So there I was: middle of the jungle with a Pringles can, a laptop, three pieces of chewing gum, and roll of duct tape. I had already tried bartering with the natives, but they only accept USD cash. I’m not sure what they would do with it since the closest thing to civilization was a hundred miles away through unbeaten paths…I think they used it for hammock padding.

Regardless, I was penniless and I needed a guide through this strange land called Dallas, Texas (Dahl-hass Teyk-suss). Strangely enough, these savages had Paypal accounts. So, I thought to myself: How can I get a hold of some online cash since I’m in-between jobs on oDesk? Naturally, I followed to the next logical step and thought I should IM Bill and see if he could tell me some recipes for narcotics to sell. That didn’t work.

Long story short, after three hours duct-taped upside-down in a tree while enjoying tasty fruit-flavored gum and searching for wifi with a Pringles can, the authorities thought it would be best to send me back where I came from.

But, how could I have kept myself from being put in that position in the future? Is there any way to not be stuck “in-between” jobs as a freelancer?

Simple answer: Yes.

Complex answer: Yes.

Here’s how: keep it rolling.  What does that mean? Keep applying for jobs while you’re doing other jobs. One of the things I notice new (and experienced) freelancers doing is that they get a job, do it, and then search for more work. That method causes a gap in your income stream because you have to apply, wait for them to see your application, decide which provider they want, and then wait for the job to start.

You can avoid a lot of that waiting by taking a few minutes to apply to some jobs while you’re working (not on the clock, of course). If you get the job, chances are that the buyer is willing to let you finish the project you’re on before you start. They’ve already hired you, and they want YOU to work on the job. If not, you can submit a ticket and say you’re too busy. You won’t get the job, but you wouldn’t anyway. Besides, who wants to work for someone that’s grossly impatient?

Most of the time, though, you won’t get the job immediately and will be able to schedule them in without any conflicts. The above is just a worst case scenario.

One of the downsides of freelancing is that you will spend half of your time working and the other half finding work. If you can multitask a little, keeping a stream of work coming your way isn’t hard.

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