I had the most lucrative year in my career last year. Not so much busy, but I made the highest in one year so far. I learned to not keep myself super busy constantly, but instead make sure I make enough money to be happy and comfortable and take some time to enjoy things.

I'm probably the farthest from a normal solo at-home freelancer. There are workweeks which I take days off even though work is on the table, just to have some time for myself. I even turned-off the light and took a one month hiatus to try and learn game development some, while turning away projects. It felt weird to do so, but I'm thankful I tried it out.  I feel I have more time off since I became freelance than when I worked a 9-5 at an employer. And I make more doing it.

I'm not trying to be braggy here. I don't make anywhere near the yearly amount other listers on here make, but my family is comfortable most of the time, and I have time to spend with them, which is something I really value.

That said, there are still down times which I really need money coming in and can't find it sometimes, but they don't happen too often.

I have a client pool of about 7 companies and have been lucky that in most cases, when I'm finishing up one project, another client comes calling. I didn't have one moment this year where I needed to peruse a job board or try to drum up business. My clients constantly come to me alone and know I'm there for them when they need it. (Except when I decide to be "too busy" which isn't often)

I would say the one thing I need to work on most is sacking away money for taxes and keeping my receipts in order.

///Greg Balint
//Art Director / Motion Graphics Designer
/321.514.4839
delRAZOR.com/