Some people think that freelance writers roll out of bed, well rested, and while sitting in their pajamas leisurely tap out a few pages of glorious prose and still have time to go to the gym and do the laundry. Days are rarely that easy. However, for some, it may be the right time to leave their day job and pursue a freelance writing career full time.
Should I Leave My Job?
A steady job provides many comforts - a guaranteed paycheck, insurance, and camaraderie with fellow employees. Especially in a slow economy, people who have jobs feel very lucky to have them. Obviously, some have found themselves unemployed, and they are forced to make quick decisions about the future. But for those who have a secure job for now, does it make sense to leave to pursue a full time freelance career? Consider these questions:
- Am I happy in my current career? Do I really enjoy my job?
- Is my daytime job distracting from my writing, which consumes my evenings and weekends?
- Am I really passionate about writing and sure that is what I want to do with my life?
- Does my family rely on my making a certain amount of money for support, or do I have enough in savings to survive for a while? Do I have a support network?
If the answers check out, it may be time to take the plunge.
How Do I Get Freelance Assignments?
Most people considering the move to freelance writing already have some writing experience under their belt. They've probably been published at least a few times and have connections with some editors. In the writing world, like many other professions, "it's all about who you know." Someone considering making the move to full time should work his or her contacts as much as possible to get in touch with new editors and potential clients. Writing is a profession, and every freelance writer should make business cards and have a writer's website.
Pitching Article Ideas
Freelance writers spend most of their time marketing, either by introducing themselves to potential clients or editors or directly making pitches for article ideas. This involves quite a bit of research on the part of the writer and staying up-to-date on the news. There is a fine line between being persistent (and getting a job) and being annoying to a busy editor.
Take Advantage of Down Time
Freelance writers aren't always busy with assignments, but there are some options to fill the down time and still have income. Residual income sites involve a lot of writing up front but can pay off in later months without any work on the part of the writer. Other content sites pay on a by-article basis, and while the rates are often lower than private clients, they offer a little income until the next big assignment comes along.
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