Michelle Fair, Freelance Writer, New Mexico

Writing is something that Michelle has always excelled in. When the opportunity to earn a living as a full-time freelance writer arose, she jumped at the chance to do something she loves. Michelle left an unfulfilling full-time job and decided to pursue her dreams of writing as a viable, profitable business. Because Michelle is a successful freelancer, she and her husband were able to uproot to a new state and purchase a home without having to worry about finding a new job.

But, as soon as Michelle heard about the devastating California law called AB5, she knew it could potentially pose a threat to her livelihood, too. If the law were to go national, it would have detrimental consequences for her family. Not only would the newly proposed Department of Labor rule (“Employee or Independent Contractor Classification Under the Fair Labor Standards Act”) destroy her ability to do what she loves, but it would also wipe out her income with just a stroke of a pen. This would most certainly cause her and her husband to lose their home since they live in a remote area where jobs are scarce. And what jobs there are don’t pay anywhere close to what she makes as a freelancer. Taking away the freedom to do business as a freelance writer would do more than just decimate her income. It would also have devastating effects on Michelle’s mental health, well-being, stability, and peace of mind.

“These new proposed changes are dangerous not just to freelance writers, but to any American who is working hard to pursue their dreams,” she says. “It would wipe out the years of hard work that so many people have put in just to be able to do something they love while earning a living. This new rule change absolutely cannot pass. Sweeping rules like this don’t just affect those who have a stake in them – they affect every single person, even those who want to maintain the freedom to work and live life on their own terms.”