Billy No-Mates

Image: lyricsdog.eu

Are you a happy, outgoing individual with a pleasing disposition and a great sense of humour?

No, I don’t want a date with you. I only ask because, if you are not yet immersed full-time in freelance writing, you should consider how your character may affect your response to the pressures and loneliness of the long-distance writer.

You are a long distance away from people as a freelance writer. In the U.K., there is an expression for people who don’t have any friends: Billy No-Mates. If the bulk of your social activity revolves around work colleagues, and you like having social interaction in your life, then becoming a freelance writer may be a stinging slap in the face. In fact, at times, sitting at my desk, I long for a slap in the face just to remind myself that I’m not alone in the world. And to wake me up.

Working in an office environment, or anywhere else that requires a certain amount of human interaction, can be easily taken for granted. That little chat by the water cooler, lunch with the guys or gals, coffee in the staff kitchen, throwing balled-up pieces of paper at the newbie in the corner.

Generally speaking, we are social creatures. Of course there are some people who don’t talk much. Every office has at least one person you wish would piss off and take up freelance writing just so you aren’t forced to struggle for conversation when they follow you into the elevator every damn morning. But, for the most part, we have a need to interact.

You can’t do that as a freelance writer working from home. The only interaction that will come your way is from family members who insist on talking to you about your leaving the toilet seat up just as you’re on the verge of creating a mind-blowing piece of literature.

Yes, dear, I will leave it down in future. Now where was I …? Damn, it’s gone.

Personally, I don’t mind so much about the solitude; I was a Billy No-Mates long before I locked myself away in my room to write. I have the people around me who I need (advice on bathroom etiquette notwithstanding). The social side of “normal” work is all very pleasant, and I do enjoy the banter, but it wouldn’t keep me from what I think I do best.

If you’re going to become a full-time freelance writer, do a little self-assessment first. Can you handle the solitude? Because that’s the game you’re getting into.

If you still think it’s for you, start getting into the habit of talking to yourself. I get on very well with me nowadays, which is important when I share an office with me.