Thomas M. Reid

So, like for many people, 2009 was a lean one for me regarding income. As a freelancer, I’m never “out of work” (much in the same way that I’m never really “on vacation” or “staying home sick”), but the contracts were few and far between last year. That’s why, when 2010 rolled around and I got approached for, not one, but two different substantial contract prospects, I got a little bit giddy. Turns out, the financial offerings only partially contributed to my good mood.

For one of these gigs, I’ve actually been asked to come into the client’s offices to do some of the work, as there needs to be a lot of back-and-forth on design and art issues before the real work can commence. So I’m an integral part of a team. I haven’t been in that position but one other time since I left Wizards of the Coast back in 2001, and that one other time was for three brief months several years ago, when I took an ill-fated job with a local company as a writer (perhaps more on that in another post). Other than those three months, I have worked from home, in my home office, surrounded by no one but my kids.

I have to say, it’s been feeling pretty darned good to actually “head into the office” the last few days. I even got a key card. It’s weird, the kinds of things that’ll make your day. Does this mean that I’m ready to give up the freelance lifestyle and return to the workforce full time? Maybe; don’t know. The circumstances would have to be just right. But if the right offer does come along, it might just be the refreshing change I’m enjoying on a temporary basis right now.