My name is Miranda Marquit. I am a freelance writer, speaker and podcaster. Just a general content creator but I do so on a freelance basis. Locally I am very politically involved and with local non-profits and I work hard on issues that affect people in their real lives.
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HARLOW
When I moved into digital entrepreneurship, I found myself collaborating with brands, doing 1099 work and needing to send out invoices and set up systems to keep my business organized.
It has been an ongoing process to find the right tools and systems for me. I’m so excited about a new tool that I now use that allows me to invoice clients, set up tasks, and even track my time as I work on tasks. I also use it as a CRM or client relationship management system. What’s the tool’s name?
I’m so obsessed with Harlow and am so excited that Harlow has partnered with me to bring the conversation around women wanting more personally, financially and professionally to life. Harlow is a woman-owned business, designed by former freelancers who understand the challenges of keeping creative businesses organized. I love how responsive the team is to my questions and emails which is a big deal as they continue to improve and refine this new tool. If you’re looking for a comprehensive system to organize your invoicing, client management and keep yourself organized I encourage you to give Harlow a try. I’m also a proud affiliate. Go to michelleismoneyhungry.com/harlow to check it out.
Show Notes
Michelle-Why did you decide to pursue a professional career that hinged on you being a freelancer?Were you in a 9-5 before?
Miranda-When I first had my son I was working a “real” job. I chose writing. Online journalism and online content. I immediately went into making online content and freelancing because I wanted to stay home and help pay the bills. It really provided us a way to start our life. We did take out student loans.
Michelle-I am so fascinated because of the timing of this. Listeners, her son is around 19 years old. This is such a forward way of thinking. THis series is designed to highlight what American woman have to navigate around. One of the things I thought about as you were sharing your thought process, what were the downsides to working a 9-5 ?
Miranda-Mostly the freedom and flexibility. My first real job was being a cashier at a craft store. One of the things that I learned was that I didn’t always get time off when I requested it. After a year of working at the craft store I quit that job and started teaching piano lessons. I made more per hour and I could set my schedule. That was my first taste of freedom and flexibility. You don’t always get the time off that you ask for. I was working a job when my son was born and I’m hiding in a little bathroom trying to pump. So when I was looking forward my ex is about to go to grad school I asked myself what I should do? The beautiful thing about content creation there’s always something interesting and different going on. Freedom and flexibility.
Michelle-When you speak with women as you’re on the campaign trail, what is it that they are telling you in terms of policy and what could better their lives.
Miranda-In no surprise reproductive health. Seventy three percent of Americans did not think Roe vs. Wade should be overturned. They’re interested in parental leave, child care and education. Investments in the community at large.
Michelle-I wasn’t really going to go into this angle of questioning, when it comes to policy what would we do to pay for these types of transformative types of policy?
Miranda-One of the things that I find interesting, we have a shitty approach to our priorities when it comes to (National) expenditures. When you look at US spending as a whole you’ll see military, big tax cuts for corporations. Nobody talks about if we’re paying a CEO $300 million dollars, we don’t talk about that impacts costs. We need to decide as a country do we value our people?
Michelle-This conversation is all about developing autonomy around our lives. One of the things I’ve watched with interest is how people have transitioned into professional roles that better serve them. What are some tips you would give a woman listening to this episode on how to design a life that allows them to thrive.
Miranda-First, figure out what are your skills and talents and how can you use them? Do I have something that translates into a marketable skill? There are a lot of teachers becoming tutors (online) If you have a job that’s considered “white collar” maybe you can see if you really need to come in every day? Or, can you come in from 10-3 vs. 9-5? We have been seeing in the last year or so people moving into higher paying jobs and more flexible jobs.
Michelle-What were your dreams when you first started working for yourself vs. now?
Miranda-Pay the bills. I just want to be able to do this and then become a typical stay at home mom. But, after a couple of years I realized that I really liked it. I realized that I didn’t want to give it up. This (freelancing) is a way for me to thrive
Michelle-When you’re talking with folks who haven’t done what you’ve done…what’s their reaction? Are they intrigued?
Miranda-First of all people are like “I can’t believe you make money as a writer” People are kind of disbelieving. First of all, it’s hard. The first couple of years are brutal. There’s also the importance of “Fuck You” money. Get an IRA opened up for you (spousal IRA contributions)
Michelle-One of my favorite new side-hustles is Loopie and you can sign up to be a “washer” and you can just wash clothes because you have a washer and dryer. Maybe you love dogs and you have an infant and you make money dog walking while you have your baby strapped in.
Miranda-It’s hugely important to take a step back and ask yourself what can you do with the small amount of time you have available.
Michelle-One of the things that does factor into the choices that we have is health care. We talked about health access at the beginning of our conversation, but I’m talking about healthcare. Could you share how health insurance influences the choices that we have.
Miranda-Since 2005 I have not had regular healthcare. Because you decide to go freelance you’re stuck paying for your own health insurance. The first thing to consider is how you’re going to pay for health insurance. A lot of people are trapped at their jobs because of employer subsidized healthcare. The ACA and health savings have really made it so that I can do what I do.
Michelle-What has surprised you the most about designing an intentional life. What are your tips for women who are at the beginning of doing this?
Miranda-I realized that I wasn’t doing things with intention. What kinds of things matter the most to me? Money is a resource and how am I directing that resource and reaching my goals?
Michelle-Are we selfish for having this conversation?
Miranda-No (big awesome rant ensues)
Michelle-Here is the last question-are you committed to this type of lifestyle design?
Miranada-I am working on building more streams of income. So that I can take more time to do the things I enjoy doing. I want to rely less on freelance writing even though I do enjoy it.
Follow Miranda
- Twitter: MMarquit
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