Ditch Your Cubicle, Not Your Life.

"Ditch Your Cubicle, Not Your Life: Become a Freelance Instructional Designer in 7 Months” is the ultimate guide for instructional designers who want to break free from the traditional work model and embrace the thrilling - and sometimes intimidating - world of freelancing.

What the Heck is This Book?


"Ditch Your Cubicle, Not Your Life: Become a Freelance Instructional Designer in 7 Months" was written by IDLance Co-Head Honchos Andrea Dottling and Dr. Parker Grant. They're not experts but have walked a mile or two in your 9-5 dress shoes and want to make your journey to freelancedom a little less tummy-churning than theirs was.


From the moment you decide to quit your job to the exhilarating launch of your freelance instructional design career, we provide you with a month-by-month roadmap to success. Each chapter is filled with practical advice and actionable steps, ensuring that you have everything you need to make your dream a reality! In this case, we're referring to your freelancing dream, not the "world's largest pillow fort" one. But that sounds really cool, too!


Forget about theory - this book is all about practicality! We share insider tips, tricks, and strategies that we've learned through our own experiences as freelance instructional designers. You'll gain valuable insights on finding clients, setting rates, managing projects, and building a thriving business.


Sure, launching an ID freelance career might sound like a bit of a monster task... but hey, we're here to keep things easy, breezy, and fun, so you don't have to stress about your IBS flaring up. We promise!

That's Andrea up there!

Hey, there's Parker!

Take a Listen!

Listen to an audio sample from the book as read by IDLancer, Voiceover Artist, and all-around swell guy, Alex Mitts!


Full audiobook release coming soon!

What the Heck's Inside This Book?

Here's a teeny-tiny sneak peek at what you'll learn by reading our book.

Quitting Stuff
  • How to know if you should quit your 9-5.
  • How to put in your two-week's notice.
  • How to work for your former employer as a freelancer.
Skills Stuff
  • How to identify and expand your skill set.
  • How to find your niche in the industry.
  • The essential ID hacks you need to know.
Money Stuff
  • How to estimate your income for the first year of freelance life.
  • How to earn six figures in your new freelance role.
  • How to estimate your monthly expenses and reduce them by 30%.
Networking Stuff
  • How to connect with the global ID community.
  • How to network effectively, in-person and virtually.
  • How to establish your digital presence and build a brand.
Legal Stuff
  • How to establish yourself as a business entity.
  • How to manage accounting, taxes, and legal stuff.
  • How to find health insurance.
Working From Home Stuff
  • How to set up your dream home office space.
  • How to choose the right technology for your needs.
  • Creative places to work remotely.

Read the Intro!

Now, you can read the introduction to our book by clicking the button below!


Don't worry; it's only a couple of pages, so you won't be dipping into TV time too much.

The Critics are Raving!

"An insightful guide filled with practical advice! I laughed! I cried!”

-Our Mom

”A must-read for every aspiring freelance instructional designer."

-Still Mom.

"Funny, engaging, and incredibly helpful, sweetie!”

-OK, these all appear to be from our Mom.

Who the Heck Wrote This Book?

Andrea Dottling, M.Ed.

Andrea Dottling, Co-Head Honcho of IDLance, has 10 years of corporate and 11 years of higher ed experience as a recruiter, instructional designer/ technologist, educator, writer, and community-builder. She's been in the freelance game for 8 years as an independent learning consultant, writer, social media manager, and webmaster. She has an M.Ed. in Learning & Tech, an MA in Media Studies, and a BA in History, Education, & Dramatic Lit. Her favorite book is "Moby Dick" by Herman Melville.

Parker A. Grant, Ph.D.

Dr. Parker Grant, Co-Head Honcho of IDLance, has 21 years of corporate experience as an engineer, instructional designer, eLearning developer, trainer, and training manager. He also has 13 years of experience as an independent consultant. He earned his B.S./M.S. in Mechanical Engineering, M.S. in Educational Technology, and a Ph.D. in Adult & Experiential Learning. After three decades in the L&D industry, Dr. Grant brings a wealth of experience to the ID industry! His favorite book is "The Five People You Meet in Heaven" by Mitch Albom.

Now available at Amazon

and Barnes & Noble!

More cool locations coming soon!