Independence

Here I am, at my desk, about to begin life as a freelancer. It's a big step, and I'm sure I'd be much more nervous about it if the desk wasn't my old desk and if I weren't working on my old computer and if I weren't still sharing office space with my old colleagues.

I tell you, this is the best way to ease into self-employment. I've carefully taped off the area around my desk and I've hung a hand-lettered sign on the wall behind me making it very clear that I am, in fact, employed by Mary Inc, not by The People's News Agency.

I've instructed Stepan to speak to me only if absolutely necessary, and to do so by telephone or email. (I should add fax to that list, I do love a fax.)

And now, to work...