Learn more about my job.

Answering all of your career questions!

I want to respond, “How much time do you have?” when strangers ask what I do for a living. There’s blogging and freelance writing (sometimes for publications people have heard of, mostly copywriting for businesses). I have a digital marketing client who I handle social media and SEO for. I offer photography services. Essentially, I stay busy.

I asked whether anyone had questions about my job on Instagram, and I was surprised at the response. Here are my answers. (Some questions are lightly edited for clarity and length.)

What do you do for finances and taxes?

All the money I make from work goes into a separate business checking account, and I pay myself a salary. Taxes can be a beast — I pay anywhere from $15,000 to $20,000 a year, so it’s essential to set aside cash each quarter.

How do you stay focused working from home? Do you stick to a schedule?

I’ve worked from home for nearly five years, and it’s become more manageable. My biggest tips for success are getting dressed every day and working at a desk or table instead of on the couch or in bed. I don’t get paid unless I meet deadlines, so that’s also a motivator. 😉

Routine is vital for me. While every day looks different, I start to work around the same time and make a to-do list the moment I sit down so I don’t lose focus. I usually focus on three big tasks a day. I also do client work at the start of the week and save the fun things (writing, content creation) for Thursday and Friday.

How did you get comfortable talking on Instagram stories?

I’ve never struggled in front of a camera, but I would say to force yourself to start. It’s one of those things that you have to just do to make it feel natural. Maybe make a Close Friends list and share videos there first!

Do you have help negotiating brand deals? How do you determine your rate?

I used a talent agency for about two years before branching out independently. I handle all negotiations and review contracts before agreeing to move forward with a partnership.

I charge a flat fee for each deliverable (Reel, feed posts, story sets). From there, I ask for more depending on a brand’s needs — using my content in paid media, exclusivity (prohibiting me from working with similar brands for a certain period), additional content beyond my standard package…the list goes on.

How many hours do you work?

I average 30 hours a week. I used to feel guilty that I didn’t work more until I realized my office job didn’t have me actually working 40 hours every week. I don’t have to sit through long meetings, eat lunch with coworkers, or gossip in the break room, which makes me more productive (although I often miss these things).

Also, feeling guilty that I don’t work more is a reminder that capitalism has ruined us!

How do you find clients?

I worry that this answer isn’t helpful, but every long-term client I’ve had since I started freelancing was a personal connection — either someone I knew or a friend of a friend. I’ve used platforms like Upwork without much luck.

Do you have advice for young professionals (including where to buy work clothes)?

I haven’t regularly dressed in business attire since Obama’s second term, so I may not be the best source for this – but some of my favorites are J.Crew Factory, LOFT, and ELOQUII.

My biggest tip for young professionals is to network like your life depends on it. Making connections gave me my first clients and allowed me to quit my day job.

What’s something you wish you’d known before starting?

Full-time freelance is the easiest job I’ve ever had because I genuinely love what I do. It’s also the hardest. I wish I’d known that equating success with your number of followers or an income goal is short-sighted. I get to do things I enjoy, and it doesn’t feel like work half the time. That’s where I feel lucky.

I got to as many as possible without the newsletter being super long, but I’m happy to answer more questions in the comments!