To be a freelance writer is to be a glutton for punishment. You take on twice as many projects, you get paid half as much, and you’re expected to do it all with the fortitude of a doctor.
Not only are you expected to have the ability to write in any tone, genre or style, but you also have to behave like a PR maven and become your own best salesperson. To make matters worse, publications either don’t pay or pay very little for freelance work.
Yet there are still plenty of reasons why people flock to freelance writing–and why journalism jobs might not be so great after all.
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Freelance writing offers more flexibility and independence than traditional journalism jobs. |
| The rise of digital media has led to a decline in traditional journalism positions. |
| Freelance writing allows for a broader range of topics and niches to explore. |
| Freelancers have the opportunity to earn a higher income through diverse writing projects. |
| Freelance writing provides the freedom to work from anywhere, without geographic limitations. |
| Journalism jobs often come with job instability and uncertainty in the current media landscape. |
| Freelance writing allows for self-expression and the ability to choose projects that align with personal interests. |
| Freelancers can build a diverse portfolio and expand their professional network. |
| The gig economy and remote work trends have contributed to the growth of freelance writing opportunities. |
| Freelance writing offers a pathway to entrepreneurial endeavors and building a personal brand. |
1. Journalism Jobs Are Disappearing Because Of The Internet
Journalists have been in a state of decline for years now, but it’s only recently that we’ve seen their jobs start to disappear at a faster rate than usual.
That’s because more and more people are getting their news online and not necessarily from professional journalists either (though they can still find them).
Journalism isn’t dead; it’s just changing. And while this may sound scary to some people who rely on journalism as part of their career path.
This trend opens up lots of opportunities for journalists who want to make freelance writing their full-time job or even supplement their income with freelance writing gigs on flexible schedules or only when they need some extra cash.
As a freelancer, it’s important to understand that freelancing is not just a side gig—it can be a full-fledged business. Treat it like one and reap the rewards. Check out our article on why you should treat freelancing like a business to discover the keys to success.
2. Many Journalists Are Being Hired As Freelancers
If you have journalism skills, then you can probably find work as a freelancer. Freelance writing jobs are growing in number and popularity because they allow individuals to work from home and make their hours.
Many journalists are leaving the 9-5 grind to pursue freelance positions because it offers greater flexibility and more freedom than working at a publication office.
This trend is especially true for those who want to work remotely freelancing gives them that opportunity while also providing steady paychecks to clients who need their services (and skills).
3. In-House Writers Have A Bright Future
The in-house writer is responsible for writing copy for the company website, newsletter, and blog. They also write press releases and marketing materials.
The in-house writer is a key member of the marketing team and often serves as the voice of your brand online, which means they must know what their audience wants to hear about you and how you can better serve them through your content.
This job requires creativity, strategic thinking skills, and plenty of self-discipline (because deadlines are real).
Contract clauses play a crucial role in protecting freelancers’ rights and ensuring fair working conditions. Familiarize yourself with the essential contract clauses every freelancer should know. Learn more in our comprehensive guide on design contract clauses for valuable insights and tips.
4. The Economy Is In Crisis, And People Are Worried About Their Careers
The fourth reason journalism jobs are getting the boot and freelancing is thriving: The economy is in crisis, and people are worried about their careers.
Journalists who have lost their jobs or been assigned to less than exciting beats have joined the ranks of freelancers in droves not only because it’s an excellent way for them to make some money, but also because they enjoy being writers.
Freelance writing offers many opportunities for people with various skill sets who are looking for work from journalism to content marketing to freelance blogging. If you want to write but don’t want a 9-to-5 job and all its associated stressors, freelancing might be right up your alley!
5. Freelancers Set Their Hours And Work From Anywhere
You’re not chained to a desk from 9 am to 5 pm. You can work from anywhere, and the opportunities for remote work are only growing. You can choose your hours and find a schedule that works best for you.
Maybe you want to take care of your kid during the day while they nap, so you wake up early and knock out some articles before heading off to work at your normal job in the afternoons?
Maybe there are certain days where you just don’t feel like leaving the house (maybe even today?), so it would be great if there were some easy way to do this? Well, luckily there is!
