Freelancing for Famous People: How Not to Lose Your Mind Or Shirt

Set Boundaries To Protect Yourself

Photo by Mohamed Nohassi on Unsplash

Warning: If I come across as “bitter” about the story I reveal here, I’m sorry, I’m not. Yes, through the first draft, I admit I have feelings about my experiences I’ve had with each famous person I served. I am grateful for the lessons learned that made me stronger. Forgive me if too much emotion leaks.

I share my background as a freelancer not to brag, but to offer context, and help other freelancers. If I can help at least one other freelancer avoid the more stressful and costly pitfalls I experienced owning a freelance digital marketing business, I have done my job.

I believe most people are good, even though it doesn’t look like it sometimes. I’m not bashing all famous people in any way. There are plenty of non-famous people who are capable of consciously or unconsciously creating mayhem for freelancers.

However, my direct experience of working with famous people has been less-than-rewarding. In fact, I’d be reluctant to do so again because I struck out every time in the end.

Freelancing Happened

I fell into freelancing in 2003. Our kids and their friends knew me as a “stay-at-home dad.” Being that guy wasn’t even cool back then.