RedGage

Since 2010, I've been working as an online writer and researcher. I'm able to secure offline gigs as well, but most of the time, I'm at home, in front of the computer and web surfing, looking for writing opportunities. It hasn't been an easy ride.

My decision not to renew my contracts with a couple of employers stems from the fact that I have difficulty dealing with authority. Most supervisors don't welcome questions and suggestions. Some told me I could do so, but when I did, they either rejected my idea or begrudgingly supported it, perhaps thinking that I'd be competing with them in terms of taking the credit for the idea. Sadly, I've had bosses who used their power to make my work situation miserable. I found myself getting sick and dragging myself to go to work. When these things happen, it's time to go for me. I can take work pressure anytime, but if I have superiors whom I'll never satisfy because they dislike my taking initiative and my being inquisitive, all my efforts would just go to waste, along with the company's resources I've used. Thus, the road towards self-employment has been liberating for me as a worker.

Being my own boss isn't easy though. Unlike working for an institution, I worry about income most of the time. The absence of having regular clients leads to that kind of uncertainty. In both cases, however, working to earn money is demotivating for me. Still, I need to do something to address my financial instability. Hopefully, the current slump I'm having now is just a temporary setback. I've read the people who want to be self-employed should be ready for such loss of income for a given period. I've been in that phase for almost two years now. Good thing I'm able to secure work occasionally that allows me to pay bills and stuff. Likewise, I've met a couple of good friends who help me out, but of course, I'd have to pay them back.

Aside from income woes, having a home-based online writing work requires good time management skills. I struggle with that, admittedly. What I'm happy though is that I'm able to be with my daughter whenever she goes to and returns from school. I'm also able to rest when I want to - something that I couldn't do when I was working. I often write during the wee hours of the morning when I'm the only person awake in the house. By mid-morning to mid-afternoon, that's the time I get to sleep, however briefly.

Computer work can be physically and mentally draining too. Health problems arise, especially when one lacks exercise like I am. A sedentary lifestyle is a quickway towards illness. It's like the mind has seeped my body's energy to move around and would rather just focus on either completing a pending writing job or further search for online work. Indeed, it's essential for the self-employed to look after their health as well.

To help market or advertise one's work online, particularly personal blogs or business websites, networking seems to be a must. This is why most sites have Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Digg, and other social media buttons for sharing. RedGage is another promotional route, as well as leaving comments in various online articles. The money may not come that easily, but the situation is a test for one's patience and perseverance - just like in the offline world.

Certainly, I've missed out on other challenges of self-employment. The ones I've cited here are based on my experience - which may or may not be similar to other home-based online workers. I'm not stopping here though. I've got other plans to pursue. But, at the moment, I prefer to be self-employed.