While browsing through Flickr the other day, I came across a sight I hadn’t seen in nearly 10 years – what my desk looked like my junior year of college. I posted it on various social media sites to much amusment and lots of great comments, but I decided here I’d post a Then and Now shot, with a breakdown of each.
Because I started freelancing at age 15, I would often struggle with what I would do after I graduated from college. I could start my own business and freelance full time, or I could get a “real” job. At one point, while I was in the throws of this existential crisis, my dad and I went to dinner with a family friend who happened to be starting his own business. This friend, who was close to my dad’s age with two kids of his own, offered me some advice. I, being the headstrong early 20-something male, promptly disregarded it. It wasn’t until I was towards the end of my 20s that I realized it was some of the best freelancing advice I never took.
When I was down in Florida, my brother and our friends told me about something they started doing every day: 2 Hours of No Screen Time. The idea is that for 2 hours every day, they forget about their phones, their computers, the TV, and any other screen they otherwise spend too much time in front of. Instead, they do something outside, or read, or some other low-tech activity. I loved this idea so much I’ve decided to start doing it as well.
I do not like running. I never have. It’s hard and it takes me a long time. Running is something I was never good at, even when I was on Track & Field (emphasis on Field). I’m a bulky guy – overweight but also a broad build. Running is rough on my legs. It’s an activity I get no enjoyment out of. But something curious is happening. I ran my first half marathon in October. I just ran another last week. And I’m signing up for more.
One of my goals for 2016 is to publish a new book. I actually have 3 separate ideas, including an update to Responsive Design with WordPress. However, there is a book that I have wanted to put out for over 6 years, with a first draft already done. Originally called The Student Freelancer, it covers a lot about how to get started as a freelancer, from to setting up your business to pricing. It also covers how to make the most out of freelancing throughout school. I’ve decided to rename it Freelance 101 and release it this year.
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