Seeking Testimony

Almost everyone wants something more from their work. And how do we imagine getting that something? By jumping company ship, taking matters into our own hands and starting our very own freelance business–encouraged, without fail, by an armload of chirpy, idealistic how-to guides.

After all, it just sounds so nice to wear pajamas to work. Never mind all those great tax write-offs. But let’s get real: freelancing is a tough grind. And though the stores are stocked with books containing practical tips on how to go it alone, no one ever writes about what it’s really like—the isolation, the hunger for new challenges, or the desire for camaraderie and validation.

The truth about what it’s like to fly solo lies in a multiplicity of voices—including yours.

Through essays and interviews, this new anthology aims to reflect that diversity of thought and experience. The more honest and personalized your essay, the relevant it will be to this project. Specifically, we’re looking for:

• Stories that chronicle your exodus from full-time job toward brighter horizons.
• Reflections on the inevitable identity crisis that can occur with too much professional freedom.
• Funny anecdotes about the day-to-day struggle of freelancing (taxes, client faux pas, odd jobs, etc.).
• Thoughts on how you are finding or have found a way to do good, fulfilling work in the world.
• Anything else that seems relevant to the spirit of this topic.

Deadline: November 1, 2008

Word Count: 1000-1200 words

Honorarium: $100 upon acceptance (yes, you’re worth more)

Details: Send as Word document using Times New Roman Font, 12 pt. double-spaced to careeranthology@gmail.com.