Freelancing In a Down Economy is Better than Being a Dog

By Copywriter Ashley Billings

Freelancing in a down economy is really no different than working full time. The majority of your day is spent surfing the Internet and looking for a new job. The only major difference I’ve noticed is that you find yourself spending a lot more time at home. And if you have a dog at home like I do, then chances are you’ll start talking to your dog. Don’t judge me. When you are no longer surrounded by people, you have to take what you can get. But what I have come to realize during these conversations with my dog is that freelancing in a down economy is still better than being a dog.

You might be saying to yourself that this cannot be true. A dog has a pretty fine life and a freelancer in a down economy, well that’s just depressing. But hear me out.

Me: I have no reason to shower because I have no job to show up to.
My dog: She’s afraid of the shower. I find this rather embarrassing for her.

My dog: She has to ask to use the restroom by standing at the back door and staring at me.
Me: I might be home all day, but I can go pee whenever I want.

My dog: She sits around the house all day and licks herself.
Me: I could probably get paid to lick myself. Probably.

My dog: She has a knack for rolling around in the foulest smell in the yard.
Me: There are days when I’m bored, but I’ve only rolled around in the yard once. Some people call it sledding.

My dog: The most exciting part of her day is the occasional car ride.
Me: I’ve found a pretty effective way of getting excited about lunchtime.
My dog: She doesn’t even eat lunch.

Me: Eventually someone will ask me to write some headlines or radio and I’ll get to leave the house for a reason other than groceries.
My dog: She’ll stay at home and sleep all day. Now you’re probably thinking that sleeping in bed all day sounds pretty nice. But let me assure you that there is no way you can sleep as much as a dog. Around 3pm when you start picking the lint out of your bellybutton, you’ll just realize you need a shower.

In conclusion, if you happen to be freelancing in a down economy, go check your email in a coffee shop around actual people. Even if you frighten a random stranger by asking if they’ve received their expense check, it’s better than conversing with a dog.

Ashley Billings, the author of this piece, is a Freelance Copywriter who has worked with several local agencies including Crispin Porter + Bogusky, TDA, Cactus, and Factory Labs. She would also like to add that she loves her dog very much. Check out her site for a view of her work.