A freelancer’s life could be for you: Alternatively, rigid work hours altogether may prove stressful. Done right, it could be lucrative and liberating in a non-bum hippie sense of the word. Professional freelancer James Sowers gives his 10 Insanely Actionable Tips for Successful Freelancing. Most of these are your run of the mill common sense tips — like always use a contract and get a downpayment — or an ethics lesson (being transparent).

What we did find interesting, however, that he encourages freelancers of all professions to take up writing. “Writing is the doorway to getting your name out there, having clients find you, and to truly grow yourself as an individual and freelancer.” He urges freelancers to do it regardless of how shy they are about their writing skills, comforting them with the notion that it gets better with practice.

Personal favorite: Don’t be afraid to say “no”.