Summary

A writer shares their journey of discovering their true writing preferences through freelancing, ultimately leading to a shift away from traditional freelance writing towards more enjoyable and lucrative writing-related ventures.

Abstract

The author, who has always identified as a writer, initially found freelancing to be a lucrative outlet for their skills, with gigs ranging from ebooks to website copywriting. However, the enjoyment of writing diminished when faced with uninspiring topics and the business-like nature of freelancing. The writer learned to be selective, focusing on projects that were both interesting and well-paying, and diversified into other areas such as courses, consultations, and product creation. Despite the challenges, including racism and unpredictable income, the author values the opportunities that freelancing has provided, emphasizing the importance of choosing work that inspires and avoiding unfulfilling tasks.

Opinions

The author enjoys certain types of writing, like copywriting and ghostwriting, more than others, such as writing long articles on uninspiring topics.
Freelancing can become monotonous and unenjoyable if it feels like a 9–5 job or if the topics are not engaging.
It's crucial for writers to experiment with different types of gigs to find their niche and what they truly enjoy.
The author advises against taking on every available gig and recommends being selective to maintain passion for writing.
There are significant downsides to freelancing, including racism, unclear client instructions, and the constant pressure to find new clients.
The author has had positive experiences with freelancing, including mentorship and good pay, but only after becoming more selective about clients.
Diversifying income streams through consulting, creating products, and other pathways is seen as a solution to the pitfalls of traditional freelance writing.
The author believes that with enough credibility, writers can transition into consulting and creating, which can be more fulfilling and financially rewarding.
Despite the challenges, the author does not regret quitting their 9–5 job and values the freedom and opportunities that freelancing has provided.

Freelancing Makes Me Dislike Writing

But I quit my 9–5 for this!

It started as a side hustle, using the only skill I’m proficient at — writing.

I’ve been writing all my life, so when somebody paid me $130 to write a university Statement of Purpose from an existing draft, the opportunity was too yummy to say no.

Then there was a $15,000 gig for an ebook and some fun website copywriting gigs that paid me well. Other fun stuff included social media ghostwriting some blog writing.

I identify myself as a writer and creative entrepreneur. Is it okay if I identify as a writer even without being a freelance writer? I mean, the entire facade of quitting my 9–5 was to earn huge bucks by writing and do meaningful work.

But now, I cannot stand freelancing anymore. Here’s an account of the events that took place.

It Helped Me Discover My Preferences

I’ve played around with various writing gigs. I didn’t even know what copywriting is, but I tried my hand at it anyway for fun and got good feedback.

With this, I figured that blog writing isn’t as much fun for me as copywriting landing pages or ghostwriting LinkedIn posts.

Writing 1500 words on pyjamas is bloody difficult, tiring, and uninspiring.

Writing becomes less fun with a sword hanging on your head.

Writing becomes a chore when it's boring.

Writing resembles a 9–5.

All this happens with uninspiring work.

My advice to you

Experiment with gigs to figure out what you enjoy
Once you find what you enjoy, only take gigs in that area
Run away from topics that don’t inspire you

I now say yes to article gigs rarely and only if they’re fun.

What Do You Do as a ‘Writer’, Then?

You continue writing, of course, like I am on this platform.

So I’m still writing, just not as a freelancer. Here’s what I’m going to try:

interesting + high paying gigs for blogs
articles: only if they fit my niche
run my course
create more products
consultations

So I’m still writing and have other pathways to pay my bills, just not by selling my soul to freelance writing.

My advice to you

After being in the writing game for a while, explore pathways.

Monetise your newsletter, start a paid community, start a YouTube channel, publish an ebook. The opportunities are endless!

5 Things That Suck About Being a Freelancer

I wanted to use the word drawback in the heading above, but that’s an understatement. These few things crush the joy out of freelancing.

“You’re from India. Why would you charge so much?” This is one of the many racist things I’ve heard.
Constant reiterations with unclear instructions. Reworking is an instant pay cut (unless you didn’t go according to expectations).
Takes time away from ‘creating’… but bills need to be paid, so.
SEO. Some businesses want you to mention a keyword six times, even if it completely disrupts the article.
Endless race. You’re always fetching for the next big client.
Clients pull out with little or no notice and your monthly income falls instantly.

But there are also things that are great. I’ve been lucky to work with big clients who pay me well, are incredibly kind, some who mentor me, and those who take creative inputs well.

Good things come in when you’re choosy, instead of being a yes-man.

The Solution

After you test the cold waters, streamline into what you prefer. It may not bring in money as quickly, but it slowly will. Also, be picky about who you work with.

I have worked with some amazing freelance clients once I started choosing my work and my clientele instead of solely working to work.

Also, explore.

Try your hand at things. You never know what you’ll end up enjoying.

Once you gain enough credibility, you can also try consulting and creating.

I consult clients on LinkedIn strategy and have created a free ebook, a guide, a course, and have a few more products in the pipeline.

These things help in solving problems while they pay you. Amazing, isn’t it?

While freelancing didn’t exactly go according to the plan, it opened my doors to new opportunities. So it’s a win, yes?

Summary

I’m not against freelancing, I’m only against uninspiring work.

It’s the reason I quit the corporate sector, and it’s something I’m working to avoid as a solopreneur. If you enjoy freelancing, that's great! It helped me make decent money, helped me start a side-hustle and gain confidence.

The objective is to enjoy what you do.

Here are quick points on what we discussed:

Use freelancing to discover your preferences
Boring topics can be time consuming and make you dislike writing altogether
Get choosy with gigs and clients
Explore other pathways: newsletter, YouTube, courses, ebooks, etc.
Once you gain credibility, try consulting and/ or creating.

And don’t forget to have fun, even when you write about pyjamas!

Want to build a side hustle and make money online? Click here for my free ebook.

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