Are you cut out for a freelance writing career?

Posted by Allison on Oct 4, 2009 in General writing topics |

Is this the kind of romantic image you get when you think of working as a freelance writer? (Image by NKZS, used with thanks)

It sounds glamorous doesn’t it? The idea of setting your own hours, selecting the jobs only YOU want to do, and earning however much you want to earn from your own writing efforts – it is all very alluring.

Indeed, a career in writing can be all this and more, but it can also be a nightmare if you don’t have the right mindset to handle it.

One of the best things about a freelance writing career can also be the worst if you aren’t careful – and that is the fact that you don’t have a boss to answer to. Except for yourself, of course – and that’s the problem.

You need to have the determination and persistence to keep going and keep looking for writing jobs even when you don’t particularly feel like it. Yes you can decide to take the day off at a moment’s notice at times, but that means you won’t earn anything that day. At least with a regular job you know you have to go in!

The best way to see whether you could carve out a career in writing in reality is to start slowly. Do a few hours a week in your spare time alongside your regular job. Start looking for places to sell articles and find work. There are plenty of online article buyers and markets that are in constant need of good writers. If you can keep up with demands and stay enthusiastic and motivated over the course of a few months, it will give you a chance to build up a second income.

Not only does this make life easier when you finally make the break and try out a full time career as a freelance writer, it will also make that transition easier to manage. If you already have some work lined up, it isn’t quite as nerve wracking making the leap.

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