Passion projects can be an enjoyable outlet. But how do you balance the work that pays the bills with the work that feeds the soul? This episode of Focused is sponsored by: Freshbooks: Online invoicing made easy. Links and Show Notes: Support Focused with a Relay FM Membership

Telephones and text messaging seem like necessary evils at best, but for many small businesses they're required. You just need to figure out how to use them effectively--and set rules so that they aren't abused. While Jason leaves the phone off the hook, David describes his trial of Google Voice and ultimate decision to use a live receptionist service. This episode of Focused is sponsored by: Timing: The automatic time tracking app for OS X. Use code FREEAGENTS for 20% off until the end of July. Freshbooks: Online invoicing made easy. Links and Show Notes: Support Focused with a Relay FM Membership Virtual Receptionist & Live Call Answering Service | Ruby Receptionists Google Voice

Relay FM co-founder Stephen Hackett discusses his origin story, including an abortive attempt at being an Apple blogger, a fateful meeting over tea with Jason and David, how he left his job to become a full-time podcast entrepreneur, and the personal challenges he first encountered when he went independent. This episode of Focused is sponsored by: Casper: Because everyone deserves a great night sleep. Get $50 off with the code ‘FREEAGENTS’ Timing: The automatic time tracking app for OS X. Use code FREEAGENTS for 20% off until the end of July. Guest Starring: Stephen Hackett Links and Show Notes: Support Focused with a Relay FM Membership Free Agents #3: My Curse and My Reward, with Myke Hurley - Relay FM Analog(ue) #9: My Shoes Are A Bit Dusty - Relay FM 512 Pixels The Reality of Indie Life

What happens if you're a lone-wolf independent operator, and then you get sick? Jason was recently out of commission for several days, and David had serious health issues immediately upon going independent. What strategies can help mitigate against illness? How can you avoid getting sick? And what's the deal with disability insurance? This episode of Focused is sponsored by: Freshbooks: Online invoicing made easy. Timing: The automatic time tracking app for OS X. Use code FREEAGENTS for 20% off until the end of July. Links and Show Notes: Support Focused with a Relay FM Membership

When should you form a corporation, and if so, what kind? David has some broad advice, though you should be sure to consult with a local attorney and your accountant before making any final decisions. This episode of Focused is sponsored by: Freshbooks: Online invoicing made easy. Storyworth: A new way to bring the family together. Links and Show Notes: Support Focused with a Relay FM Membership

One of your great advantages as an independent worker is your agility. While larger companies have more resources, they can be much slower to react to change. David and Jason swap war stories about adapting and changing, including Jason's decision to leave one podcast and start another. This episode of Focused is sponsored by: Sanebox: Clean up your inbox in minutes. Sign up for a two-week free trial and a $20 credit. Links and Show Notes: Support Focused with a Relay FM Membership Download - Jason's new podcast

We're once again answering your letters and tweets In a wide-ranging episode covering all sorts of aspects of being an independent worker. This episode of Focused is sponsored by: Sanebox: Clean up your inbox in minutes. Sign up for a two-week free trial and a $20 credit. Freshbooks: Online invoicing made easy. Links and Show Notes: Support Focused with a Relay FM Membership

David asks Jason to explain where he came from, the background of his career, and what the circumstances were that led him to become an independent worker, and then asks him to reflect on his two-plus years no longer being employed by a big corporation. This episode of Focused is sponsored by: Casper: Because everyone deserves a great night sleep. Get $50 off with the code ‘FREEAGENTS’ Freshbooks: Online invoicing made easy. Links and Show Notes: Support Focused with a Relay FM Membership

Every independent worker will agree that being organized is important. But should you adopt an organizational system? How can these systems help you, and are they worth the investment? Jason and David detail their own personal organization systems and discuss approaches to getting more organized, as well as tools to use to help in the process. This episode of Focused is sponsored by: Sanebox: Clean up your inbox in minutes. Sign up for a two-week free trial and a $20 credit. Freshbooks: Online invoicing made easy. Links and Show Notes: Support Focused with a Relay FM Membership

Agile Tortoise's Greg Pierce discusses what he's learned in a decade as an independent developer and consultant. This episode of Focused is sponsored by: Sanebox: Clean up your inbox in minutes. Sign up for a two-week free trial and a $20 credit. Freshbooks: Online invoicing made easy. Guest Starring: Greg Pierce Links and Show Notes: Support Focused with a Relay FM Membership Agile Tortoise