.

So here's my revised timeline:

June 11th--Done with day gig
June 12th--Start writing
June 13th--Keep writing
Repeat every day.

The Anti 9-to-5 Guide Update

After reading The Anti 9-to-5 Guide by Michelle Goodman, I followed her advice for an action plan. Friday was the deadline for Stage Two, and I'm happy to say I've more than completed my Action Plan so far! Here's what I've done so far (quoted from Goodman, but what's in the brackets was added by me):

• Brainstorm time! Jot down any activities, jobs, classes, or volunteer stints you've enjoyed to date, even if you were seven at the time. [This didn't take very long since I already know what I want to do!]
• Scrutinize your lifestyle. What expenses and vices can you jettison? Vow to ditch at least one today. [This, too, didn't take very long. When you're on a budget already there's not much to "jettison."]
• If you're prone to bouncing checks and racking up late-payment fees, get a grip. [Nope--we're careful about our finances.]
• If your credit card debt is out of control, consider consolidating through an organization like Consumer Credit Counseling Service (CCCS). [See above note.]
• Think about whether you'll need to move to another city or state to pursue your dream gig (or to cut down on living expenses). [Thankfully, we live in a great city with lots of opportunities for me, and we don't need to move!]

My next step is to figure out a timeline of how long I think it will take me to get to where I want to be: freelancing full time. According to the Action Plan, I have until May 30th to do this, and I'll probably enlist Hubby's help for it. He's my business guy.

I already have a rough timeline in mind, but I'd like to get a firmer grasp on it. Ideally, I'll get a calendar and map out my own action plan for becoming a full time freelance writer.

Lots to do this month!