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!

From Hobby Writer to Freelancer in 223 pages!

I'm finising my reading of Michelle Goodman's Anti 9-to-5 Guide: Practical Career Advice for Women Who Think Outside the Cube. It's an amazing little resource!

It was encouraging to me to see that Goodman recommends the plan I already have in place: start part-time and move into full time. She offers great advice at time management, self-promo/marketing, and at the end of each chapter, she includes an "Action Plan" of three to five items to help you get to the next phase in realizing your dreams.

I've got a to-do list for the next few weeks; hopefully I'll be able to keep myself on track while still getting work done at my "day gig." The year is winding down, and I'll be trying to keep myself from getting burned out before my last day.

One of the next steps in my pursuit of a full time freelance career is to establish a website. As soon as it's up, believe me, it'll be linked here!

So for those of you who just can't get enough of me, take heart! I'll have more soon! In the meantime, feel free to check me out here!

Happy scribbling!