I have been a freelance writer for the past year. Prior to this I was the senior editor of a local paper for three years.
I would describe my work as observing, questioning, and using words to create a final product. My work entails incredible amounts of research. One would assume that being a writer means you spend all of your time writing.
This is definitely not the case. I write for several local newspapers covering sports, meetings, events, and writing profiles on notable community figures. I don’t begin the writing process until I’ve completed research, crafted questions, and conducted interviews. I also write copy on an array of topics, some of which I am completely unfamiliar with. So again research plays an integral role.
On a scale of one to 10, I would rate my job satisfaction a seven. As a freelance writer I don’t have a boss, I don’t have set hours, and I have a lot of creative freedom. I enjoy being on my own and taking responsibility for my career. In order to unleash my full enthusiasm I would have to say I would like to make more money and get involved in magazine writing.
This job moves my heart in several ways. I love having creative freedom, learning new things, and having the ability to arrange words in such a way that they create something beautiful or meaningful. I get lost in writing and reach an almost meditative state. I am confident that I’ve found my calling in life. However, I do need to explore more options.
The most unique thing about my situation, is that I have social anxiety. For years it was debilitating. I couldn’t even go the grocery store by myself, let alone interview a stranger. A large percentage of my job involves talking with people, calling people, and interviewing people. Over the past year I’ve continually forced myself to interview people and accept difficult assignments. It has been empowering.
I got started in this line of work after graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. I decided that I needed to follow my true passion, so I obtained a master’s degree in Journalism. This is what I love and I wouldn’t go back and change a thing.
I learned the hard way that you must be assertive in this career. At my previous job as an editor, I was working 60 hours a week and suddenly my boss couldn’t pay me. When he did it was weeks late. Since then, I’ve learned that I need to stand up for myself. I make sure that I get paid on time and discuss payment prior to accepting any job. This relates to the most important thing I’ve learned outside of school about the working world. It’s all business. I have to demand what I deserve and be aggressive at times in order to survive.
The strangest thing that’s ever happened to me in this job would be writing articles on subjects like Viagra. I never thought I would write copy for such a wide array of products. On the positive side I’ve learned enough random knowledge to one day be a formidable Jeopardy contestant.
I get up and go to work each day because I find it fulfilling. While I need the money, it’s more than that. One accomplishment I’m proud of is a recent profile I wrote on the life of a man who passed away. It was hard talking to his family so soon after his death. Yet, I put everything I had into the piece and I feel like it did him justice.
There are a few challenges I regularly face. Scheduling interviews can be torture, because of conflicts and deadlines. Also, occasionally a source will have to get back to me with information. While I always tell them my deadline, they don’t always adhere to it, which leaves me scrambling.
My job isn’t overly stressful. I find deadlines motivating. There is nothing like a looming deadline to end procrastination. I definitely maintain a healthy work-life balance.
A rough salary range for a full-time freelance writer is likely around $20,000 to $40,000 per year. I won’t be buying a Mercedes any time soon, but I’m comfortable with my salary and living within my means.
I take a “real” vacation once a year. During the summer I usually spend time down the shore or lounging by a pool. This is enough for me. I need occasional downtime to stay focused and productive.
The education and skills needed to get hired and succeed in this field are fairly rigorous. This is because journalism is in such a flux and jobs are few and far between. As a freelance writer you need a degree in journalism, writing skills, editing skills, and a portfolio of published work. This enables you to form relationships with newspapers, magazines, blogs, and other platforms. Since I am an independent contractor, the companies I write for want to know that I can handle the job without receiving training.
I would tell a friend considering my line of work to do some soul searching. Unless someone truly loves to write and is willing to work hard, the job won’t be lucrative or fulfilling.
If I could write my own ticket, in five years I would open my own yoga studio and write for Yoga Journal.
This is a true career story as told to WritingJobs.org
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