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Why did you choose to become a freelancer?
I chose to become a freelancer in January of this year for a number of reasons. Primarily due to the flexibility. When you are a freelance journalist you can work when you want and for who you want. Freelancing provides variety. One day you can be sub-editing for a national newspaper website, the next day you can be involved in a corporate PR campaign.

How did you become a freelancer?
I didn't study journalism or undergo training to become a freelance journalist. However, I did go on numerous courses where I worked. For instance, when I was a freelance online sub-editor for the Times, I attended the political and business reporting workshops. I have also taken new journalism and web production courses at London College of Communications. I became a freelancer after being a full-time journalist for almost 10 years. I just decided to do it.

What areas do you write about?
I specialise in the following fields: business, general news and entertainment. I know these fields are quite eclectic, but it works for me. So I write about anything from SMEs (small to medium enterprises), to the Italian economy, to Kylie Minogue.

Which publications have you been published in?
I have been published in a number of publications from ITN On, Managing Growth (PC World Business title), Rockfeedback.com, Amelia magazine, the British Council’s New Routes magazine, Financial News, Lycos.co.uk and Times Online.

Which articles are you the most proud of?
I am most proud of my articles on Times Online and more recently on the Asians in Media (AIM) website. I managed to write an 800-word feature on Jim Henson, the creator of the Muppet show who was someone I looked up to as a kid. With regards to the AIM website, I wrote an opinion piece on how to get into the media from the perspective of being British and Asian which again is something close to my heart.

What are the best and worst aspects of freelancing?
The best aspects of freelancing is the freedom of choosing your subject matter and your working hours. You are also not bogged down by office politics. The worst aspects of freelancing is not being paid on time. You cannot tell your bank manager: "I have just interviewed Iggy Pop's biographer, the feature is great…but I won't be paid for 90 days…"

Somehow, your bank manager won't listen.

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freelance | freelancer of the fortnight |

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