Hunting
I’ve been nursing a private, low-level anxiety for about two weeks now. I don’t have a lot of work coming in. What work I have had over the last two months has paid poorly, or rather will pay poorly if the checks I’m expecting ever get here. I can’t ask that publisher for any more work until the cash they already owe me is in my hand.
I’m having to face the fact that I’ve had next to no work from my three biggest clients since February: One dropped my contract due to budget cutbacks, one hasn’t had any work to send me and the big project she really wants me on hasn’t started yet, and the third is just in the midst of the slow time of year. I’m really hoping this third client, who is also my biggest, will be revving up any minute now.
So, I’m anxious. And I’m hunting. I hate hunting.
I’ve recently completed a dreaded copyediting exam (finance! ew!). I’ve rejoined an editing network. I’ve been checking job boards, mining old contacts, and sending out résumés. If the résumés land on fertile soil, I’ll be taking more unpaid exams.
This is my own fault. I allowed myself to get lazy about marketing. I took it fairly easy with regard to working for the better part of last year when Asher was small. It has caught up with me.
I know it will be OK soon. There is a seasonal pattern to my business. I just have to have faith. But right now, I’m worried. I have to go pay my taxes now.
