If you’re looking for a new job, you’ve probably considered a number of freelance writing gigs as possibilities. And, if you’re like most people, you probably considered the opportunities that exist online for gaining writing experience. After all, it’s usually more convenient to do your research and writing from home. Right?
Well, though freelance writing is a common way to generate extra cash, it won’t necessarily be your easiest road to employment. In fact, a survey from Jobist reveals that 65% of employers are less likely to hire freelancers due to a fear of content theft. What’s more, 17% of respondents cited a lack of experience or knowledge as the reason for rejecting a potential freelancer.
Even if you’re experienced, it’s not guaranteed that you’ll be able to find work. According to the survey, 41% of employers are likely to only consider candidates with experience in their field. And finally, 16% are likely to turn down candidates without any formal writing or editing education.
This aversion to non-traditional job applicants makes perfect sense. After all, you can’t teach someone overnight how to be a skilled, creative writer – you have to hire an experienced editor to help you achieve your goals. But, without a steady flow of reliable work, it can be difficult to justify the expense of such a resource.
The Downside of Freelancing
While there are several perks to freelance writing, there are also some major pitfalls that you need to be aware of before you embark on this career path.
The first and foremost risk is losing the ability to generate income. In the event that you quit your job or get fired, your livelihood is dependent on your ability to find new clients. And, as we’ve already established, being at the mercy of new clients can make or break your freelance writing career. It’s a gamble that most professionals aren’t willing to take. And, in the end, you’ll either be hired in-house at a firm or else you’ll have to find a new source of income.
Another major pitfall is getting stuck in a rut. In the event that you follow the same routine each and every day, you’ll start to see projects and assignments come in that are extremely similar to one another. Essentially, you’ll find yourself in a comfort zone where you don’t challenge yourself or grow as a writer. So, if you want to progress, you’ll need to break out of your routine and pursue opportunities that interest you.
As a freelance writer, you’ll be juggling a lot of different deadlines and constantly have to deliver high-quality content on time. If you want to succeed, you’ll need to ensure that you’re continually developing your skills and taking on challenges that interest you.
The Upside of Freelancing
Although it can be somewhat difficult to break into the field, once you’re in, there are several advantages to freelancing.
The first and probably the most significant advantage is that you have the freedom to choose your own clients. Normally, in an office setting, you’ll be expected to follow the brief of your superior. But, as a freelancer, you can take on as many assignments as you can handle. Which, in turn, can lead to increased income and an improved quality of life. It also means you have the opportunity to choose your own hours, so long as you meet your deadlines.
Another major perk is the instant feedback you get from customers. With freelance writing, you’ll often be given the opportunity to correct any errors on the spot. In some instances, you may even get to choose the final version of the text. So, in theory, at least, you’ll always know what content will be delivered to the end-user.
Not only will instant feedback allow you to correct any errors before they’re published, but it also means that you’ll have the chance to provide additional context or instruction. In the event that a customer is unsure about how to use your product or service, you can explain the process step-by-step or provide them with support via email. In some instances, this extra support can even lead to a paid-for-performance account on elance.com or other freelancing sites.
Get A Writing Kit
If you’re serious about becoming a freelance writer, the first thing you’ll need to do is invest in a writing kit. This is a collection of essential writing tools that you need to have in your arsenal. As mentioned by Forbes writer, Mark Schaefer, “A writing kit isn’t a fancy pen or a newly purchased laptop – it’s a collection of things that you may need to do your job.”
Schaefer then lists a number of items that should be included in a writing kit, including: