More layoffs

Gannett announced another round of layoffs today, which means more of our friends and colleagues will be out of work soon. They're trimming 10 percent of staff at the Arizona Republic in December.

The situation is grim, but I expect some of those getting cut will land on their feet as freelancers. On a positive note, I've been busier this month than I have in a while. Sure, my pay isn't what I'd like, but there's work out there.

The problem is finding it.

It's not easy to lay the foundation and make all the connections for jobs. It's one of the biggest struggles, in fact. I recently sent several queries, only to hear crickets chirping in return.

When I see my colleagues landing new clients, I'm happy for them, and I am sure they feel the same for me when I get a gig.

And on occasion, we share contacts. I've recommended people to editors when I can't take assignments or don't want a particular assignment. Sometimes I have to realize I'm not a good fit for a publication, or I don't gel with the editor, but someone else I know might be perfect.

But generally, we are not going to hand over our client list to each other or to a new freelancer and say, "Here are the best editors in town and what they're looking for and what they're paying."

I wish only the best to anyone who has recently suffered a job loss or who might soon be laid off. But please consider our position. Network away, my friends, and ask us anything you want about freelancing, but please don't expect us to be unpaid consultants who will line up work for you.

If you do bend our ear on the topic for an hour, the least you can do is buy us lunch sometime. Heck, even a drink. Coffee. Something. We're freelancers, after all. At least you still have a job for now.