Busy Blogger Schraepfer parties, writes, deadline gripes

Though proof-reading on-site here has kept me busy, I still get to party (at a Mediabistro event with blogger colleague the Urban Muse, left) and write about jazz artists for Earshot Jazz in Seattle.

Time’s been the discussion at work recently. Two weeks ago I warned a super. that I’d be working overtime. I initiated the conversation to avoid that freelancer’s faux pas.

I’ve made noise about deadline and overtime for two reasons:
1. I’m asked to do more than what I’m compensated for
2. If they don’t want me to work overtime, we’ve got to permanently re-figure those deadlines

I was in danger of doing the same last week. Instead I asked for help adjusting deadlines, and then I went to Maine on Friday at noon.

Before I left for the weekend, I presented my own time-per-job-type targets and breached the subject with the copy chief that I’d been working beyond the scope of the job description. (Understand that one proofreader has been asked to review nearly 170 promotions per month by about a dozen copywriters, distributed by some dozen-or-so promotions managers, all with no prior enforcement of the company’s house style.) Now I’m to present a new job description, which might lead to a raise or a lighter work load or no change.

In the new job description, I’ll distinguish between proofreading and copyediting, two distinct jobs albeit with some overlapping responsibilities.

The aim of all this is to reach a sustainable pattern at work. With some rhythm, the place can turn away from recklessness in a little more than a year, and maybe I can turn away from hanging on to the hourly wage.

The end of full-time freelancing? As yet, not likely. I’m guarding my doubts and positioning for the next opportunity.