tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22003236.post-86163018636174862322007-05-25T08:45:00.000-07:002007-05-25T08:46:00.686-07:00Freelancers shouldn't DIYAfter my last <a href="http://struggling-writer.blogspot.com/2007/03/ah-liquid-my-old-nemesis.html">liquid disaster</a> I had to figure out what to do with the floor in my office. I finally decided to install laminate flooring because it's something I could do myself and save money.<br /><br />Well, no. Freelancers don't save money by doing it themselves. If you work a normal job, you don't lose income by tackling your own projects. For a freelancer, every hour you spend doing something else is time you should be writing. Not only that but, since I have no freaking clue what I'm doing, it took me a lot longer than it would have taken a professional. So it actually cost me more money than having someone else do it.<br /><br />It's still not quite done. The floor is there and turned out fairly nice, but I still need to do all the cleanup: putting the baseboards back on, rehangning the doors, etc.<br /><br />I'm facing the same problem with my yard. I have spend months trying to find someone competent and reliable to come by once a month and tame the wild flora. I've been looking so long I've even given up on "competent". I just want someone who just shows up occasionally. I'm still looking for that. In the meantime I waste time (and money) doing yardwork I despise, and I hate it even more since I'm being forced to do it. And I waste time calling another round of people who won't show up. And I waste time being mad about it.Andyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15540194237184273299noreply@blogger.com