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Alex Hillman

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3 months in

2 minute read
by Alex Hillman

3 months ago, I made a pledge to myself.

I’d spent just over 2 years in the industry working for a couple of top notch agencies, and it was time to flex the connections I’d worked so hard on.

I’d been taking on freelance work all along, using it as an opportunity to hone my skills and make some side cash, but it definitely cut into my free time.

So, on December 1, 2006, I left my full time job to dedicate my work week to my own initiatives. I pledged to try to make it at least 6 months. If I could make it that far, I could go the distance. Plus, I picked a difficult month to make the switch: December.

A month where a) many companies have frozen spending b) the holidays exponentially increased my spending and c) I went to South Beach Miami for New Years partying. If i could make it through that month, I should easily be able to make it through the long haul.

And now I am here a few days from my 3rd monthly anniversary of going completely indie, and I’m not looking back.

I’ve had more fun, worked with more cool clients, and kept the bills paid (and tucking some cash into savings). More cool opportunities are coming in on a regular basis, and I’m in a position to pick and choose the one’s that I am passionate about. After all, the quality of work you get from someone who’s passionate about their work is much better.

I’m starting to get a little bit of cabin fever…I’m working on a loose version of coworking to start getting me out of the house on a more regular basis.

I can’t really go to the local Starbucks (not because I can’t afford it…I drink for free, thanks to my lovely girlfriend), but because I can’t focus in that kind of environment.

I’m much better off surrounded by other creatives. So I’m on the hunt for an existing space inside an agency that I can rent out a couple of days a week.

And of course, I’m still looking for an opportunity to move out west. Chris and Tara are patiently waiting my first official appearance in San Fran, which I’m gunning to make happen in April for Web20pen.

In the mean time, I’m trying to get the last of my details in order to attend SXSW in a week and a half…if anyone has a floor I can sleep on, I’d happily throw some cash in for it..I just cant justify $200+ a night for a hotel 7-10 miles from the conference.

A lot going on, as the life of an indie is busy. But it’s a good busy. A productive busy. One of the most rewarding busy’s I’ve ever been.

On to the next adventure, kids…

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Hey, thanks for reading!

Alex Hillman I am always thinking about the intersection of people, relationships, trust and business. I founded Indy Hall in 2006, making us one of oldest fully independent coworking communities in the world. This site is packed with the lessons and examples I’ve learned along the way. You can find me on Twitter, too! 🐦 Say hi.