When I tell people I’m a freelancer, their first response is always, “Oh! How’s that going?”

It doesn’t matter how well I know them. Of course this question would be appropriate if you had some context for how huge of a shift this was from the work I’d done before. But it seems a little funny when a stranger calls to get information for my alma mater’s alumni book and the question of occupation comes up. Or my landlady, who wasn’t asking because she was worried about me making rent but because it’s fascinating that people live this way.

What they’re really asking is: “How does that work?”

I’m feeling rather honest at the moment. So, here’s a few things.

One. I will always tell you that it’s going well. That it’s an adventure and exciting and that every day is different. Those things are mostly true. It has gone pretty well, most of the time. It is an adventure. Every day is different. But that is the most watered-down version of the truth. And it is likely the only one I’ll give you. (However, if you are a good friend or are present while I am working, you may glean more of the truth.)

Two. The answer to your real question [“How does that work?”] is: I have NO idea. I have been doing this for a year and a half, and I have made it, and I have no idea how! Haha! I am stupid lucky! (More on this in the next post.)