When Freelance Writing Is Just A Job
If you’ve been a freelance writer for a while, think back to when you were chewing on the decision to start a freelance writing career. If you are new to freelance writing, do the same thing – think about your motivations for starting. In either instance, did you think about freelance writing as a job or as something to do?
I think a lot of us enter into freelance writing because we love to write, we feel a calling and we figure, “Hey, if I’m going to write, I may as make some money doing it.” For a lot of us, the decision to become a freelance writer comes after years of working in other jobs. It’s possible that there are some who knew they wanted to write freelance while they were still in high school. I think that is the exception and not the norm.
Regardless of how you arrived here, the point is now that you are a freelance writer, how do you feel about what you do? Has your freelance writing become just another job? If that’s how you feel then where do you go from here?
If freelance writing has become just a job, then you should consider one of two paths: leave freelance writing for something else that inspires you, or figure out a way to get the passion back so you see this as something so much more than just a job. Either of the paths may be correct for you. Neither one is better than the other.
If you dread facing the computer and writing an assignment then it might be time for a little self reflection. It’s okay if you’ve decided this is not your cup of tea. There certainly are enough things about freelance writing to be less than enthusiastic about. Fussy clients, folks who don’t pay and dealing with writer’s block are just a few of the yukky parts of this gig. Life is way too short to hang around doing something you don’t care for very much. Give yourself permission to move along. It doesn’t mean you are a failure. Actually, having the self awareness and courage to move on makes you pretty stellar in my book.
For those of you who still have the passion for the work but your rose-colored glasses have fogged over, all is not lost. Look at things realistically. Freelance writing is a job. It is a way of bringing in money so that you can pay bills and do the other things that you love. No matter how much it is sugar-coated, them’s the facts. If you love to write, then that is just a bonus. A lot of folks go through life doing something that is just a job and they can’t stand what they do.
Your job is to accept the reality at face value and consider yourself fortunate enough to be doing something you love. You need to clean off those rose-colored glasses and begin to see things anew. Gain a fresh perspective. One of the ways you can do this is by considering my question in the first paragraph. What was your motivation for becoming a freelance writer? Take an afternoon and think about it. Really think about it. Jot down your thoughts, impressions, emotions and ideas. Roll them around in your brain. Chances are you will stumble upon the true reasons for getting into this line of work. When you can do this, you’ve won a good part of the battle.
Freelance writing is just a job, but it is one that can provide profound satisfaction if we see it for what it is and approach each day as if it were our first day in the business.
About the Author: A writer living in Alaska. A simple man with few passions: My daughter, writing, soccer and now and then a good cigar.
Steve | Feb 16, 2011 | Reply
“What was your motivation for becoming a freelance writer? Take an afternoon and think about it. Really think about it. Jot down your thoughts, impressions, emotions and ideas. Roll them around in your brain. Chances are you will stumble upon the true reasons for getting into this line of work. When you can do this, you’ve won a good part of the battle.”
George:
Not a bad idea.
I think all writers have to do this on occasion, and the time has definitely come for me to do so.
Steve
George Angus | Feb 16, 2011 | Reply
Hey Steve,
Cool. Let us know what you come up with, I’d be interested in hearing.
George
Steve | Feb 16, 2011 | Reply
George:
Will do. Friday or Saturday will probably be THE day.
Steve
Steve | Feb 21, 2011 | Reply
George:
Well, I’m at the bookstore on a bright, Sunday morning, and I’ve just completed the above.
My motivations for becoming a freelance writer far outweigh staying at my old job because “being responsible” is the right thing to do.
Here you go:
1) I enjoy working by myself — my last few yeares at my old job, I worked by myself on weekends. When my company told me that I’d have to work day or night shift during the week — on shifts with others who were there to “be responsible” — I knew it was time to get out
2) I was bored on my job; there was no fullfillment. Laziness and lack of worth had long ago set in.
3) Be my own boss. I was tired of listening to a boss tell me what to do — especially on na job I was bored doing
4) I wanted to be closer to my family, and working (for the most part) out of my home allows that
5)I’ve always loved the written word; was always fascinated by it. To join the masses now creating it is wonderful.
6) Love getting paid for my writing — and that pay amount RIGHT NOW is better than last.
7)To inspire people — As I have now become a “writer” instead of “a computer operator who writes part-time,” it’s amazing the amount of people who approach me for advice, thank me at writer’s workshops, or just plain tell me that I inspire them to accomplish THEIR dream. George, is there anything better or more important?
In closing, thank you for this exercise, and thank you for your posts. I every week look forward to reading what you and Mark have to write. All of it makes me think very deeply and. most of all, motivates me.
George, I’m not the world’s best writer or businessman. My first full-time year I made writing and financial mistakes galore, and some days (I won’t lie) I lovingly question my sanity.
And THEN I recall where I was, and my reasons for going this route to being with, and realize that there is no other place I’d rather be.
I’m never giving up. I’m a freelance writer.
Steve
George Angus | Feb 22, 2011 | Reply
Steve
Man I hardly know what to say. It’s obvious to me that you inspire because this comment reply you sent is totally inspiring. Talk about doing something for all of the right reasons. I think that citing family tells me just about all I need to know.
Good on you for leaving a job that wasn’t working. A lot of folks don’t figure this out until it is way too late.
Your story is a monument to anyone who wants to take control and freelance write, Steve. Thanks for sharing this glimpse into your world. I’m glad to have seen it.
George
Mark | Feb 22, 2011 | Reply
Hey Steve,
Just seen your comment about our posts. Really lovely to hear such things. Not sure how I motivate anyone, though. I’m sure I must have people reaching for the Prozac at times
Still, greatly appreciated. BTW, your reasons for writing are spot on, and pretty much cover what I think myself. Good stuff. Cheers for now.