The Downside of Being a Freelance Writer
If you want to be a freelance writer, there are a lot of resources that will tell you how to go about it. Many of them are quite good. However, while they usually make a point of telling you how great it is to make money with your own writing, they don't always mention all the sucky things about freelance writing.
Don't get me wrong: I love writing, and I think freelance writing is one of the most fun and rewarding ways to make money. But like anything, it has its drawbacks.
You Have to Be Your Own Taskmaster
When you go to work every day, your duties are clearly spelled out. You know that if you don't get things done a certain way by a certain time, your boss isn't going to be pleased. Even if you hate your job, you're at least somewhat motivated to get things done.All that changes when you become a freelance writer. When you work at home, you don't have a taskmaster telling you what to do; it's up to you to motivate yourself.
Not everyone has the discipline to be their own boss. Some people do. A lot of people stumble and learn along the way. Some people find a passion that sets them on fire and steers them right for the rest of their lives. But for many others, it's simply too hard to stay on course.
There are Days Where You Don't Feel Like Doing Anything
As much as I love to write, there are times when I get burned-out on it. There are days when I don't want to write at all, but I have to because there are deadlines to meet.These are annoying moods. I deal with these fits as well as I can, but I have yet to find a painless cure for I-Don't-Wanna-itus.
You Get Frustrating Clients
Hopefully, most of your clients will be great to work with. As for the exceptions, well, they'll be a bit difficult.Some clients will be unable or unwilling to tell you what they want. Some clients won't like anything you write. Some clients will disappear and refuse to pay you for your work.
Everyone has their own methods for dealing with (and avoiding) difficult clients. I suspect just about every freelance writer has ended up dealing with them at some point, though.
Are You a Writer?
It Could Consume All Your Time
For some, the biggest challenge is getting motivated to work. For others, the problem is just the opposite. They may take so much work upon themselves that they never take days off or enjoy quality time with their families.You can help prevent this problem by making a schedule and sticking to it.
People Won't Always Take You Seriously
"Oh, so you don't actually WORK for a living."
Some people's eyes will light up when you tell them what you do for a living. They'll say, "Wow, that's neat!"And others, well, they'll just look at you funny.
There are plenty of folks who will look down on you for working at home. They seem to get this idea that you don't do any REAL work. They probably think you sit around, watch TV, and eat bonbons all day.
If they see that you're actually bringing in money, they think you're a lucky duck. How easy it is for you to be able to work at home and make money doing what you love!
Don't even bother telling them about all the tough assignments you're juggling day after day, or how long and hard you worked to get your best clients. Just smile and say yes, you ARE a lucky duck. Because in a way, you are. You made your own luck, after all. Being your own boss beats being stuck behind a cash register or huddled in a cubicle.
It Can Get Lonely
When you have a boss and several co-workers, it's easy to get your daily dose of socializing. Even if they're not your most favorite people in the world, it counts for something. We usually take it for granted.When you work at home as a freelance writer, it's easy to become isolated. If you want to meet and interact with other people, you have to make an extra effort to do it.
One thing you can do to keep yourself from turning into a hermit is to join local clubs or groups. You might also consider volunteer work. Or, just try to find lots of clients in your area and arrange meetings with them.
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What are Your Thoughts?
Have your own thoughts to share?
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- Ganiggle Ganiggle Jan 28, 2009 @ 2:18 am
- Thanks! I just quit my job (in a cubicle) to do freelance writing full time. This lens is very helpful and I think I have a better idea of what to expect.
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Reply
- Ganiggle Ganiggle Jan 28, 2009 @ 2:17 am
- Thanks! I just quit my job (in a cubicle) to do freelance writing full time. This lens is very helpful and I think I have a better idea of what to expect.
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Reply
- TheHappyMom TheHappyMom Feb 7, 2008 @ 6:50 pm
- Hey there, I'm with ya' completely! When I first started, my husband thought I must be outta my mind... "You think you can make money on the Internet? Writing? ...for yourself instead of a REAL job?" Then he throws his head back and laughs, "ha ha ha... Oh honey, that's so sweet." Some time later, I get to say it's nice to be right and now I can throw my head back and laugh even bigger ha ha ha's! I love it. He's laughing too, but much more humbly than he did before. Cute.
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Reply
- TheHappyMom TheHappyMom Feb 7, 2008 @ 6:50 pm
- Hey there, I'm with ya' completely! When I first started, my husband thought I must be outta my mind... "You think you can make money on the Internet? Writing? ...for yourself instead of a REAL job?" Then he throws his head back and laughs, "ha ha ha... Oh honey, that's so sweet." Some time later, I get to say it's nice to be right and now I can throw my head back and laugh even bigger ha ha ha's! I love it. He's laughing too, but much more humbly than he did before. Cute.
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Reply
- EmmaCooper EmmaCooper Dec 8, 2007 @ 4:00 am
- Great lens :)
