Mr. Bob’s Weblog

I recently got a new job a few weeks ago at a community college. Though I still do freelance web development for small businesses, this is a great stable job to grow in. So I now work part-time for Lord Fairfax Community College in northwestern Virginia. It’d be quite a drive (about an hour and a half), except I telecommute, which is quite nice.

It’s a great example of what the Father can provide. It’s the perfect amount of hours, with the right amount of work: not too far “above” or “below” my skill level. The people–including my boss–are great to work with. And did I mention the commute?

Anyway, the point is that Yahweh God always provides, and not only for me. It’d be one thing if I talked about how great deliverance I received, but that point is it works for anyone. I’ve seen so many answers to prayers–particularly concerning jobs–in the past few months. One person I know was looking for a job and found one in a swift amount of time. It was also closer to home. And one after another, there were jobs for people with not only decent pay, commute time, and other things, but also the perfect job for them. God knows us best, so he’s like the perfect recruiter.

Have you received such deliverance? If not, you’re past due. You’re not past it, though. I think I’ve missed some opportunities in the past, but he was there with greater deliverance than I expected. He’s always there to supply your needs.

But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
- Philippians 4:19 (KJV)

Because I have no “office” (except for the one at home, which is terribly unproductive at times), I often find myself at coffee shops around the Fredericksburg area, usually in the downtown area.

Today is one example why I believe the downtown area is more enjoyable than the Route 3 or Massaponnax (for those not in the area, very busy areas where most of the “big stores” are). Though I believe those areas have their places and are improving in some respects, downtown is still more enjoyable.

Anyway, on to my point: at the particular coffee shop I frequent there was someone sitting next to me on his laptop (like me). Eventually we talked and I found out he was trailblazing for the East Coast Greenway, basically an Appalachian Trail for bikes. He came down from Washington DC and is headed for Key West! He talked briefly about “being homeless, but in a good way,” and how Wi-Fi in a local coffee shop was great. He said he felt connected because of the technology he had, but disconnected because of his outdoor adventure. Sounds cool–and inspirational.

So what did I get out of this experience? Here are a few things:

• People are trying to make the East Coast more enjoyable, including the DC area. Very cool.
• Local businesses, such as coffee shops and restaurants: get wi-fi. It helps people out of town fell the comfort of connectivity and the adventure of being “local.”
• Coffee shops and other places can be great to meet and chat with people. I’m not saying look for a date, but spontaneous conversations are a great way to make life here enjoyable.
• I want to ride my bike now.

I just recently had a loss of a family friend. He was killed in a car accident.

My brother and mother spoke to him about a month ago, but I honestly don’t remember the last time I spoke to or saw him (maybe a few years!). I’m glad none of us had any trace of anger or enmity toward him. We spent about one or two entire summers together, so we had great memories too.

However, I’m disappointed in myself that I didn’t spend any time or speak with him recently. I had thought about him quite a few times earlier, but I procrastinated any action. I learned from my grandfather’s death a similar lesson. Apparently I still have some changing to do.

So from now on, I’m not going to hesitate on any opportunity to call or get in touch in someone. In fact, I’m going to focus on not hesitating on anything I know is right. My life has been held back by my hesitation for too long. With my Father as my strength, it stops–now.

I’m usually not one to write a negative post (or at least try), but I’ve been itching to write it.

So now that I’ve reduced my work schedule and started to set up my freelance web design business, I’ve been looking for work. It’s really cool that I’ve been given the opportunity to have the freedom of working freelance. I can adjust my schedule (within reason), plan vacations, and give myself a raise occasionally.

The slight disadvantage of this, however, is that I have to be actively looking for clients. I have to work for work. However, this gives me an oppportunity to trust my Father more and more for my needs.

Anyway, the point I’m trying to make here is that I have to look for work. So far I have two primary ways to find more business:

• Find work with local businesses and organizations, and get word-of-mouth refferals from those clients

or

• Using sites on the web, namely GetaFreelancer

When I signed up for GetaFreelancer, I thought I would be able to find so much work, I’d be fine. However, what I found was not unlike a day labor site for web designers.

First, many of the projects are riduclously underbudgeted. For example, one buyer wanted a “web 2.0 site” for $30-100. Also, I saw one project from a buyer in Alabama that preffered suppliers who worked “under $5 hour.” How do these people expect us to live?

Because of these underbudgeted projects, there are many providers who aren’t that good. Some providers’ portfolios were impressing. Unfourtunately, however, most of the providers on GetaFreelancer make lousy websites, whether it’s lack of skill or experience, or a lack of care. I believe the lack of care bugs me the most. Many of the projects bids are autoposts from people too darned lazy to read through the projects. There are other things too, but I’m not in the mood to write them. I decided to do this not because I think I’m the best, but to work towards that goal. I want to improve everyday in my skill, service to clients, salesmanship, and trust in God. In order for me to do that, I have to look towards the best. I can’t hang around providers whose business model is “sell’em cheap.”

Despite all that, however, maybe the one thing that’s really bugging me is that I haven’t landed a single job online. Any fruitful job opportunity has come from local people whom I met face-to-face. So far, that seems to be the best way to find clients. Working with local clients, making sure they are satisfied, and getting referrals (or more business) from that client. It not only works well, it gives a greater satisfaction, too.

Day labor sucks.

If you haven’t noticed the very cool subdomain, I have a new web host: Media Temple (mt). I’ve heard good things about them, and so far they’ve been great!

Also, in unrelated news, I’ve reduced my schedule at my retail job to one day a week. I’m going for freelance web design/development (which explains the host change) and a full-time college workload again (Yay!) After almost a year of working full (or near full) time in retail, my Father has opened new doors! Will it be hard? Sure, but I know I have someone–The One (and His son )–in me.

So I’ll keep praising God (while searching for clients)!