Summary

The article discusses the realities of being a full-time freelance writer, debunking common myths and providing insights into the challenges and rewards of the profession.

Abstract

The author of the article shares personal experiences and lessons learned from transitioning to a full-time freelance writing career. Contrary to popular belief, the life of a freelance writer is not solely filled with leisure and freedom; it involves hard work, constant client hunting, and the necessity to sometimes accept less desirable jobs for financial stability or learning opportunities. The writer emphasizes that while one does gain autonomy over their work hours and environment, the stress of securing consistent work and managing finances can be as intense as any traditional 9–5 job. Despite the challenges, the author expresses gratitude for the ability to pursue a passion for writing and the unique perks that come with the freelance lifestyle.

Opinions

The author initially chose a college major with the intention of helping others but later discovered a passion for writing.
Freelance writing involves answering to clients and revising work, contrary to the belief that one is entirely their own boss.
Social media often portrays a glamorized version of freelance life, overlooking the hard work and dedication required behind the scenes.
Freelancers must actively seek out clients and may encounter those offering unfairly low pay.
Writing about topics of personal interest is not always possible, and writers may need to accept jobs outside their areas of interest or comfort.
The financial instability and stress of finding work can make freelancing as stressful as traditional employment, though the author values the ability to work from a comfortable environment and avoid commuting.
The author acknowledges the tough aspects of freelancing but remains appreciative of the career choice, emphasizing the joy of writing as a full-time profession.

Myths About Being a Full-time Freelance Writer

It’s not all éclairs and spaghetti.

Even before I started college, I knew I would suck at doing the 9–5 routine. Quite frankly, I went to college just because that’s what society deems the next step after high school should be, and I’m not that privileged to divert from it.

I decided to major in diplomacy, I really didn’t know what to take so I made up my mind that I would just take a major that I can use to help people with — I’m not that good of a person though, I was just passionless that likes a good story.

When I was on my second year, a professor of mine pointed out that I was good at writing; to make the long story short, that was the birth of my intrigue and after a short while: passion for writing.

I immediately started looking for ways on how I can improve my writing and within a week, I have booked 2 freelance writing jobs from free job boards on the internet: ProBlogger and Flexjobs.

Just a few months ago, I recently became a full-time freelance writer. Here are some few tips on how I’m managing to survive:

I Officially Resigned From My 9–5 Job

Here’s what I’m doing to survive.

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I’ve always dreamed of getting out of my office cubicle, more so when my alarm goes off in the morning.

I have been freelance writing for a few years now and when I ask some people who wants to do the same, I hear myself when I was just starting out as they answer.

It’s not all éclairs and spaghetti as some people might make it out to be.

Here are a few myths about being a full-time freelance writer:

You’re Your Own Boss

One of the things I despised when I was in a corporate job is being told what to do.

Come on boss, you’re not as busy as you make it out to be. You can make your own stupid coffee.

Yes, I was a stubborn child and no, I’m not that bad of an employee. I still try to do my job right.

It’s just when I was just starting out as a freelance writer, I thought that I wouldn’t have to answer to anyone or have someone tell me what to do.

I was wrong.

It’s not as bad, I’m writing for a living, which is the only job I want in the world but I still have clients to please, they do instruct me on what I should do, and point out a few things they want to be revised.

I’m not complaining though, I’m very lucky to do the job I love.

You Have a Lot of Time

I’ve seen so many full-time freelance writers on Instagram posting pictures on beaches, with exotic animals, you know, going on amazing travels and when I was just starting out, I thought, ‘well, that looks fun and easy.’

Boy was I wrong.

I didn’t realize that those were highlight reels of people and not the pre-production. I bet those freelancers worked hard backstage to be able to afford to go to places like that.

You won’t have a lot of time. It’s not like a 9–5 job where you get handed out of lists on what to do.

If you’re not writing, you have to look for clients, which sounds easy on paper but hard to actually do if you want to be paid fairly. There are a lot of people looking to hire freelancers for a very very cheap price — borderline extortion.

You can choose what time of the day you’d like to do it though, as long as you manage to meet the deadline. It’s an amazing perk if you ask me.

You’ll Only Write About Whatever You Want

I’ve learned early on that I can’t be too picky with jobs, especially when starting out. That it’s all part of the learning process as a newbie.

Even now that I had years of experience freelance writing I still take some jobs that I don’t necessarily want to. Sometimes I take it to learn and sometimes for financial reasons; both are equally good reasons to take offers from clients.

I had to write and edit a lot of academic papers, especially when I was just starting out and let me tell you: I hated it. Heck, I didn’t even like doing my academic research when I was in college, much more so when it’s other people’s.

The point is: you don’t always have a choice. Just always look at the bright side of it. You learn something new with every job you take and you get paid for it.

I even had to do a copy advertisement for one of the largest porn sites. Don’t tell my grandmother though.

It Isn’t as Stressful as a 9–5 Job

I’m usually good at coming up words but I can’t even tell you how stressful it is as a full-time freelancer when days are passing by and you aren’t getting clients to work for.

The end of the month is nearing, the bills are coming and my palms are as sweaty as Eminem when days like those occur.

Not to mention checking up on clients when they’re late on their payments, which is usually.

Being a full-time freelance writer is as stressful as a 9–5 job if you look at it this way.

It does have it’s perks though, at least for me. I don’t have to deal with a lot of people, I get to do what I love for a living and at the comfort of my bedroom.

No traffic!

The above myths might scare off people who want to pursue a freelance life, but it’s the reality of it. It’s better to know early on to be ready than to come unprepared.

As for myself, I still feel blessed every day that I get to write for a living. It’s something I’ve worked hard to achieve and even though it’s not all fun and games, I wouldn’t really have it any other way.

“If you want to change the world, pick up a pen and write.”

— Martin Luther