I recently discovered from the internet that I am involved in a new project – it’s quite a prestigious project, so it looks good on my CV. But I know nothing about it.
Of course, sometimes the projects I contribute to are renamed. So I thought this could be the explanation. I did some digging, found another name on the project that I recognised, messaged him and he rang back.
“Yes you’re on the project! You remember – I mentioned it to you?”
I did, but I thought it was just an idea. I didn’t think we’d done it yet. “Oh no, we were going to do it last year but then some of the team couldn’t get visas, so we’re pushing it into next year.”
Right, so we haven’t done it? What’s my role?
“I’ll send you the details, it’s a really nice project, we’re looking forward to working with you. Talk soon.”
OK, bye then.
So… I still don’t know what I am doing, how much it’s paying (if there even is any pay – sometimes these projects are ‘expenses-only’ or ‘deferred payment’ ie minimal – and only if the project makes money). It’s quite a weird feeling, finding out you’re working on a collaboration that may be great, it may be sh*t. But if it doesn’t come to anything, or turns out to be a big disappointment, I’ll just keep quiet about it and hopefully nobody will care. That’s one of the advantages of being freelance – you work on a lot of projects and unless you shout about it, or promote them across your social media/LinkedIn/Instagram, no-one knows anything about them.
I am not Tom Cruise, whose every movement is reported on. Thank goodness.
And when I get more details, and it’s really not something I want to be involved in, I won’t do it. But the team are nice, I have worked with them before, so I am expecting it to be OK. And they paid me promptly on a previous job so: big tick.
My Point is:
Sometimes the universe throws you some slightly odd things, in an odd way, and they might be great! Or not. Just follow your gut and decide if you want to do them.
