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Training
Written on byI frequently run into a woman at the gym. She’s talked about signing on with a personal trainer and wanted to know if I’d be interested in joining her in order to get a pairs discount. In spite of the fact that I really should be training for a half marathon, I’m just not terribly […]
Being Discovered
Written on byI am endlessly fascinated by two things: my web stats and my “Who’s viewed my profile?” area on LinkedIn. I don’t have a paid LinkedIn account, so I only get teasers like, “Someone in the Executive Leadership function in the Marketing and Advertising industry from Greater Philadelphia Area.” Clicking through, I can usually figure out […]
Finding Balance
Written on byThe hardest thing about freelance, for me, is work-life balance. I’ve got the work part nailed. I’m having a bit more challenge with the “balance” part. It seems that any time not devoted to working is given to my son, and probably rightly so. As the household toddler, his needs reign supreme. But as I […]
Mentoring or Grooming My Replacement?
Written on byI’ve recently witnessed an email exchange among professional writers that started innocently enough. Someone suggested that we, as writers, collaborate on a book — a sort of “why we do what we do” compilation. The idea would be that young writers would learn a bit about writing and what it takes to make it as […]
The Freelance Bubble
Written on byIt’s easy to forget that you’re in a bit of an isolated bubble when you freelance. That’s why today startled me. I usually get up early, check email and determine what new, burning projects need to be interspersed into my plan for the day. This morning I woke to only 5 emails, none relating to […]
Sinus Infections
Written on byA recent study reports that antibiotics do nothing for recurring sinus infections. One of my good friends will agree to that. She has suffered with chronic sinus problems for several years, and to the best of her knowledge the only thing that she’s gained from her many rounds of antibiotics is antibiotic resistance. If it’s […]
Service
Written on byI may be naive and foolish, but I expect a certain level of service from companies that I deal with, including the auto dealership. At an appointment on February 26, they ordered two replacement parts for me, both under warranty. Today, two weeks later, I called to see if perhaps the parts were on a […]
Amanuensis
Written on byMy husband came home from a meeting with another colleague/consultant yesterday. “He included you in the proposal we’re putting together,” he said. “He wants you to be his amanuensis.” While my first reaction was a moment of panic about scheduling, it was quickly replaced with a feeling of complete confusion: what the heck is an […]
No Time or “No” Time?
Written on byPeople assume that the hardest thing about being a freelancer is time management. “Oh, I could never do what you do,” they say. “I’d be so tempted to go shopping or watch Oprah.” Trust me, just because you feel like doing that on your day off does not mean that this pattern of behavior holds […]
Avoid the Weekend Heart Attack
Written on byAs I told my mother when she had her heart attack on a Friday afternoon, there’s just no good that can come from cardiac care over the weekend. It looks like I was right. The study measured heart attacks that occurred in patients who were already in the hospital, but I’m sure that the same […]