The other day I was interviewing an artist and he asked me ‘what is it that you actually do?” He follows me on Instagram and was totally confused by the myriad of activities he saw me performing. I find that a lot of people also don’t realize how much work goes into being a freelancer. For the record I’m a freelance journalist and blogger. I also do elderly programming and photography on the side.
So I thought I’d put together this example itinerary of what my days are like. Of course, they’re always changing, who knows when I might go oyster farming or alpaca yoga-ing in the name of journalism. But this represents an average day.
5 a.m. Photoshoot
I always shoot at sunrise to get the best light (and the least number of people). I don’t shoot every day but lately I’m out most mornings with my tripod.
7 a.m. Volunteering
I volunteer at a nursing home serving the residents in the dementia unit breakfast. I visit with them for a bit and then serve and help them eat if necessary. Honestly it’s one of the best parts of my week. Elderly people just get me.
10 a.m. Attend Theater Rehearsal
Often I’ll attend a rehearsal for an upcoming theater show if I’m writing about the production. This gives me a sneak peak of what the show will look like and allows me to chat with the actors and director on their own turf.
12 p.m. Restaurant Interview
I cover a lot of food so it’s not unusual for me to hit a restaurant for an interview, photoshoot and meal once or twice a week. Usually I chat with the chef, owner, or both and sample some of their most popular dishes. Talk about a working lunch!
2 p.m. – 5 p.m. Working at the Library
I pretty much live at the library. It serves as my office so I’m there almost every day cranking out deadlines. I find that I can’t always focus in my house so it’s nice to have a designated productive space. These hours would be spent answering e-mails, doing phone interviews, writing articles, and editing photos.
6 p.m. Networking Dinner
My social life is pretty integrated with my work life so I’ll often do interviews or networking over dinner or drinks. It’s a more relaxed atmosphere to catch up with old contacts or to scope out a potential story.
8 p.m. Symphony/Opera/Theater Show
I’m out almost every night at a performance. Sometimes it’s the Symphony, sometimes it’s an opera, sometimes it’s a graffiti battle in an abandoned garage behind Fenway Park. You just never know! I usually get a plus one so I also use this time to catch up with friends.
12 a.m. Pass Out
If I could go to bed at 8 p.m. I totally would. But after whatever show or nightlife activity I’m covering I usually get home around midnight, pass out, and prepare to do it all again!