Freelancers Don’t Deal With Office Politics
Politics exist wherever there’s a group of people working together. “Politics is observed in all human (and many non-human) group interactions, including corporate, academic, and religious institutions.” That’s right, politics exists even inside the Vatican.
My mom and dad, who’ve found success in the corporate world (both retired early with generous packages), constantly tell me that in the office, you have to advertise your accomplishments. Because if you’re not careful, someone else may claim the credit for your work.
Methinks this is an example of working in a competitive environment with other people. Since freelancers usually work alone, they don’t have to play the politics game, and simply concentrate on what they’re doing. Looking at the letters over at Office-Politics tells me that sometimes, you have to watch your step in the office.
Yet another reason why Freelancing is Great.
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10 opinions for Freelancers Don’t Deal With Office Politics
Hsien Lei
Jan 7, 2007 at 11:53 am
I’m not sure I agree. I think freelancers do have to deal with politics and, in fact, are often on the losing end because they’re not in the office where they can put out the fires and deal with controversy in person. For example, freelance writers often see their ideas stolen and given to other writers who are in closer proximity to the publisher whether with respect to physical distance or constant phone contact.
As much as I love freelancing, I think the politics of the situation dictate the freelancers are often treated as second-class workers.
Tammy
Jan 7, 2007 at 4:30 pm
I tend to agree with Lei on this issue, and this comes from personal experience as a freelancer. It’s very common for writers’ work to be “owned” forever by a publisher who can then recycle it until the end of time and make money over and over again on a writers’ efforts. While it can be easy to say, don’t let them do that, too often you don’t have a choice. It’s either take the job, even if means giving up your rights to your work, or don’t take the job, and of course, that means not making a living.
Rico
Jan 8, 2007 at 3:24 am
Thanks for dropping by. You both have very valid points. A lot of freelancers, not only writers, have been victims. And the story of compromising to put food on your table kinda hits home.
But I still think a freelancer has it better than a corporate worker because it’s only between you and your client. You don’t have group dynamics to contend with. If there are any problems, you know who to approach to try and resolve it.
And I’ve also written on how to make sure you get credit for what you’ve made.
I’m not discounting both of your experiences. I know freelancing has its share of problems. In fact, II was wondering if you’d both like to guest post on Contract Worker, relating your unfortunate experiences on this topic and what the rest of us can learn from them. :)
Hsien Lei
Jan 8, 2007 at 3:40 am
Rico, I suppose the definition of “freelance” varies too. For example, some companies hire their workers under freelance contracts but the amount and type of interaction is very much like a regular in-office job. I still think politics rules the day no matter where you are. :)
As for learning from my unfortunate experience…I might end up incriminating myself! lol But I think I’ll take you up on that offer. Let me see what I can come up with. I assume your email is rico@b5media.com?
Rico
Jan 8, 2007 at 4:38 am
That’s true. That’s why your insights are also valuable. Admittedly, I’ve been focusing on freelancers who work at home or on the field.
Nope, I don’t use rico@b5media.com. But I’ve also replied to your comment via e-mail; feel free to reach me there. :)
Tammy
Jan 8, 2007 at 9:03 am
Well, I’m going to be a big chicken here and decline the offer, though I appreciate it. I really don’t need to alienate any clients - current or future- and honestly, the point I made about ownership is a fact of life for most freelance writers, which is why I made it. My point was that freelancers don’t necessarily have it as easy as corporate types would think as far as politicing. It may not be the old water cooler type or board room, but it is still very much based on who you know, not what you know.
Rico
Jan 10, 2007 at 10:14 pm
Nonetheless, I still you think sharing your experiences with “who you know, not what you know” can be useful. So, whaddya say?
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Feb 18, 2007 at 6:46 pm
[…] Reputation Saver. Office workers need to highlight their accomplishments. Those who fail to do so may gain a completely unwarranted/distorted reputation. In other words, they have to play the political game. And constantly managing how they come off to their officemates requires efforts they could’ve devoted to work. The house is a less competitive environment, where freelancers simply focus on what needs to get done. […]
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