A few weeks ago, Lorna and I checked out some books from our city’s small business resource center. One of these was a three-ring binder detailing how to start a freelance writing business. Since I was already in the midst of a riveting small business tax/law book, I spent several days putting the freelancing one to the side. 

One afternoon, when my daughter finally settled down to take a nap and I took a much needed break from my laptop, I decided to flip through the freelance writing book to see if it had anything important to say. The first page I came to discussed business structure (e.g., sole proprietorship, limited liability company, corporation, etc.). In the opening paragraph, it stated: “You don’t have to worry about company structure. You will start a sole proprietorship because a freelance writing business is a one-person job.”  

That was it. No ifs, ands, or buts. Apparently, a freelance writing business can only be run by a single individual if it wants to be successful.  

So of course, I chucked the book and haven’t opened it since. 

Lorna and I are officially three weeks into this business. Unofficially, the count is over a month. And not a single day has gone by when I didn’t feel profoundly grateful that I’m not going it alone. 

My husband will tell you that I have never followed through with anything that I’ve started. While this is an exaggeration (at least as far as I’m concerned), I do have a tendency to back off of a project when something starts to make me feel nervous, afraid, or overwhelmed. Or if it involves getting up at 5:30 to go to the gym.  

I have definitely felt all three of the above emotions in the past month, and I would need both of my hands as well as my feet to count the number of times I felt anxious about this entire freelancing business. But so far, I haven’t let the anxiety get the better of me. There is only one reason why, and that’s my partner. When I am held accountable for another person, there is an unseen force holding me back from shoving my head into the proverbial sand. 

There are countless other reasons why having a partnership is ideal for a freelance writer. To name just a few, there are the pooled resources, the divided workloads, and a shoulder to lean on when situations get sticky. There is also the profound benefit of having two partners who specialize in different areas. Or even just having another person to bounce ideas off of.  

Time and time again, however, I find myself returning to placing the most importance on my partner’s ability to hold me steadfast. Because freelance writing has an incredibly low start-up cost when compared to all other types of businesses, most writers don’t have a financial investment to protect by staying the course. It is incredibly easy to let your future goals get set aside for more pressing needs or overwhelming emotions without fear of any retribution except for the smiting of your own conscious. 

I can say, with all honesty, that if I was running this freelance business as a solo venture, I would not be feeling nearly as happy about it as I am today. If I hadn’t let my spirits drop two weeks ago when the first client skipped out on a payment, I would have done it for sure a few days ago when miscommunication issues with another client made working a real nightmare. 

For some people, spouses, personal integrity, or even pride can act as the “anchor” that keeps them pursuing their dreams of making a living as a freelancer despite all the setbacks. And I think that is wonderful, but none of them are enough for me. I have discovered in my professional life that having a partner as my anchor is what I need to achieve success. 

If, like me, you need a little something extra to keep you motivated and optimistic, you may want to consider finding a like-minded individual to set up shop with you. However, you may just want to find another kind of anchor that will help to get you through the day.  

It is my sincere hope that Freelance Parent will provide one more anchoring option for anyone in need of a little support.

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