Down & Out

My worst nightmare became reality when I hurt my back.  I had been freelancing for about 3 years, but still hadn't accumulated enough regular work to buy health insurance.  Besides, I had jobs with design studios and small companies at various times during my career that didn't provide employee benefits, so it wasn't something I missed.  It's a common occurence in the commercial art industry; margins are so tight, many employers simply cannot meet the rent, pay the salaries and offer a competitive benefit package.  Freelance teaches you a deep appreciation for employee benefits, but perhaps not enough to give up freedom (yes, put on your best Mel Gibson blue face, thank you).