Comic: Freelancer Challenge
By Debbie Ohi | April 16, 2011 |
Debbie Ridpath Ohi writes and illustrates books for young people. Recent illustration projects for Simon & Schuster Children’s include books by Judy Blume and Michael Ian Black. Her blog for children’s book writers & illustrators: Inkygirl.com. On Twitter: @inkyelbows
Posted in Humor
Here’s to freelancing!?
Haha, this is perfect! People always call me during normal business hours just to chat, and I have to remind them that even though I do make my own hours, I choose to work during that time.
LOL for serious! The other day my neighbor asked for my phone number, “because I know you’re not working anymore,” so I can be her backup dog walker. She’s a sweet lady, but still. *headdesk*
Oh, yes, the phone. I swear it doesn’t ring; it growls. Thanks, Debbie!
I am not a fan of the phone and I find it hard to have a deep and meaningful conversation whilst on the phone. So family and friends know if they want a long chat, they won’t get one from me. I’m like your miserable Uncle, but it suits me…
Tip: nobody ever phones you unless they want something. If it’s trade I cut them short and feel I am helping them because I never ever buy from cold callers, so I give them more time to spend on others who may buy. If it’s someone I know and I think it’s going to be a waste of my time, I have a list of excuses; “sorry I have to rush you I’ve got to make an International call in 5 mins to a publisher….” or “I’m being interviewed for a blog in 5 minutes on my webcam… ” If you are not a good liar, how can you be a writer? Write a list of good excuses and keep it by the phone.
Take the neighbour’s dogs. I suggest two different tactics.
The first is to barter. “You are my saviour. I’ll take your dogs for a walk if you are happy to look after my 3 children/grandchildren for a couple of hours next … whilst I go out. Or look after my hamster/chickens/ next weekend. Or if you’ll take my dog for a walk…. in return. That’s only fair isn’t it?” They won’t ask again.
The second is slightly more underhand. When you take the dogs out, get them dirty. Let them swim in the river or pond or roll in the mud etc. Say sorry but they were having so much fun…. :) And don’t even think of offering to clean them yourself; you might as well have ‘Doormat’ tattood on your forehead.
And of course there’s always no. People are not offended when you say no if you are a good person. And if someone is offended well, quite honestly, that’s not the kind of person I want as a friend anyway. :)
Debbie, Hilarious, yet so true it hurts.
Christopher, I’m going to steal that line: Nobody ever phones you unless they want something. There are exceptions, but not many.
I do not answer the phone between the hours of 8 am and 3pm. Ever. Not even if it’s my family. I work. I write. Sometimes I walk around in circles staring at the blackboard wondering where I went wrong, but still. I have to have that 100% focus time. So yes, I LOVE this comic. So fitting.
I have been called a hermit: for never answering my phone while writing. That time is sacred!
Ha ha. This is great. So true!
LOL I love this toon. It’s so true. Anyone who doesn’t work from home doesn’t understand that our time is still committed to tasks. The best part about this comic is that the freelancer doesn’t get sucked into the conversation. She gets her job done.