A writer is someone who creates fictional characters, settings and stories that entertain and educate readers. In fact, there are so many occupations that could be considered “best” for a writer, such as editor, agent, or public relations professional. However, which one is the best? What is the best occupation for a writer? Let’s examine the advantages and disadvantages of being a writer. The information below will help you make the right decision for yourself.
Advantages Of Being A Writer
There are many advantages to being a writer, some of which include:
- Freedom of Creativity
- Many Career Opportunities
- Pays Well In General
- Self-employed
- May Work Remotely
- May Engage In Multiple Projects At Once
- May Travel Whenever You Need
- Can Work When You Want
- May Take A Break When You Need
- May Set Your Own Hours
- May Have Larger Stakes For Each Project
- More Independent Than Most Jobs
- May Have The Opportunity To Work On Projects That You Care About
- May Be Able To Grow Your Own Client Base
- More Opportunity To Network With Other People In The Industry
- May Be Able To Work On Your Terms
- Disadvantages Of Being A Writer
- May Become Trapped In The Writing Process
- May Become Distracted By The Crowded Marketplace
- May Have To Take Shorter Breaks Than You’d Like
- May Not Be Able To Work Remotely
- May Have To Deal With A Clutter-free Office Or Home Space
- May Have To Maintain Few (if any) Friends Outside Of The Writing Community
- May Not Have The Money You Need To Properly Establish Yourself In Your Field
- You May Have To Worry About Reputation And Credibility In Your Field
- May Not Have The Safety Net Of A Benefits Package
- May Not Like The Idea Of Being Bound To A Desk
- May Not Enjoy The Social Interactions That Arise From Working With Others
- May Not Have The Freedom To Work On Projects That You Care About
- May Not Be Able To Work On Your Terms
- May Not Have The Option To Take A Break When You Need One
- May Not Be Able To Travel Whenever You Need
- May Not Have The Independence To Work When You Want
- May Not Be Able To Set Your Own Hours
- May Not Feel That You Have Freedom Of Creativity
The Great Debate
Now that you have a good idea of the advantages and disadvantages of being a writer, let’s discuss a few of the most popular occupations that a writer could choose. First, there is fiction-writing. If you have a good writing style and can create believable characters and situations, then you can probably write a novel or short-story that will entertain readers while also imparting valuable lessons. If you have a passion for science-fiction or fantasy, then this could be the perfect outlet for your creativity. Plus, you can probably get a lot of job satisfaction out of putting your talents to use and being an author.
On the other hand, there is journalist. A journalist travels to places and covers events that are relevant to their niche. For example, a fashion journalist may cover fashion shows and interviews with prominent figures within the industry. The only thing you need to qualify as a journalist is a knack for getting the facts and reporting them accurately. Therefore, if you enjoy working with your hands and feel that you have the raw talent to report breaking news, then this could be the perfect fit for you. Plus, you will probably be paid well for your skills, especially if you land a good starting salary. However, you will be stuck in a desk job most of the time, so if you want to write something that pays well, this is probably not the best option. But, depending on your interests, you may not have many other options.
A Multi-Billion Dollar Industry
Writing is a very popular option among the middle class, especially since it is such a lucrative industry. In 2018, the U.S. adult literacy rate was 93% (the highest it has ever been), largely due to increased educational investment by families and communities. When coupled with the higher salaries that families can now afford, it is not difficult to see why so many are interested in writing as a career. Around 130 million American households can read and write, but only about 60 million have a literate work-force (aged 15 and over). The ability to read and write is sometimes considered a basic skill necessary for everyday living. In today’s world, everyone is a writer to some extent – we often have opinions, reactions and viewpoints that we want to share, whether in person or online. Whether you decide to write for fun or for profit, there will always be a demand for your services.
Many Opportunities To Further Your Education
If you are a creative person who feels that they can expand their mind and explore new ideas and concepts, then a degree in creative writing may be the right choice for you. Many undergraduate programs offer a Bachelor Of Arts in English with a Creative Writing Concentration. If you are looking to further your education, then consider applying to these programs, as they may entitle you to generous grants and loans. Not only will this allow you to pursue your love of writing, but you can also further your education and gain valuable job contacts in the process. Furthermore, many of these programs will also give you the opportunity to travel, both within the U.S. and internationally, which is invaluable for a writer.
The Many Sides Of An Author
Being an author is not just about putting your work out there for others to judge. It is a very diverse job that requires you to be a good manager, negotiator, and administrator as well as a creative writer. If you have a diverse set of talents, then you can probably do many things well – from editing and formatting to marketing and sales. It all depends on what you want to do and how experienced you want to be in your field. For example, if you want to be a literary agent, then you may have to attain several credentials, including a degree in marketing and advertising. Being a full-time author also requires you to be very organized and have excellent time management skills. You will be managing your own schedule and working with contractors and other employees to get your books published and into the hands of eager readers.
The information above should have given you a good idea of what is the best occupation for a writer. Whether you are a pro or an absolute beginner, there is a career waiting for you – just make sure that you are doing what you love and that you are prepared to put in the hard work necessary to attain the success you desire.