Freelancing: A Complex Career Path
When people inquire about my profession, I often face a dilemma: either misrepresent myself or deliver a lengthy explanation that is hard to digest. Unlike those with conventional careers—like accountants or engineers—my role encompasses various gigs that together form a multifaceted freelance career.
The Challenge of Defining My Work
“So, what do you do?” is a common question that comes up on first dates, and despite my efforts to keep my response brief, it ends up being elaborate.
“Well, I’m a freelancer,” I usually start, “managing a multitude of tasks . . .”
Horse News: My Morning Routine
The first item on my extensive list of freelance work is what I like to call “Horse News.” Each weekday, I wake up at 6 a.m., bleary-eyed, and shuffle to my desk. I switch on a lamp, adjust to the intensity of the light, and launch a specialized software that aggregates horse racing news from across the United States—covering radio segments, TV clips, and relevant articles.
I sift through countless headlines, some of which sound utterly fantastical: stories about bizarre race outcomes, doping scandals, and investments from popular YouTubers. I collate the most pertinent information into a newsletter that covers track renovations and legislative updates surrounding horse racing regulations.
The Reality of Horse Racing Legislation
These regulations, known as the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act, are designed to ensure the safety of racehorses and jockeys. Unfortunately, some racetrack owners resist compliance due to the costs associated with veterinary care and safety measures, leading to ongoing legal challenges. I closely follow this landscape, driven by both passion and the professional commitment I’ve made to my client.
Entering the Freelancing World
I acquired my position in Horse News through an acquaintance who connected me with a reputation management firm, which in turn offers tailored newsletters for various clients, one being the horse racing organization. This job has made me realize the importance of networking and building connections within the industry, as freelancing thrives on relationships.
The Evolution of My Career
I started this role shortly after relocating to Montreal and it became pivotal in establishing my career. My background in creative writing led me to various freelance opportunities, including health articles and copywriting. However, with the rise of my chronic nerve condition that limits my ability to type, I have had to adapt and diversify my work further.
A New Venture: Writing Erotica
One summer, I stumbled upon an intriguing side gig: writing erotica for an app that engaged users through interactive storytelling. Despite the workload being daunting, the idea was too captivating to pass up. Alongside my other commitments like Horse News and freelance articles, I managed to blend this unconventional writing into my schedule, ultimately expanding my creative capabilities.
Finding Balance in an Unpredictable Career
The blend of various writing projects—including newsletters, health articles, and even erotic stories—has crafted a unique freelance career. Each morning begins with Horse News, followed by a variety of creative writing tasks. As I juggle these roles, I also nurture my passion for cartooning, a pursuit that once seemed lost to my chronic pain but has recently resurfaced.
Conclusion: Embracing the Freelance Lifestyle
In the realm of freelancing, each contract and project adds a layer to my unique career tapestry. Explaining it to others is often a challenge, but I find fulfillment in the flexibility and creativity it offers. As I navigate through deadlines and multiple assignments, my journey serves as a reminder of the diverse possibilities that can exist in one’s professional life.
The Life of a Modern Freelancer: Juggling Multiple Gigs
The Challenge of Defining My Work
When people inquire about my profession, I often find myself at a crossroads: I can either exaggerate my role or provide a convoluted explanation that leaves them baffled. Unlike most of my peers, who have straightforward careers—like accountant or engineer—my responsibilities encompass a web of different projects and contracts.
A Day in the Life of a Freelancer
Each weekday begins for me at 6 a.m., as I stumble to my workspace still groggy. I power on my computer and access various tools that compile the latest industry news related to horse racing. I sift through reports, podcasts, and articles from various sources.
The Importance of Horse News
My role involves summarizing riveting yet often bizarre stories from the world of horse racing. Topics can range from the latest doping scandals to notable racing events and legislative developments like the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act. Despite the sport’s problematic nature, monitoring and reporting on these issues has surprisingly become a significant part of my life.
Adapting to New Opportunities
Securing this job stemmed from my growing network of contacts. Freelancing thrives on relationships; knowing the right people often leads to new opportunities. After securing my first gig, I learned to balance Horse News and my other freelance assignments, like writing for various clients across different sectors.
Transitioning Between Gigs
Alongside my work in horse racing journalism, I explored other freelance avenues: crafting social media content and penning recap articles. The flexible nature of freelancing allowed me to navigate my physical limitations and manage my time effectively, meeting deadlines while accommodating my health needs.
Exploring New Creative Outlets
Despite the burgeoning workload, I found joy in unexpected opportunities, such as writing for a storytelling app focused on adult themes. This endeavor sparked a renewed interest in creative writing and broadened my skill set, showcasing the diverse pathways available to freelancers in today’s world.
Finding Balance and Success
As time passed, I refined my daily routine. My responsibilities now include a mixture of writing, editing, and even cartooning. Each role contributes to my overall income and personal satisfaction, allowing me to embrace the unpredictability of freelancing while also nurturing my creative ambitions.
