If you really want to test your stamina to tolerate extreme anxiety, try living without any source of steady income. Fun. Serious surrender to the universe.

What I have learned since leaving my job for the godforsaken world of freelancing (almost one year ago) is the following:

1) It's a good thing I happen to like babysitting (it's like renting kids and getting paid for it).

2) A good 9 to 5 job can really fill up a life. Conversely, not having the structure of a full-time job can be psychologically exhausting. When does work end and life begin?

3) Good vibes are more important than good contacts.

4) Trader Joe's is best at 9:00 am on weekdays (the aisles are clear, the food freshly stocked, and nobody's hogging the sample station...except possibly me).

5) Is that all I've learned?

Just for today, I surrender to the freelance universe.