What Is It Like To Be A Freelance Writer: Advice For Starters

I am not quite sure just what is in the air at the moment that is making everyone want to throw caution to the wind and become a freelance writer. However, the last couple of years have seen an explosion in demand for the service. I guess, the allure of being able to juggle your work life commitments has been the driving force. However, is working as a freelance writer viable, or is it somewhat of a siren call? Hopefully, I can explain exactly what it is like to be a freelance writer to help you decide.

It is hard work

Do not be sucked in by the notion of working for an hour or two and then spending the rest of your time shopping or crashing in front of the television. Freelancing doesn’t work that way. Well, at least if you are serious about earning money. You sometimes have to put incredibly long hours in for very little return only to inch forward.

It can be frustrating

Some days will fly by while on other occasions you will be quite literally banging your head against a brick wall in frustration. With the best will in the world, you are going to mess up at some point. The most common pitfall that people encounter is accepting a project on a fixed price, only to discover that the time involved is way more than you had anticipated. Meaning you could end up working ten hours to fulfil a project that you thought would only take four or five. You can’t ask for extra money because it is fixed price. So you have to swallow the loss with a big smile on your face.

It can be lonely

Working from home is not all that it is cracked up to be. There can be times when you find yourself gravitating towards social media just for someone to “talk to.” You need to really think about how you are going to cope with this because I know that a lot of people would go stir crazy when the realities of spending so much time alone kick in.

It can be life-changing

Even after everything I have said it can also be wonderful and life-changing. You could realistically earn a full-time wage from home and dramatically improve the quality of your life. Freelance writing could turn out to be the best, or the worst thing you have ever done. I guess the only way that you will ever know is by trying it out for yourself!

Good luck!