Hi all.
I was given an opportunity to freelance by someone I used to work with. I am friends with the guys wife.
This may sound all good but I'm scared that if he doesn't like my work this will mar the friendship I have with his wife!!
This man holds my work in high regard but that was from a long time ago. I think I lost my edge and do not want to disappoint so I'm thinking of turning it down.
I'd rather freelance for a stranger than someone I know.
The money is eh but I certainly can use it.
What would you do?
Be honest with him. For example: "I haven't done this in 10 years. I don't know if I'm still capable of doing quality of work that you deserve."
Then let him decide.
For "eh" money, I would absolutely do it. If he were paying you a whole lot and you thought your work couldn't live up to the money, I would pass. That's the question, will your work live up to the amount of money paid by the customer? If so, do it!!!
I so know how you feel, though. I have a policy of not doing paid work for people close to me. However, if I needed the money I'd relax on the policy a bit. Especially, if they weren't paying me a ton. Make sure you have a payment agreement in writing, before you start the work.
I think you should try it out, and be sure to have all agreements regarding payments/the job itself on paper for both of you to refer back to.
What's the nature of the gig? Is it FT? PT? I would find out the expectation. I have freelanced for companies where I did 1 or 2 projects, we shook hands and left it at that. One has contacted me now and then for new projects and one I don't want to touch with a 10ft pole.
If you are not familiar with it yet, consider using Freshbooks.com to track things, send invoices and be "professional." Don't discuss work with the friend's wife or at social events.
Your concern is totally valid, but take a project, see how it goes and know that you can always back out gracefully if it's not a good fit. Kind of like taking a regular job that wasn't what you expected. I did some freelance work for my old company and while it was better money than what I'm doing now, it was inconsistent, so when I got this gig, it was easy to say, "Thanks, but..." just business, you know?
Hiremymom.com requires you to be a member to see postings, but I got several jobs there, if you want to take this one but keep looking.
Good luck! (And I agree to be professional and have a written agreement.)
I would probably go for it and surprise myself that "I still got it!" Lol
Good luck!
I'm a freelance writer and I'd do it. You have nothing to lose. Take on one trial project to see if you're a good match. This is usually how it works anyway in the business world. Clients don't want to commit to working with you for multiple projects until they've seen your work. Put the arrangement in writing ... deadline, project expectations and bill rate. That will prevent any misunderstandings.
The only reason I can see not to take this on would be not wanting to hear any criticism from him. However, if you're going to freelance, you really need to be prepared to take the bad with the good, no matter whether you knew a client personally or not before starting the working relationship.
I agree, don't mix business with friendship. Look for other opportunities and decline gracefully.
Just give it a whirl.
I would.
I would go for it. As long as YOU don't let whatever happens mar the friendship it should be okay. Just keep business and pleasure separate. Never mention the work to your friend; never mention the friendship to her hubby.
As the wife to a business owner, we have found (time and time again) that it is never a good idea to mix business and personal relationships. My husband has a big heart, so he finds himself in this situation a lot, but it never seems to turn out well. Don't know if that helps, but any time any of my friends act like they are interested in him doing work for them, I usually try and change the subject.
