Up until yesterday, I was undecided. Now I'm not.

Yesterday was my birthday. (I'm 32. Thanks. No, I don't feel old. I just feel like me.) I had two things going on at the Tribune: I was waiting to hear back about a full-time job I'd interviewed for, and I had a meeting about a potential freelance project for a different group there.

I found out I didn't get the job. I did land the freelance project. OK then.

I've been thinking about freelancing for years, but I never had the courage to give up the steady paycheck, the sure thing. Then I got laid off. When I wasn't wailing and gnashing my teeth, I was actually almost glad. Here's my chance to try freelancing. Here's an opportunity to see if I have the discipline to get stuff done with no one looking over my shoulder, to go out and pitch my talents, to make my own living. Given a choice, I'd rather have been laid off with a lot more money in the bank, but what can you do? Here was opportunity kicking me in the ass. Was I going to take it?

For a month, I wavered. And now, I know. Yes. I can do this. I can charge money for my skills. I can pursue work that's fun. I can make my own schedule. I can survive without the safety net.

I am now a full-time freelancer. Hear me roar.

God help me.