Nathan Exposed » One third of a year later…

Well, it’s been 4 months since I started working for myself from home. 1/3 of a whole year. It’s hard to believe.

When I first started discussing it on my blog, there was a lot of support, but there was also a lot of fear from people who would say “Oooh, that sounds scary. I couldn’t do that.”

So I said I’d keep you updated and let you know how it’s going. Here’s the latest.

Overall it’s been rewarding. I think if I had stayed at my former job I would eventually quit anyway. There was a lot of ridiculous drama going on there, and I wasn’t going to get sucked into it. Quitting was really the only way out.

I don’t regret that, because I always wanted to go in business for myself anyway. I did it years ago, and I knew I’d probably re-visit it someday.

The one thing that has been jarring is the slow spells. When the weather is nice, business goes down for a web designer. Potential clients are out on vacation a lot during these months, and I think there is a general mood of not wanting to be inside doing business on the computer. I definitely noticed a decline after the weather warmed up.

Then there is the money. I think money is obviously the fear factor that keeps a lot of people from going out on their own. Well, when it’s good, it’s great. It seems like it will never stop coming, and life is amazing.

But when it’s bad, it’s reaaaaally bad. I don’t have any clients lined up for July. Nada. That’s pretty damn scary.

I just have to ride the wave, as Rodney says. He’s right. All businesses have ups and downs, especially when they are new. I’ve actually done really well thanks to the connections I built BEFORE quitting my job.

I have some interested people, so I’m keeping an abundant mind that new projects will materialize from them. Everything could change tomorrow. That’s how it goes.

That’s the news. I still recommend taking the risk. I seriously don’t think I could ever go back to being someone’s employee. I get sick to my stomach just thinking about it. I just am not good at dealing with the structure of most employers. That subliminal mindset that somebody is the “boss” and I’m supposed to bow down to them. Ack.

In my world, which I’ve created for myself, I call the shots and I work hands-on with my clients to do things the way I think they should be done. It’s so much better and I thrive in the role of a leader.

Thu, Jun 28, 2007 @ 4:46 pm | Filed in Life | Permalink

6 Comments

You sound pretty happy. Very glad for you! You mentioned the financial end of it — which is one of my questions. So, the money is good enough in the profitable times that there’s enough to save for the “nada” times? And, of course, you’re a good saver person and sets it all aside for the rainy days (or, actually, the sunny days it seems)….right?

Posted by Lewis on Thu, Jun 28, 2007 @ 7:13 pm

I can’t believe it’s been 4 months already. Good for you, congrats! And don’t worry, you will get something going for July.

Posted by martini-dan on Thu, Jun 28, 2007 @ 9:06 pm

It’s true, you are a natural leader, especially in the area of ideas and motivation.
I’m proud of your success.

Posted by DEL on Thu, Jun 28, 2007 @ 11:19 pm

Nathan darling,

I know what its like to put yourself out there to survive. It’s not easy and the ebbs and flows can be torture.

Look at me, there have been years where MargOH! has made hundreds of thousands of dollars. There have also been those years when I’ve had to send Berna out to do hard labor and duck the landlords when the rent is due. I’ve actually even stolen a bottle of vodka from time to time. I’ve also used nature’s credit card many times to ensure my survival.

In the end it’s all a blessing because you don’t have to answer to a cranky boss or have to pile on make-up to look good in bad office lighting.

You’ll make it kid!! MargOH! has faith in your many many talents!

Kisses, M

Posted by margohchanning on Sun, Jul 1, 2007 @ 11:02 am

You’re living the American dream, and at such a young age you should be proud. Ride the wave!

Posted by jasontt33 on Sun, Jul 1, 2007 @ 9:53 pm

Well done, Nathan. Looks like you’re doing well. My friend Sammy has been contemplating working for himself but is anxious about not getting jobs, etc. Takes real courage to take the plunge.

Posted by enihsnus on Fri, Jul 13, 2007 @ 10:40 am