On the third Monday of every month, Conversations Live with Vicki St. Clair brings you discussions focused around career options and lifestyle choices. Today we take the mystery out of what it takes to build a successful freelance career.

Tired of clocking in and out on someone else’s schedule? Want more freedom to choose the projects you work on? Do freelancers really work in their PJs and bunny slippers? Many people dream of ‘going freelance’, but what does that mean to your career and how does it impact your lifestyle. Seattle-based freelancer, Michelle Goodman, has been freelancing for 16 years and knows the ups-and-downs from the inside out. Goodman’s new book is My So-Called Freelance Life, how to Survive and Thrive as a Creative Professional for Hire. Learn more at: http://www.anti9to5guide.com/.

Later, we’ll talk with freelance photojournalist, visual storyteller, and filmmaker, Marcus Donner. Also based in Seattle, he’s been shooting photographs professionally for over 20 years. When he’s not on assignment, you’ll find Marcus on set shooting videos or teaching people to do what he does. His work has appeared in media outlets around the world from Associated Press and Reuters, to the Sundance Channel and HBO/Cinemax. His next schedule photoworkshop is in Rome, Italy, as part of a travel writing course www.travelwritingclass.com.

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