Ugh. Sleep schedules being messed up and adding up with lack of internet connection makes me unable to post often. Luckily I already went to the doctor and she gave me a prescription for sleep-inducing pills.

Anyway, hello everyone! The other day I had an appointment with the school’s psychologist and while she went to another room to print some paperwork, I was left in a room with another teacher, who was revising some documents. I’ve already seen him in the gym before, he’s a P.E. teacher.

The teacher started a conversation with me, asking what grade I’m in, if the year’s going well and all that kind of stuff. After a couple of questions, he asked me if I was going to college and if yes, which one.

I told him I wouldn’t probably go to college so soon due to monetary problems but I would register myself to take a course at the Employment Center, because more education — even if not as good as a PhD — is always good, especially if it is in an area I like.

Afterwards he asked me what kind of career I want to pursue and what I could see myself doing in a few years. I promptly told him I’d like anything having to do with writing — translation, journalism or anything else that makes my hands type on the computer, really. “I’ll try to jump on freelance writing soon, now that the christmas holidays are coming” I said, already anticipating what his next words would be.

Of course he said that would be a hard road. It’s always a hard road when you’re working by yourself, unsure of what the future will bring you. The next thing he asked me, however, caught me by surprise.

“Do you usually go to downtown? There’s always beggars there, and sometimes there are even people performing tricks, playing statue or singing, right?”

“Yes, of course. There are street performers in most country’s central business district”

“A lot of people pass through these beggars and street performers. They are kind of like a freelancer, as they never know how much money they will make that day and because they’re bound to their skills and their potential clientage. Does the man playing statue stops when people throw coins into his hat, or does the guy playing guitar stops to thank the people who support him? Better yet, does the beggar stop and complain when he gets a ‘no’ as an answer?”

“No, of course not” I said, already understanding what he’s trying to mean.

“They keep going because they can’t stop trying to make money (for a living), and they will not give up trying. That’s what you, as a freelancer, should keep in mind.” while this is something I’ve already internalized, I’ve never thought about it like this until then.

“I know that. A freelancer, and to be honest everyone, should have a mindset ready to accept failure and expect not many things when they’re starting something.”

“Not only that, there is a need to accept it and battle it through never giving up and keep trying. There are at least four types of people street performers meet everyday: those who pass by and ignore them; those who stop, take a look and then go on with their lives; those who stop to take a look and throw some money at them and finally those who pass there regularly to see their performance and tip them. As a freelancer, you will certainly find clients like that”

Most people know this and I’m no exception, but for some reason his words were powerful to make me think about it and give me even more motivation to keep trying to do what I want for a living. This is something everyone knows commonly, but we don’t waste much time thinking about it when we certainly should.

“And don’t forget to have a backup plan if things go sour, because accidents happen and sometimes we may not be able to do what we used to anymore. Also, always get government’s insurance and medical help if you can’t afford them and don’t forget to pay your taxes, it’s important. Now go, your psychologist is probably done printing by now.”

I picked up my bag, shook his hand and thanked him for all the advice. As I was opening the door, he asked my name.

“I’m [teacher’s name], the pleasure is mine. You can probably find me at the gym if you want to talk again.”

Man, some teachers can be amazing!