from my notes app. you’re welcome.
is the freelancer dead? many other titles are taking precedence. consultant. fractional. advisor. contractor. there’s a growing disconnect between the value and terminology of freelancing from both the client and provider perspectives. an agency will come to you still asking if you’re a freelancer, but you’ll likely still position yourself as otherwise, even if that’s exactly what it is. thinking about this a lot as I yearn for the definition of freelancing that always remained true to me—that it’s a constant ANNOUNCEMENT and PROCLAMATION of identity, creative interest and unique problems to solve without any strings (chains?) attached. it might be freeing for some freelancers to label themselves as something less clear but fancier, but for others it might be an opportunity to reclaim the word as a signal. i’m interested, in my own career, how owning that label as a person versed in verbal identity, brand narrative and the craft of story could own this. and happily. i’m free as a bird and want to write in many ways in many fields for many brands and many people, myself included. there’s a vision of solitude and beauty and lovely things that come with that. like Audrey Hepburn directly injected her smile from Funny Face into my blood and gave me the internal permission that was always there, but for some reason I never wanted to believe. have you ever thought of that, as a FREELANCER? or maybe you do operate by another name that you’re happy with? does this word make you feel like you should be paid less, or valued less? do you feel constrained by it? it feels like one of those words that people felt the need to abandon for no other reason than deluded market perception, like they have less control over how they pitch themselves and make money from clients and brands unless they change their label. if you are wrestling with that, try to remember your work and point of view are the things that matter most. also being firm but also respectful. it doesn’t matter if you call yourself a freelancer or an advisor or a professional pigeon. do beautiful work in your exceptional way and that will travel with you long after you change your mind on your career.
— Taylor Barnes.