Should You Be A Full Time Freelance Writer?
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I don’t know. Should you? The answer for each person is different. This is not a one-size-fits-all situation. The important thing is for you to do what is right for you and your own particular situation. It’s all too easy to listen to quotes and advice from gurus about jumping in with both feet, but if it doesn’t feel right to you then chances are you are making a big ol’ mistake. My advice: Don’t do it.
Here’s the thing. If you are in a good work situation (you know, benefits, leave pay) and can dabble in the freelance writing to your satisfaction then keep doing that. Seriously. There is nothing wrong with a dabbling freelancer. These are dangerous times to be walking away from stable employment. Sure, in a lot of ways this is going to be difficult. In my first few months of freelancing I would arise at 5am, write for two hours then go to my day job. Off at 5 and then back to the freelancing until 10 or 11. It beat the ever lovin’ crap outta this boy.
In my situation, my little jobs all of a sudden turned into a couple of big jobs and I was forced to make a choice between freelancing full time or walking away from it altogether. I could have stuck around doing little jobs I guess, but my heart was telling me to take the leap. So I did. But again, this may not be the best choice for you.
If you can make the move to full time freelancing you need to be ready to handle exhilaration, fear, disappointment, success, failure, ridicule and a financial situation that is about as stable as Lindsay Lohan. Is it worth it? In the words of Tommy Lee Jones in Men in Black: “It’s worth it. If you’re strong enough.”
What I’m really driving at here is that full or part time is okay. I want to stress that working part time as a freelance writer is something to be proud of. It doesn’t make you any less professional or any less of a writer. It means that you know who you are, what you are capable of and what you feel most comfortable doing. Good on ya, mate.
To some extent, an advantage to working part time is that you can pick and choose your writing assignments. Full time means you grab every scrap baby. Even the things that are unpalatable to you. Income is the name of the game and when rent is coming up, you are much more likely to accept writing ten long-tailed keyword articles on potty training.
So, which is it for you? Do you freelance full time or part time? Are you happy with your decision? If not, what is keeping you from being where your heart is telling you to be?
Written by:
George
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.
P.S. Jones @Diary of A Mad Freelancer | Apr 26, 2011 | Reply
I’m full-time but I don’t think it’s for everyone either. I know a few freelancers who work a full-time non-writing job but freelance on the side. And they seem just as happy as my successful full-time friends. It really is something that depends on your situation.
Steve | Apr 26, 2011 | Reply
Hi George:
Great post!
As you know, I’m a full-timer — and this is the hardest thing I’ve ever done. This being said, I used to do it part-time while working a full-time job. I made a very good salary on my job, but was bored as all heck.
I don’t (currently) make that salary I once did, but I am more satisfied in my working life.
Steve
George Angus | Apr 27, 2011 | Reply
Hi Steve!
Being happy is what it’s all about, right? Life is way too short to be bored. From what I can tell you have landed on your feet. Never look back!!
George
George Angus | Apr 27, 2011 | Reply
Hey PS Jones,
That is the key, isn’t it? Some folks are completely happy to write on the side and if that is working for them then I’m all for it.
Me? I’ve bounced. Worked part time, went full time now I’m back to part time. Probably go to full time again!
George
Allena | Apr 28, 2011 | Reply
I would say DO IT if you have some other support system to back you up (spouse with a decent job and insurance, or trust fund haha). I’m owed over $5000 between 4 clients and have not seen a dime come in in two months (except for About.com, which is a lifesaver that pays monthly, on time, every time, and covers the mortgage whew).
And when I say full time: I work somewhere between 1/2 time and 3/4 time but make full time money. THat won’t happen right away. My early freelancing had plenty of 80 hour work weeks…
tumblemoose | Apr 28, 2011 | Reply
Hi Allena.
That is an outstanding point. Scary to jump off the cliff – a bit easier if you’ve got a good bungee strapped to your ankles.
Georged
Mark | May 1, 2011 | Reply
Hey George,
Part-time??!! What happened, fellah? You got found out, huh? Yeah, word gets around pretty quickly.
Ah, I’m just messin wit ya. So, what else is there to do up in Alaska? Igloo-building season’s over, isn’t it?
Mark
tumblemoose | May 1, 2011 | Reply
Hey Marky-Mark,
Yep, we are now officially in Mosquito Season. Cleaning up the 12 gauge shotguns to handle the wee beasties. Not much else to do in the frozen north, bubba. Oh, to be horizontal on a Spanish beach, soaking up rays…
G