Freelancers, a new Illinois law says you have the right to be paid on time

I’ve heard nightmare stories from fellow freelancers who need to chase clients for payment, writes Anna Burgess Yang, an Aurora-based writer and journalist. (stock.adobe.com)

Like so many others, I joined The Great Resignation in early 2021 and quit my job. Not only did I leave a 15-year career in software, but I pivoted to content marketing and journalism. I was essentially “starting over” and began freelancing to build a writing portfolio and supplement my income.

One of my first clients was a local marketing agency. I knew the co-founder, and she approached me about writing an article and signed a contract, I researched the topic and turned in the draft. She thanked me for the work. I sent her an invoice for $500.