Leif Kendall View Comments 
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John Williams believes that work doesn’t have be a chore. After itching for something more than the corporate 9 to 5, John went independent and discovered the joys of being paid for things he would happily do for free. John’s interests and work eventually led him to coach other aspiring players.
Of course, ‘playing’ means more than merely playing. It means doing something of value that you enjoy, and earning money by doing than thing. John’s enthusiastic prose takes you from the start and leads you to discover your potential play project — an activity or product that brings you as much joy as it might profit. John provides plenty of examples of people who’ve made a living out of playing, and he also offers real-world advice on things like marketing, sales, rate setting and the things you’ll need to do to earn a healthy playcheque.
John’s book isn’t aimed at freelancers in particular, but his advice is highly relevant for people like us — especially as freelancers are increasingly adopting ‘portfolio careers’ where they offer a blend of services and work in a mixture of styles. I know freelancers who successfully split their time between disparate things like project management, music lessons and environmental assessments.
John makes the excellent point that anyone beginning a play project, starting a business or becoming a freelancer doesn’t need to take chances or leap into the unknown – all of these new ventures can be started as side projects, from the comfort and security (ahem) of your day job.
John has great advice for anyone with big ideas but small motivation, including my own favourite industrial-strength motivational device: death anxiety. He quotes the geek deity Steve Jobs:
“Remembering that I’ll be dead soon is the most important tool I’ve ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Because almost everything — all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure — these things just fall away in the face of death..”
If you have a nagging feeling that you’re destined for bigger things than your employer can offer you, then buy Screw Work Let’s Play. You’ll get motivation, reassurance and practical advice. I’ll leave you with John’s injunction to get started:
“Thinking is overrated… Stop thinking and start playing… Get your idea out there and evolve it on the fly.”
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Jul 9, 2010
at 12:41 pm
Just ordered myself a copy :D
Jul 12, 2010
at 8:22 am
This book is so much about how I approach things in life. Back in 2001 I decided to quit the corporate job and work for myself. This book guides you through the steps.
John has really hit the nail on the head with this book. I'm reading it now!
Jul 14, 2010
at 10:08 am
Hope you used the Amazon link ;)