One of the most difficult things about freelancing is the scheduling. Gigs come as they do, some fit perfectly and others pile on top of one another like a car wreck. At one point the first few months of 2008 looked like it would fit together like a beautiful jigsaw puzzle. Then a commercial Off-Broadway play(more news on that once contracts are finalized) had to shift dates. This caused it to land firmly in the lap of two other projects. One of these projects had to be dropped and the other will be teched as the Off-B’way show is in previews.
It all works, but everything is just a little more stress and not as neat as would be ideal. The result is that much of my January is left open at the moment.
I have a number of exciting projects lined up for the winter and fall. At the same time a lot is up in the air. I may end up fully booked or there may be several stretches like this coming January.
Not knowing you have work can be one of the most frustrating things about freelancing. The best thing about a regular job is the regularity. Even if the pay is bad and the hours are worse, you know at the end of the month you will be getting a pay check. It will come when it is supposed to and will be roughly the same amount as it was the last time.
This is not the case with freelancing. Rather one must take on faith that work will materialize. I have been rather fortunate in the last few years with work showing up when I have the space in my calendar. 2008 looks to be continuing this trend. While I do still have several gaps I would love to fill, I have work booked through to next September.
I have a good feeling about this next year. I can hardly wait to see what it provides!
