Comments on: Work at Home or Small Business?

By: Denise Manzagol

Denise Manzagol — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:19:18 +0000

Greetings!

I am interested in developing a portfolio of my work so that I can pursue some freelance writing opportunities.

I am currently writing some articles for my daughter’s local drama group and for another daughter’s skating club. The articles are published in local papers and also on the respective websites. I would like to know, how do I sign my name to my work? Do I just sign my name as “Sally Smith”, or do I sign it as “Sally Smith, freelance writer” so that I make it known that I am a freelance writer?

When I do submit articles to the local paper, I haven’t received credit for them. Instead, the paper minimally edits my work and then gives the credit to “staff reports”. What is the best way to handle the situation so that I receive the credit for the work?

I welcome your suggestions.

Thanks!
Denise Manzagol

By: Neo

Neo — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 12:18:19 +0000

I use to work in a small organization as a web designer few years back but started home based freelancing to earn more. So I will say if you don’t want to work under anybody else or earn more freelancing is fine provided you’re confident in your service.

Thanks

By: Tania Mara

Tania Mara — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 13:57:42 +0000

Although I don’t always express myself in the terms you used as examples, I certainly fall into the second category. My professional background helps me treat my freelance writing activities as a business.

I can’t say whether this model is better than the work-at-home approach or not. I’d like to think it’s better because this is what I’m doing; it would be disappointing to find out there’s a better way to handle my career and I’ve been wasting my time calling myself an entrepreneur.

By: Rockwell

Rockwell — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 06:00:48 +0000

If you are going to be a full-time freelance writer, it’s better to become a business. Get your LLC papers… There are plenty of tax benefits and it makes you appear more professional…

By: Brandi

Brandi — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 21:14:42 +0000

I would imagine many people (especially who frequent here) are fluid. I know that I consider myself a business owner now (though I will still use the WAHM label on occasion). My son was very ill for about 18 months, though, and my work was secondary to doctors’ appointments, treatments, and all the fun of that. I did work, but I didn’t make much. It was mainly for my sanity that I kept doing any writing. I felt we were lucky because I have the flexibility to work like that when most couples don’t (and someone would’ve lost a job).

Kimberly, I don’t think that all (maybe even most) WAHMs stick to working for middle-buyers in the content market. I know a couple of WAHMs who make significant money on their own sites and other projects but still consider themselves primarily WAHMs.

By: Kimberly

Kimberly — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 19:11:19 +0000

Jodee, you made a good really point and I can certainly relate. Even though I started out thinking of myself as an entrepreneur (or “solopreneur” as I like to say), my confidence level was pretty low. I still struggle with confidence issues from time to time, and have to pep talk myself to push past it. And you’re oh sooo right about that Tax Man!;)

Bob, the biggest difference I can think of off hand when it comes to both business models is the earning potential. I tend to believe that when you consider yourself a business right out the gate and actively pursue clients, you have the potential of gaining larger paying projects and making more than you might sticking to the WAHM model working for the middleman. I may be over-simplifying things – just my humble opinion.

By: Kristen

Kristen — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 11:15:02 +0000

This is an interesting topic because the situation I am in often has determined how I identify myself. In mom/parenting “circles,” I say WAHM. However, when asked by a stranger or in a professional setting, I do identify myself as a business owner and/or consultant.

I agree with Jodee that the Tax Man had no problem identifying me immediately. In fact, I just received a new tax (YIPPEE!) called a Commuter Tax. Although, I do not commute ANYWHERE but my own bedroom, I have an additional state tax now because I happen to own a business in the NYC area. (I’m on Long Island.) It would be nice if the state didn’t attack freelancers who are just trying to continue to make SOME kind of profit in a down economy.

Ahem…

Sorry.

A bit of bitterness there…

By: Kristine

Kristine — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 07:42:35 +0000

Hmm. I’d still stick being called a full-time freelance writer, although I hate it when some people say that freelancers are bums. :/ However, I call them ‘clients’, not ‘bosses.’

I guess it highly depends on the person.

By: Jodee

Jodee — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 21:00:06 +0000

You bring up an interesting question. I describe myself as a business owner but it took awhile for me to start doing so. My suspicion is that I had an idea that my work didn’t qualify as a business until it generated a certain level of income. Funny thing is that as soon as I started earning $1, the Tax Man considered me a business owner and wanted his share.