Transitioning from a 9–5 Job to Full-time Freelance Writing
How to become a full-time freelance writer 101
Becoming a full-time freelance writer had been on my mind ever since I knew that writing is something I feel strongly for — I think people call it passion. As a bummy kid, I’ve never had one; and so honestly, I don’t know.
I’ve been freelance writing for almost 4 years now, and this year, I finally had the guts to quit my regular office job and become a full-time freelance writer.
Here are a few tips on how I’m managing to survive as a full-time freelance writer:
Before I get to the nitty-gritty of things, first let’s look at:
What Is Freelance Writing?
Freelance writing is a self-employed service in the form of writing offered to different clients such as magazines, companies, websites, even other writers, etc.
Most of the time, the more a writer can show a diversity of work in the form of a portfolio, the better the job that writer can get.
Here, we’re going to be talking about full-time freelance writing, which means that by doing so, you can provide yourself and/or your dependents the basic needs by freelance writing full-time as a job.
To stay true to our topic, here’s how I transitioned from a 9–5 job to becoming a full-time freelance writer:
Planning Ahead
Even as a young teenager, I was afraid of living like everyone else. It’s not because I think I’m better than everyone, there’s just a gut feeling that the system isn’t right.
Maybe it’s the environment I grew up in — I can never tell. What I do know is that I want to be successful and creative— whatever those words entail.
I’ve been terrified of the 9–5 system. My original plan was work with it until I can make enough money to start something that’s mine — a business perhaps.
That’s still part of the plan but now it’s not by being holed up in an office cubicle, it’s by doing something I love — writing.
Before I transitioned from my regular job to becoming a full-time freelance writer, I’m already 3 years into freelance writing — I have regular clients and a good knowledge of how the game is played.
Don’t quit your day job without a plan. Be smart about it.
Read about other people’s experiences on freelance writing
Plan, plan, plan.
I recommend to sure you can cover a few months with your savings before you hand in your resignation to your boss with a smirk on your face.
There are many videos on YouTube about freelance writing. I can attest to those that they help.
Now, you maybe scratching your head with a question that I’m asked about all the time:
How Do I Get Clients as a Freelance Writer?
I’ve talked about a portion of this on my previous article:
As someone who was new to freelance writing, I found all my clients on Facebook groups for freelance writers and job boards online.
Here are a few:
and even I started out on
What to Expect as a Full-time Freelance Writer
Being a freelance writer isn’t an extravagant thing as I see others make it out to be. In reality, it’s sweatpants, no shower, and pets as colleagues.
Sure you get to do it wherever you want, granted there’s an internet connection — which is a cool perk but being a freelance writer is also hard work.
You can’t be too picky with your jobs especially when starting out. You’re going to have to write things you’re not comfortable writing.
I wrote solely academic papers for a long time and honestly hated it, but I knew that it’s just a phase; that one day I’ll write something different, something I like.
Believe in yourself. You need it to get through the rough patches.
Here’s a more detailed piece about what to expect when you’re just starting out as a freelance writer that will help:
Transitioning from one job to another is scary, and personally, I think it’s scarier when the portion of uncertainty is much bigger.
But you know why it’s scary? Because it’s a big step; because it’s important.
Take all that emotion and put yourself into overdrive.
Plan ahead, make a good strategy, read and learn from the successes of others.
I bet you, if you work hard, you work smart and you’re a kind person, many writers will find you inspiring as well a few years from now.
Keep writing.