Thank you Joe ~

Not sure if you will remember me, but we corresponded almost two years ago when I was starting to seriously consider the idea of FT freelancing. You and Jon Phillips at Freelance Folder — along with Bob Bly — were very encouraging, and after reading your stories — and doing a helluva lot more independent research — I took the plunge. I am finishing my second year as an independent writer, I have been steadily building a client base and for most of this year, clients have been coming to me rather than me going to them.

I tell you this to let you know that you have made a difference already, and I thank you for it. I am thrilled to hear that things are going so well for you. I don’t ever see myself in the role of employer — it brings up a lot of reasons I left the corporate and newspaper worlds behind — but I do dream of the success you have achieved.

My father once told me that people, in general, are more afraid of success than they are of failure. Success changes things. Failure, ironically, lets you go along with your life and the weak excuse that “well, I tried.” I am confident in my ultimate success. I have some really terrific role models, and I know — like you know — that our fates are in our own hands.

And isn’t that a wonderful feeling?!

Congratulations on everything. I hope you keep posting. I will keep reading.

Best,
Joe