Courageous Move

I bucked up my courage the other night and wrote to my uncle, the publisher. His company is small but very well regarded, a leader in the field. I told him I was in the market for DE work—higher level stuff—and attached my résumé and client testimonials. I have worked for his company before as a copyeditor on two fascinating books. I loved the work, but it didn’t pay well. I’m hoping that stepping up in the editing hierarchy will land me better-paying, more rewarding work. And damn-good experience.

It’s time to ask more directly for what I want. Perhaps asking my uncle is a trifle chicken, but everyone uses their connections in life, right? I have the credentials and the talent and the moxie.

He replied immediately, which was very gratifying. He has never before replied immediately when I sent strictly personal emails.

“…we’re just starting to transmit Spring ’10 projects, and so I’m very glad you wrote.  With all your editorial experience and your classics background (remember that?), I think you could be just the right person for some of those projects.  I’ll pass along your materials to our managing editor and figure out which of the upcoming projects might work. ”

I love the idea of getting projects on the books for 2010.

Posted In: opportunity,work on August 12, 2009 Comments (5)

Soccer


I fear my inevitable evolution into a Soccer Mom has begun.

Today I bought Lucas his first pair of cleats, shin guards, and soccer socks. Big 5 had a deal on the shoes, shin guards, and a ball for $29.95, which was timely, as tonight Lucas starts a four-day soccer camp. From 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. he’ll be learning soccer skills. Ian will be taking him to camp tonight, and will do that meet-the-coach thing.

I am hoping that this will be the first soccer experience for other kids, too, as it is Lucas’s first. I figured this short camp might be the perfect introduction to the sport—give him a taste of it without the long commitment and competition of games. If he takes to it and loves it, well … then I guess we’ll become a soccer family.

He is a sporty boy, and loves all manner of games. But he basically plays a kind of Lucas Ball—no matter the size or shape of the ball—wherein he makes up all the rules to his benefit, based on the little he knows of each sport. I think it’s important for him that he learn the all-pervasive boy vernacular. I feel it’s our job to give him enriching experiences of all types, and sports is one of them.

Inside I am silently screaming NOOOOOOOOOOO! But I know there are all kinds of good things to be gained from participating in organized sports. I just have no first-hand experience of them. Hopefully, Lucas will get something fantastic out of it.

Posted In: kids,Lucas,opportunity on July 27, 2009 Comments (3)

Sure! I can do that. (I think …)

In my work I am finding myself saying yes a lot lately. This is a good thing on many levels: It’s good for my pocketbook, good for my reputation, good for my clients, good experience, good opportunities to learn new things and grow my skills, and theoretically it’s good for my own sense of satisfaction and confidence levels. Right?

So how come I privately feel so inadequate? I’m saying yes and nervously fretting about whether I’ll actually be able to pull it off. I know, sticking my neck out is essential for growth to occur. As a freelancer who works alone, I’m not sure if I have more or fewer opportunities to impress people and learn new skills. Perhaps more, if I continue to say yes. It’s not exactly like I have a prescribed job description. I take on the jobs I want (or in lean times, whatever I can get). Every job is different. Every client is different and has different expectations of me. This is a source of steady, low-grade anxiety for me, and it means I have to learn in a vacuum by myself, but it’s also an opportunity. AFOFG.

There are times when I CRAVE security, crave the feeling of knowing exactly what I’m doing (which partly explains why I continue to edit strategy guides). I suppose this insecurity is just a part of being a self-employed business owner. There are no clear maps to follow. So I suppose there are no real limits.

P.S. I hate it when my angst aligns with my zodiac sign.

Posted In: opportunity,work on July 18, 2009 Comments (2)

  • About Sara

    Thanks for visiting! I’m Sara, editor and writer, wife to Ian, and mother of two precious boys. I am living each day to the fullest and with as much grace, creativity, and patience as I can muster. This is where I write about living, loving, and engaging fully in family life and the world around me. I let my hair down here. I learn new skills here. I strive to be a better human being here. And I tell the truth.

    Our children attend Waldorf school and we are enriching our home and family life with plenty of Waldorf-inspired festivals, crafts, and stories.

    © 2003–2018 Please do not use my photographs or text without my permission.

    “Love doesn’t just sit there like a stone; it has to be made, like bread, remade all the time, made new.” —Ursula K. LeGuinn

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