If you’re a regular freelance writer, you’re in luck because you can probably earn more than you would as a regular employee.
Thanks to the coronavirus pandemic, a lot of workplaces have become temporary as people prefer to stay at home and avoid social gatherings.
While many industries have temporarily shut down, journalism and publishing have been completely disrupted (at least from the perspective of a freelancer).
Traditional print publications like newspapers and magazines have pivoted to online-only editions, and many traditional news websites have closed down. This has left a gaping hole in the employment market – at least as far as traditional freelancers are concerned.
Even in industries that are considered ‘essential’ during an outbreak, such as healthcare and pharmaceuticals, the demand has decreased, leading to fewer opportunities for freelancers (and, consequently, less pay).
The Rise Of Online-only Publications
Traditional print publications like newspapers and magazines have been around for centuries, and, over the past few years, the industry has shifted its focus to online-only versions of these publications. In some cases, these have become the primary source of revenue. For instance, The New York Times reported that their digital-only subscriptions have doubled since last year.
Newspapers are trying to be more creative with their content and engage their readers through longer articles and video content. Magazines, in particular, have moved away from print and shifted to online-only platforms where they can engage their audiences through live chats and video content.
The rise of online-only publications has meant a big shift in how we consume news, and it’s completely disrupted the employment landscape for journalists and other creative content creators.
The Impact Of The Coronavirus
Coronavirus is a newly emerged pandemic that has spread to over 200 countries. The most recent figures put the worldwide death toll at over 100,000, with over two million cases.
The numbers of cases continue to rise, and, as a result, a lot of workplaces have become temporarily occupied by freelance writers, editors, and other content creators. While some industries have completely shut down, journalism and publishing have been seriously affected, leaving a huge demand and creative freedom for freelance writers and digital content creators.
Thanks to the flexible working environment provided by remote working technologies, such as Zoom, Slack, and Trello, as well as freelancing platforms, like Fiverr, Upwork, and Freelancer.com, the demand for content has soared.
The Paycheck To Paycheck Living
Even in the best of times, being a freelancer is hard. The moment you get paid, you’re hit with another bill. Thanks to the pandemic, the demand for freelance work has skyrocketed, and, as a result, so has the opportunity to earn.
According to the American Institute of Stress, freelancing is one of the most stressful jobs. In the 2019 edition of their annual survey, over 40% of freelancers reported that their career “left them feeling overwhelmed on a regular basis.’”
In the worst of times, being a freelancer can feel even more overwhelming. With every paycheck, you have to find the money to pay your bills and put some aside for savings. This is where a lot of freelancers struggle because they are often paid on a per-piece basis, which makes it harder to estimate how much money you’ll need for the month. In addition, because you’re often working without a contract, you never know when the next paycheck is going to come.
With every paycheck, you have to find the money to pay your bills and put some aside for savings. – American Institute of Stress
The Rise Of Online-only Platforms
Along with the increased demand for freelance work, online-only platforms have risen to the occasion, providing a space for content creators to connect with potential clients. While freelancing has traditionally been done through postal mail, networking through social media, and phone calls, online-only platforms have provided a more convenient and cost-effective way to connect with potential clients.
Thanks to platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer.com, freelancing is now possible from the comfort of your home. With these platforms, you can connect with potential clients from around the world. The work is often flexible and requires little to no experience, so even beginners can get started right away and build their freelance writing portfolio.
Where Do I Start?
If you’re looking to get started with freelance writing, the best place to start is with a basic blog post. While you’re at it, you could also try your hand at some short-term freelancing for some extra cash. With both of these options, you can build a portfolio of work that you can use to market yourself to potential clients.
Even better, these options don’t require a lot of experience, so you can start today and begin building your freelance writing portfolio.