Today is Thanksgiving in the United States. It’s my favorite holiday. I love the family-oriented nature of Thanksgiving. I also like that it is a holiday largely untouched by consumerism. The point of Thanksgiving is gratitude for what we already have. The feeling of love with my family, as I enjoy delicious comfort food, is my favorite things about the holiday — and what makes Thanksgiving my favorite holiday.
I have a lot to be thankful for this year. Even though going through my divorce was (and still is sometimes) difficult, I can see that there is a reason for me to be on my current path. I’m grateful for the friends and family who have helped me, the discovery of all the people who truly care about me.
Not only am I grateful for the people I have in my life, but I’m also thankful to be a freelance writer. Here are the biggest reasons that I’m thankful for my career as a freelance writer:
1. Flexibility in My Life and Schedule
One of the best things about being a freelance writer is the fact that I have so much flexibility in my life and schedule. I can live anywhere and do my job. It doesn’t matter whether I live in a major city like Philadelphia, or whether I move back to Idaho. No matter where I am, I can still make a living as a freelance writer.
My schedule is also flexible. My son doesn’t have school this week, and I am able to change things up a little bit in order to spend time with him, including seeing movies and going to a display about pirates at the local museum. It’s also allowed me to be involved in the community, joining the local Chamber of Commerce and participating in local politics.
I can set my own schedule and arrange my own life. As long as I meet my deadlines and manage my client relationships, I can work when it fits my schedule.
2. Make as Much Money as I Want To
I’m especially grateful that my career as a freelance writer allows me to make as much money as I want. I can raise freelance rates when I want to maintain my work schedule, but earn more. I can also take on extra projects if I decide to go on a trip, or buy something a little more expensive.
Right now, I’m grateful to live in an area with a low cost of living. I don’t need to work as much to maintain my lifestyle and provide good opportunities for my son. As a result, I don’t need to make as much as I used to make in Philadelphia. I’m always experimenting with my income and working on new ways to make what I want without going overboard on the hours that I work.
3. It’s Something I Love
Not everyone gets to do what they love. Writing is something I enjoy. In the last 10 years as a freelance writer, I’ve been paid to write about things that fascinate me, like science and religion. I also learned that I love writing about money. My career has allowed me to learn how money works and develop my own philosophy. Plus all the people I’ve met through my career as a freelance writer have been amazing. I don’t know how I would have got through the last few months if not for the people in my life as a result of my career as a freelance writer.
This Thanksgiving, think about your business, and what makes it special. Then remember to be grateful for what you have all year round.
