Being a Freelancer in New York

by aliciak - June 09, 2008

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Jobs & Education

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Freelancing has all sorts of perks: flexible schedule, the ability to sit in a cafe and call it "working," being your own boss. Naturally, it has its downsides: no health insurance, no (paid) sick days, no paid vacations, no guarantee of gigs (hustle, boys and girls!), and the feeling that you are always "on call" for possible work. There's no official job manual handed out to us freelancers, but here is a little guide to get you started.

Why You Should be a Freelancer

Gas is expensive; chances are you can do some of your work from home.
You set your own hours: are you a night owl? Work then and go to sleep at 3 a.m. Is there an afternoon book reading? Go to it! Make up for it later…
Have no one to complain about but yourself when all your friends are whining about their demanding bosses. You ARE your own boss. And NO office politics.
Work from wherever you want: if your freelancing gigs involve you and your laptop, then you can work wherever Wi-Fi exists. The downside to this is that, you can work wherever Wi-Fi exists. Catch my drift? That beach house? That mountain resort? Your parents’ basement? We’re all a little too connected…
It’s fun! Usually. Freelancing is still a lot of work, and takes a certain amount of discipline, but the work tends to be engaging and enjoyable. Like writing here on Guidespot!

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Join the Freelancers Union

Before I go any further head over to the Freelancers Union and join already. It’s free! You can find all sorts of information about gigs, events, and discounts. Once you do that, peruse the Health Insurance options, which is what most people join for.

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The Dreaded Health Insurance Issue

One of the biggest downsides to freelancing is that you are, more often than not, uninsured. You may be thinking, but I’m healthy! Well, be realistic: everyone gets sick at some point, you could fall down the subway steps and break your leg, you may need prescription drugs and they are mad expensive out-of-pocket.

If you are really unlucky, you could get struck down with a chronic illness totally insurance-less. Speaking from experience, this is NOT fun. So, shell out the money for
some decent health care so that you don’t have to worry about that innocuous vegetable-chopping gone wrong experience making you bankrupt.

The Freelancers Union plans in New York are some of the best in the country, so until the government figures out how to follow all other developed and developing nations, you’re stuck figuring it out yourself.

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Tools of the Trade

Some, but not all, of us freelancers use laptops as our primary freelancing tool (well, first our brains, I guess). Whether you are a blogger, writer, journalist, graphic designer, web designer, developer, photographer, etc., you probably find yourself working from home sometimes and working elsewhere, at cafes, libraries, or anywhere with a decent internet connection.

Doing such sounds like a cake walk: you work at HOME? You do work at your favorite COFFEE SHOP? But it’s no easy task to work in environments that are, well, normally fun places to BE, not WORK. Self-discipline is difficult and must be learned.

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Apple Store

767 5th Avenue, New York, NY 10153

Is it just me, or do most freelancers have Macs? In the event that it’s 3 a.m. and your internet breaks, head to this 24-hour Apple store so you can complete that media gossip blogging assignment.

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Working away from Home

Sometimes you just get sick of moving around the same 12 square feet of your apartment. Get ye to a coffee shop! Wi-Fi spots are sprouting up everywhere, but look for the ones that don’t cost more than your token latte. Or you’ll have to figure the extra internet costs into your hourly/project wage, and that’s no fun.

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Tea Lounge

837 Union St, Brooklyn, NY 11215

A little skimpy on the outlets, but free Wi-Fi nonetheless. Semi-comfy couches and cute baristas! When it isn’t overtaken by mommies, it’s freelancer-central.

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Bryant Park

40 West 40th Street New York, NY 10018

Yep, this midtown park is wired! I find it distracting to work outside, especially when hundreds of others are doing the same, but freelancers can be in dire need of sunshine.

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Guides We Think You'll Like

Discussions

: by 3rdWard 06/27/2008 Reply

3rd Ward (www.3rdward.com) in Williamsburg offers great and affordable work space for freelancers! Work-stations are available starting at $299. At 3rd Ward you can get: FREE photo studio bookings, FREE classes, access to our wood and metal shop and entry to our events with membership. Contact Phil @ 718.715.4961 or email pweinrobe@3rdward.com.

: by chubbuni13 06/12/2008 Reply

I haven’t drank the Apple Kool-Aid yet, but I am really digging this guide, aliciak. Three thumbs up! :)

: by aliciak 06/12/2008 Reply

Yes, Alex! Do you hear the band Chicago in the background? “You’re the meaning in my life/ You’re the inspiration.” It’s all about working for cool editors! :)

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About The Author

aliciak

Tribeca, New York

I like to: crochet, eat, read, write, go to museums, watch old movies, cook, bake, observe children, visit the library, travel, cut my own hair, explore New York, mix gin drinks, bike ride, take photographs, keep in touch with people, be crafty, swim in the ocean, make bets, and read blogs and ca...

Being a Freelancer in New York

Why You Should be a Freelancer

Join the Freelancers Union