The Bright Side Of Freelance Writing
In my post last week I pointed out some of the things that you would be giving up by pursuing your freelance writing dream. The flip side of that coin is that there is some pretty cool stuff about being a freelance writer. Let’s talk about it a bit.
The good stuff:
- Freedom – Do you write best at 3am? Good on ya! Freelancing means you work when you want to work. Are the walls closing in? Off to the internet cafe to write for the morning. Write naked. Write whilst watching Jerry Springer. Write what you want. (To some extent – there is the occasional series of articles on potty training.)
- Big Money – Okay, maybe not at first and maybe never. But the potential is there. Ethics and fate may combine to put you in the right place at the right time and then all bets are off.
- Pride – You get to tell folks you are a writer. It does feel pretty good.
- Betterment – Freelance writing means you get to ply your trade on a daily basis. In short, you get to write. When you write a lot, you get better at it.
- Free Time – If you need to get kids to school or soccer practice, freelance writing offers you some flexibility in your schedule. Not having to adhere to a rigid corporate schedule could mean more quality time with your family.
- No dull moments – You are going to be asked by clients to write on topics about which you are clueless. You’re going to learn about all kinds of fascinating things. Some things not quite as fascinating but chances are you won’t be bored.
- Community – If you’re smart, you will do a little volunteer work for charitable organizations in your community. The exposure is good and you could gain some great professional contacts. More importantly, it’s the right thing to do and you should feel good about that.
- Social – You are going to meet other freelance writers and establish some great relationships. Some long term, and some not so much, but overall we’re a fascinating lot.
I hope I’ve achieved a bit of balance with this post. Like anything else in life there is good and bad to be had with nearly everything. I believe that you get out of this what you put into it and the potential is there to have a great, successful career doing something you love. And that’s cool.
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.
Kenny | Jul 12, 2011 | Reply
Good list, especially the reminder that we get better when we practice (duh).
And I really like that you added the point that a freelance gig makes it easier to get involved in my community–never mind the great potential for contacts that could lead to work… we just have better communities when more of us take on an active role.
That said, I do think you can combine the two “freedom” points to sharpen this post a bit, and (bonus) have yourself a 7-item list; some say it’s one of those “magic” numbers for a list. I dunno.
Megan Collins Quinlan | Jul 12, 2011 | Reply
Absolutely. Being a freelancer is something I would never swap for corporate life. I have been there and tried that and I am no longer interested.As a parent I have the chance to attend all of the school events, I walk my daughter to and from school everyday, I help with homework. I am just there and that is not something I could be if I worked a typical 9-5.
Lets hear it for freelance writing!!
Steve | Jul 12, 2011 | Reply
George:
The best thing is the freelancer is in control and responsible for what he\she does. That equals freedom.
I, Megan, would not swap it either.
Steve
tumblemoose | Jul 13, 2011 | Reply
Hey Kenny,
Thanks for stopping by. I think it’s way too easy for us writers to stay holed up in our little world. As you said, the benefits of community are multi-fold. I’d like to see more of us get involved.
Cheers
George
tumblemoose | Jul 13, 2011 | Reply
Hi Megan,
It’s the little things like being able to walk your daughter to school that can make up for a multitude of “disadvantages.” I agree about cheering for freelance writing – Yippee!
George
tumblemoose | Jul 13, 2011 | Reply
Good point, Steve. Control does equal freedom. It’s one of the best things about freelance writing.
George
Mark | Jul 14, 2011 | Reply
Yep, great list, bud, and such reminders are always timely. A ray of sunshine piercing my oft-dark clouds. Cheers.
John | Aug 15, 2011 | Reply
It beats the 9 to 5 grind any day, even if you are still writing at 3am!!!