Starting a Business: "I'm the CEO of My Writing Career"

fwm staffer Lauren weighs in on our hot topic of the week: Starting a Business.

In January of 2006, I gave up a fairly cushy job in financial services to pursue my dream of being a freelance writer. I was excited not only to write full time, but also to enjoy a less stressful working life.

It's more than two years later, and I now realize how wrong I was! Being a freelance writer is a business, and as Chairman and CEO of my writing career, I've got to hustle constantly. I've got to network, keep up to date on topics I write about, constantly seek out new work and then,of course, write. If five deadlines fall on the same day, so be it. As any entrepreneur will tell you, you must put your client first, always.

Is it stressful? Yes. Making an actual living as a writer is not about coffee shops and long lunches. It's about long hours, persistence and patience. And it can be lonely. But is it worth it? Absolutely, and at times, it's actually thrilling.

The truth is, stress is part of any new venture, and probably part of work, period. It's all in how you manage it. I'm looking forward to being involved in this community and finding better ways to do exactly that!