I've shared my personal AB5 story @Ab5Of, but I thought I should share it here. I was laid off in May from a full-time editorial job after 35 years as a journalist. Given my age (now 61) and the sorry state of the media industry, I figured my best prospect was freelancing. 1/9
Unlike some freelancers, I'd be happy in a regular job. I've applied for dozens, including jobs in content marketing and print production. I've had a couple of preliminary interviews but nothing approaching serious interest. 2/9
I've found one publisher in Texas who can offer a high volume of short assignments, but that will be curtailed by AB5's 35-submission cap for writers. The law was written with the ridiculous assumption that a client like this would hire me as a employee. 3/9
A couple other potential clients expressed initial interest but nothing came of them. I'm looking for "anchor clients" that can offer a steady stream of assignments, but AB5 was written explicitly to discourage that kind of work. 4/9
Freelancing opens unique opportunities because it expands my potential market from the Bay Area, where I live, to the entire world. The supporters of AB5 apparently failed to realize that most clients for freelance writers are outside California. 5/9
I've won journalism awards. I've helped launch publications that grew and employed others. I've written books. But work opportunities for journalists have declined drastically, especially if you're over 60 like me. 6/9
My experience in publishing has made me aware that freelancers are essential to the division of labor. Yes, there are some bad actors who have replaced employees with freelancers, but for the most part, freelancers complement staffers. 7/9
My unemployment benefits are exhausted. I'm surviving with some freelance income and by selling personal items on eBay. I'm desperate for work. If nothing else, I might end up with a minimum wage job at Home Depot or another retailer, if they'll have me. 8/9
These are the fruits of AB5, a law written with some good intention but appalling ignorance of the impact it would have on so many professions. 9/9
