I’ve been an independent for over ten years now.
No silly, not politics. An independent worker. Inveterate writer. On the road blogger. Take it to the streets Melaleuca executive.
I have a friend who says “I am psychologically unemployable. I have to work for myself.” I fall into the category.
Here are some benefits of working for yourself:
1. set your own hours. I often work from 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Don’t be alarmed! In between I visit my elderly parents, work on the garden, do laundry, and watch one favorite t.v. show.
2. most expenses are tax deductible. I can deduct travel, meals out, my home office, and much more!
3. I can work on more than one project. If you go to an office and work for someone else, your work is pretty much pre-determined and almost always related to that company’s mission. I blog, write a newsletter, present Melaleuca and followup with my people, write grants — all different missions!
4. No dress code. Most often, it’s a tshirt and pajama bottoms.
Now let’s take this show in the road! My husband works out of Chicago most of the time. On occasion I travel with him. I can do that with my work, have computer will travel. The picture above is my Nicole Miller rolling computer bag. Dell computer, cords, Melaleuca paperwork and I am good to go anywhere.
I attend conferences as well. I can do that with my laptop, and still keep working.
Then there are the parents. They are older. My dad is pretty sick and we spend a lot of time in a town 40 miles away at the doctors’ offices. Mercy Medical Center is a free wifi zone, and I will always love them for that. A trip to Mason City is a day long affair. Have rolling computer bag, will travel I say.
My local newsletter (www.readhampton.com) is about my community in Franklin County Iowa. I go into town often and write about different events, people and activities in town. My Canon PowerShot A550 is starting to get a lot of use – it will make movies as well as take pictures!
I used to take a lot of notes, and hope that when I got home I’d remember what they meant and transfer the info to my desktop. With the introduction of my Dell laptop and Nicole Miller rolling bag into the family — we are now truly wild workshifters!
This was another writing assignment from my friends at Get Paid To Write Online.
Deb, thanks for writing a post for the project. I love your funky title. Sounds like your computer bag is your best friend 🙂
Hi Sharon,
This was a blog post just waiting to be written! I’d love to take credit for the Workshifting, but it belongs to Chris Brogan and Justin Levy over at http://www.workshifting.com
Thanks for sending the invite to write, and for visiting my blog!
Hi Deb,
It’s fun to read just how independent you really are. Quick question, do you work while in the conference or afterwards? 🙂
Cheers,
Mitch
Both Mitch! I love the social media conferences – you learn so much and you can work and listen at the same time!
Thanks for stopping by…..
Nice post Deb! Great bullets about working for yourself, that’s why I choose this lifestyle 🙂
Cody,
Ain’t that the truth? Thanks for stopping by!
I have to say all you crazy location independent people are making me want to travel!!!
This is my first time to your blog but I will definitely be back to check it out more!
Thanks Danielle – and travel, for me, is an added benefit!
@debworks