I was recently challenged, through a professional organization, to get out of my comfort zone. Of course my initial reaction was “Me? It’s all my comfort zone! I am OUT THERE without a net all the time!” But upon further investigation, I found a lot of opportunities to step just a bit farther out of my comfort zone and try something new. Recently, I have expanded the kinds of editing services I do to include more fiction manuscripts at all levels of development. I’ve even stepped out of my comfort zone with marketing and talked more about my work via social media. These were definitely beyond my usual operating parameters. 

Discomfort = Growth

While it would be comfortable to say “this is my niche for editing” (for me and my very overworked business coach), I’m not ready yet. I’m still exploring my options and remain incredibly curious about all aspects of freelance editing. So I’m going to stay in an uncomfortably broad area for a little bit longer. As it turns out, growth that feels uncomfortable also feels pretty good. 

One Dreaded Conversation

But one aspect of my job remains uncomfortable for me and doesn’t feel like growing at all. I do not like having the conversation about rates and invoicing. Because I do not enjoy this part (odd because I do enjoy getting paid) I try to get it out of the way first thing. Smart to establish the contract for services at the very beginning — here is what you get and in return here is what I get — before any work is done. But sometimes, because a client is a referral from another client and either they need something quick or are bringing me in at the end of a project under deadline, I incorrectly assume they already know. And it becomes even more uncomfortable to send an email after a project is delivered and ask to whom I should address the invoice. 

I have recently had two uncomfortable conversations about invoicing. They were both my fault because I delayed having them. The first one did not go as well as I had hoped and upon discovering how quickly editing services can add up, this client has decided to do more in-house. The second conversation, although just as uncomfortable for me, was remarkable. They accepted the project quote and had no issue at all with the idea that of course I would be paid for my labor. Because I am 100% committed to growing my freelance business, I will continue to have these uncomfortable conversations about invoicing and rates. Although I will be making them a priority to have AT THE BEGINNING of all projects. 

Anyone Else?

This isn’t an issue for me alone. I’m sure there are quite a few of us out here who feel the same way, not just editors, but freelance entrepreneurs in all areas. We all have stories in our heads about money, about our worth, about what we do. Those stories provide us a framework for our work and these uncomfortable conversations. They may dictate whether or not we use the industry rate charts for our work or our reaction to a late invoice payment. I have anecdotal evidence to suggest this hits women harder than men and might explain why so many women (despite the advice from Betty Friedan) continue to donate/volunteer/give away our time and labor.

I’m glad I was challenged to get comfortable with being uncomfortable. It’s been a good way to grow and to also step out in courage, both excellent skills for any freelancer. It was also a good opportunity to take a hard look at what I love about being a freelance editor and which parts of the job I continue to avoid. What makes you uncomfortable? Are you ready to practice it anyway?