Thread: Self employed
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Old 24-07-2005, 06:13   #3 (permalink)
Parsons
Mostly Harmless
 
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Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Suffolk
Posts: 75
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Originally Posted by elchenuk
Any of you guys a self employed web developer?
*raises hand*

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where do you work from?

I rent a desk and a computer at a small scale design consultancy in Suffolk.

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How do you find it?
Mostly enjoyable, sometimes infuriating and everything inbetween. 90% of the time though, I absolutely love it. I never have any trouble getting out of bed in the morning. I always feel motivated when the chips are down.

The two biggest downsides for me are: the irregularity in work/money and getting people to pay what they owe. One month I'll be twiddling my thumbs, then a load of work will come in all at once. I'll work late everyday of that month to get things done, then I'll have another extremely quiet month. Means you have to watch the cash situation as one month's windfall has to tide you over until the next big work influx. It can be a bit of a worry but in 3 and 1/2 years of freelancing, something's always come in to save my bacon.

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does it get lonely?
Working from a studio that houses a couple of other design companies means there's always someone about. But it can get quiet. I have worked at home from time to time but it doesn't work for me. You need somewhere you can shut the door at the end of the day so you can leave what you were working on at the studio.

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do you make any money?
I make enough to pay the rent and afford a few luxuries. I do have to be careful with the cash incase the work dries up completely but thankfully that hasn't happened so far. Also, I could probably be busier if I was more active at persuing new clients, there's loads of work out there, you've just got to find it. Unfortunately, I'm a lazy bastard.

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do you drink too much coffee?
I don't drink coffee at all, I'm not a fan of hot drinks. I snack instead; fruit, mixed nuts, biscuits, I'm always reaching for something.

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do you watch the mighty boosh?
Erm, I have no idea what you're talking about.
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