There’s got to be a better name for this.

Sorry for the geeky econ comment, but you are technically are not unemployed. You are only unemployed if you do not have a job and are looking for one.

You should do like George Costanza and just tell everyone you are an architect

“freelance writing” is a perfectly respectable career. remember: they work for THE MAN, while you work for YOU.

Seth, I am taking macro this semester and absolutely love your geeky econ comment. I took micro last and find myself holding off on the last few cookies b/c of the law of diminishing returns!

Sarah - when I was frictionally, or voluntarily, unemployed, I would say that I was a student. People would ask of what and I would say “Of the world.” Yes, it is cheesy, but as a perpetually party-goer, I can say from experience, it gets the conversations flowing.

That second one is what I aspire to most these days…

A lot of people are afraid of anything that doesn’t fit the usual description of “job”, and “freelance” seems to mean to them “risky”, which may be true but that’s not why it’s the perfect fit for those of us that pursue such a lifestyle. Luckily in my field, when I say I want to freelance, there are big nods of understanding from those who know the craft. Everyone else just looks at me funny and assumes that I must be one of those people who is afraid of committment to a career - they’re right, sort of.

You’re lucky to be practicing your craft on your own terms!

I admire freelancers - the ones who can carve out a niche for themselves doing what they want to do. It’s a huge commitment in time and energy building up the business, and even if you do tough out the lean years, it’s at the whim of the next turn in the economy, and any free time is always taken with the thought to how much the time could have been spent on working. I had dreams of freelance writing when I started out, but soon realised I need that iron rice bowl.

I like 2 and 4. And I also like Seth’s geeky econ exception to 4, because “unemployed” just sounds so bum-like.

I’m working hard to figure out my priorities in life, and right now I think that’s volunteer work. Although I’m only involved in one volunteer activity so far, I’m taking my time to discern what exactly it is that would put me to best use and give me the most in return.

The hard part is, everyone exalts volunteer work…unless you’re between the ages of 18 and 55, and then you really outta have a “real” job, instead.

So if you can come up with some brilliant term to use for not having a job, not interested in a job, looking for volunteer work, but not quite heavily involved in volunteer work…well, I’d appreciate it. And no, I don’t have kids, either.

how about
“I’m a writing consultant”

that implies you know how to write for yourself, but are just in the business of rewriting for others.

and it’s enough of a bullshit answer that people won’t ask you too many questions about it.

I understand your predicament. When I was a young reporter, all the journalism majors who couldn’t find jobs said they were freelancing. At the time it was a kind of hip euphemism for unemployed. Used it myself a few times. Unfortunately, it’s been worn out from overuse.

I like “word hustler.” It’s original.

The best I have come across is “professional wordsmith.” That leaves you the option to promote yourself to “master wordsmith” in a few years (or less). I used to think that “wordsmith” was pretentious, not that there’s anything wrong with that.

An excellent alternative is “ghostwriter.” It implies important, confidential work for very important persons who don’t have the time (or the capability) to write their own speeches or op-ed articles.

“Word hustler” is where it’s at.

But I’d go with “I’m a copy writer,” since that’s what you do. Then when they ask where you work, you can say, “at home. Know anybody who needs some rockin’ copy written?”

I, too, like wordsmith. And if they don’t know what it is, just tell them to lok it up. : )

Word hustler! Then you can rap, “Evry day I’m hustlin’.”

I agree with Diana! “Word Hustler” is my favorite- very succinct and slightly naughty.

I’ve found that people don’t really understand what a “copywriter” is at parties. And I’ve dropped the “freelance” part. I’m a writer. I write for a living. I do freelance projects for other companies, so I happen to be a freelance writer. But I state my profession as writer.

Perhaps in NYC it’s a little different… maybe when you say “I’m a writer” in NY, they want to go to your next book signing. But here I’ve found that as long as I don’t put an invisible question mark at the end of the sentence (as in, “I’m a writer?”), I can simply state my profession and turn the subject back to the other person. After all, the other person would rather talk about himself, and, as a writer, I’d rather do the interviewing.

I’m a hustler homey. You a customer, croney.

This could also work as a pitch or company motto. Other Jay-Z lyrics don’t work as well for either. Trust me.

Okay, maybe “I pack heat like I’m the oven door,” could work for some company mottos, but not many.

How about I’m taking a break and doing a little writing. Which by the way you do quite excellent.

I like “word hustler.”

A freind of mine has several published romance novels. Every once in a while someone asks her when she is going to write a “real book”
Sigh.

Try introducing yourself as a ‘blogger’, that’s the worst. At least Ben’s got the SI.com gig, which sounds about as awesome as you can get. As an added bonus, even people who understand that blogging can be a real job are soon put off when they realize the kind of work I do. I’m one small step up on the blogging foodchain from the people who post upskirt pictures of Hollywood starlets.