Average Jane Looks Ahead

I have now been fruitlessly job hunting for four full months. I've been extraordinarily fortunate to have had my tenure with my current company extended through the end of March, but I'm starting to come to grips with the idea that I will not be moving seamlessly from one job to another.

However, I keep stumbling across opportunities to do social media consulting of various kinds on a contract basis. So although I swore I was never going to freelance or start my own business again, that may very well be what ends up happening.

The last time I went out on my own, I learned a few things about myself as a sole proprietor. One is that I am terrible about keeping my books and paying my quarterly income tax. This time around, I would have to make a special point of enlisting my accountant from the get-go so she can help me do my recordkeeping and tell me how big a check to write every three months.

Another business owner flaw I encountered the last time around was a lack of focus in my offerings. However, social media didn't even exist at the time and I've been doing a lot more specializing since then, so I think I can put together a logical and concise package of services to market myself.

Step one of that marketing plan will be a new blog that I'll use to discuss some of the things I've learned about social media marketing over the past four years. I'll share the link once the first post goes up.

My biggest worry about having two self-employed people in our household is that we won't be able to afford the health insurance we need. My husband and I both have pre-existing conditions galore, treated with a smörgåsbord of prescription medications. Even now, our out-of-pocket medical costs are so high that I contributed the maximum to last year's FSA.

On the other hand, I know that if I work hard and follow up on every lead, I could actually come out ahead. It's scary, but it can be done.

I cannot say enough good things about everyone who has been giving me job leads, references, LinkedIn recommendations and freelance offers. I thank you from the bottom of my heart and appreciate every effort you've made to give me a hand.

Although I'm not completely sure what the future will hold, I'm headed toward something new one way or another. I might as well decide now that it's going to be awesome.

Photo credit: Paul Joseph

Comments

[me]

I know you'll do great! I've been analyzing some of my shortfalls from my first time around as well to improve in any future endeavors - I think age gives us an advantage here :-)

[Spyder]

I'm praying that a wonderful new opportunity just falls into your lap. One with great health benefits too!

[Laurie]

"I might as well decide now that it's going to be awesome." That is a very cool approach. It will be awesome because you are.

[cagey]

As you know, Manoj has been freelancing for 4 years now. It's a weird situation, because when the money comes, it is really, really good money. To the point where working for a company is simply not worth it - they tack on silly things they call "benefits" that you may or may not use, but then they don't pay you as well. We'd rather have the money. But, as you already know, freelancing can be scary when you are between gigs. And hands down, the insurance cost is significant.

I have faith that you will come out okay. You have a good work ethic and that will go a long, long way once you get humming.

[kcyogachick]

I am pretty sure the Lee's Summit Chamber offers health insurance to it's members...something to look in to; organizations that offer group rates if you join. You can do it and it WILL be awesome!

[Diana Lee]

You have to be uninsured for six months, but the Pre-Existing Conditions Insurance Program provided for by the 2010 legislation would cover you guys at a reasonable cost.

[M]

I may know of an contract opp...email me at work with your resume please. And yes, I heard that about the LS Chamber also. Monica