Our guest for today is Pothi Kalimuthu, a freelancer located in Tamilnadu, India who specializes in WordPress. He is probably one of the most successful freelancers I know, and yet strangely enough, he’s very humble about it all. Where most independent workers soon become jaded and cynical (I have to admit, I tend to be like that sometimes), Pothi still manages to squeeze a little “caring” time into his busy schedule. He can be found giving bits and pieces of advice every now and then in the forums, or even sharing good news in Facebook. Let’s see what he has to say about freelancing.
Tell us something about yourself.
I’m married to a lovely and caring Rama Lakshmi (http://www.facebook.com/people/Rama-Lakshmi/100002105163560). I’m an ardent follower of The Art of Living (artofliving.org). I don’t set any particular time to work. Sometimes, you can see me online at 3am. At other times, you may not see me online for weeks together. 
But, everyday, I make sure I ride my bicycle at least a few minutes and walk for another few minutes (at least to get the hang of what’s going on outside ). Once in every 6 months or so, I love to go on vacation and make sure to lend some money via Kiva (http://www.kiva.org/lender/pothi) too.
How long have you been a freelancer?
Over 3 years (since March 2008).
What was your first impression of freelancing? What were your thoughts later on once you discovered what it was really all about?
At first, it looked promising. Still it does. So, I wasn’t afraid once I discovered the hardships of freelancing.
Is there a particular reason you tried freelancing? How and when did you start, and what was your first assignment like?
While I was in my last job, I noticed that I wasn’t enjoying it thoroughly. I also had an idea about how I should be living. For that, I realised that freelancing is the right choice for me. So, I tried freelancing as part-time while I was still in my last full-time job. Once I had a few projects completed successfully, I dwelve into it full time.
It was a very natural shift for me. It had been my dream to work on my own (doing a business, etc). I heard about oDesk, Elance and other freelancing sites while I was on my last job! Once I got my few (but small) assignments, I became confident that I could take freelancing full time. I don’t remember my first assignment. From what I remember, I was hired in three assignments on the same week (probably on consecutive days), and all ended on the same day as well (because they were short-term). In all those jobs, I received excellent feedbacks that brought confidence in continuing further.
What has it been like since then? Do you regret the “path” you’ve taken?
There are ups and downs. But I never regret for taking up freelancing. I believe it’s part of freelancing.
Did you always want to be a freelancer? Why or why not?
Kind of. As I mentioned earlier, I just wanted to be on my own (instead of a regular job). So, freelancing is the first thing I came across that did not involve any huge investments.
Are you a full-time freelancer? How else do you earn?
Yes, I am a full-time freelancer. I do earn through other means, but those are almost insignificant.
Tell us about a positive experience you had as a freelancer.
A lot to share. I’m grateful to work with wonderful buyers/employers who were with me when things were not going well.
Tell us about a negative experience. How did you deal with it?
Most of the time, I learn from others mistakes. So, I hardly had any negative experience. When I did have, I consider them as part of my learning and would move on.
How would you characterize your working relationship with your clients?
I have always had excellent clients. So, it is natural to have a strong working relationship and trust with everyone whom I had worked with.
What do you think should be a freelancer’s best virtue?
Honesty.
What do you think could possibly be a client’s worst trait?
[Lack of] Communication!
For you, what is the best thing about freelancing? The worst thing?
The best thing: The ability to control time, money, etc. The worst thing: I guess the same. Because it takes a lot of skill to be on his/her own.
I like to think that “For every level of success, there is an equal level of stress behind it.” Do you practice any particular technique for fighting burnout? What do you like to do in your spare time?
I do some spiritual practices (www.artofliving.org) to combat burnout, stress, etc. In my spare time, I read books of my interest that varies from history to modern science.
In your trade, what is the biggest issue and what can you say about it?
In WordPress, the biggest issue is security that can be strengthened by simple measures and by spending enough time effectively.
Let’s speculate about the future. How do you envision the freelancing profession 10 years from now?
It IS the future of a workplace. Already there are companies that rely only on freelancers. More and more people would also choose freelancing. But, it is definitely not for everyone. Ultimately, those can, would continue. Others would simply go back to their daily job.
Hopefully, you can still recall how it was like to be the “new guy”. Have you any advice for would-be freelancers?
Analyze the disadvantages of being a freelancer (you may have already known it’s advantages). If you think it is the right thing for you, just stick with it. You will be a successful freelancer in no time.
For those of us who are already into freelancing, what words of wisdom and tips for survival can you give?
Enjoy freelancing.
Finally, just for fun: have you a favorite quote/video/cartoon pertaining to freelancers and freelancing in general?
I love to see “Freelance freedom” from FreelanceSwitch.com every week (http://freelanceswitch.com/freelance-freedom/).
Want to know more about Pothi Kalimuthu?
Facebook: pothi.kalimuthu
Twitter: pothi