You get paid top dollar because people know they can count on you being available when they need you and since most freelance writers already have flexible schedules anyway (many freelancers tend towards introverted personalities).
It makes sense for them to offer their services as an independent contractor rather than as an employee who might not be making ends meet on a nine-to-five basis anyway
Freelancing offers a wide range of job opportunities across various industries. Whether you’re interested in writing, design, marketing, or more, explore the different types of freelance jobs and find your niche. Read our article on the different types of freelance jobs opportunities to discover exciting possibilities.
6. Writers Can Earn More Money By Working For Themselves Than For Someone Else
In the world of journalism, writers are kings. They have control over their work and they can make more money by working for themselves than they can by working for someone else.
If you’ve ever worked in an office environment, you probably know how this works: if your boss tells you to write a report on how often people use the bathroom at work (a hypothetical but probably accurate request).
It’s hard to charge much more than minimum wage because your wages are set. And if he doesn’t like the price tag? Tough luck!
But freelancers don’t have that problem. Because there’s no company behind them paying their salary, freelancers can charge whatever price their market will bear.
And usually, it does bear higher prices than an in-house writer would get paid for writing the same piece of content because demand is high and supply is low when it comes to freelance writers who know what they’re doing.
7. Freelance Writing Is A Good Fit For People Who Want To Explore Their Creative Side And Make Money Doing Something They Love Doing
Freelance writing is a good fit for people who want to explore their creative side, and it can also be a great opportunity for those looking to expand their portfolios.
The beauty of freelance writing is that you get to work on projects that interest you while making money doing something you love.
Freelance writers have the opportunity to reach a wider audience than they would be able to with print publications.
They may also earn more money than they would if they were working for someone else since freelancers don’t have employers who take a cut of their earnings (or require them to write about things that don’t interest them).
Freelancing can be a rewarding career choice, but it’s essential to learn from the mistakes of others to avoid common pitfalls. Gain valuable insights from experienced freelancers and discover the 10 mistakes to avoid in our article on freelancing mistakes as a designer. Learn how to navigate the freelance world more effectively.
8. Writing Online Offers Writers An Opportunity To Reach A Wider Audience Than They Would Be Able To With Print Publications
In a previous section, we talked about how the popularity of online writing has led to a decrease in print journalism jobs. But what does this mean for writers?
Well, it means that you can reach a wider audience than ever before. With online writing and digital media, you have the chance to reach people from all over the world who may not live near your hometown or even within driving distance from your house (and would therefore never be able to attend one of your book readings).
You can write for new audiences as well as people who have different interests than those who read print publications, which means more opportunities to connect with readers who will enjoy your work!
Additionally, because there is so much demand for content on the internet today especially with all these sites popping up every day you’ll find there are many places where you can write without having an established publication first. In other words:
You don’t necessarily need experience working at traditional news outlets before becoming a freelance writer; just do it!
9. Freelancers Can Build A Portfolio Of Work That Can Help Them Find A Job In The Future
Freelancers can build a portfolio of work that can help them find a job in the future if they are ever laid off or fired from their current company. Many journalists are now working as freelancers, and this is why journalism jobs get the boot and freelance writing is thriving.
You see, journalists have to publish articles regularly to keep their readership interested, so they don’t have time to do everything themselves. That’s where freelancers come in!
They can write an article for you quickly and efficiently without disrupting your schedule because you’re busy with other things (like trying not to get fired).
You send them your assignment guidelines via email or Google Docs along with payment info (and if necessary payment terms), then relax knowing that your story will be written by someone who knows what they’re doing!
By building up a portfolio of work over time and showing off your skill set you’ll be able to demonstrate that you know what it takes for success: deadlines met; clients satisfied; stories told well.
10. Freelance Writing Has Become More Popular And Many Journalists Are Now Working As Freelancers
Freelance writing is more popular than ever before and many journalists are now working as freelancers. The internet has made it easier to find freelance writing jobs, making it the perfect place to start your search.
The beauty of freelance writing is that you can work from anywhere in the world and there are no set hours. You have complete freedom over what you write about, who you write for and when you work.
You also have more flexibility if there is an emergency with a family member or friend or any other situation which could affect your income for the month.
Working as a freelance writer can offer flexibility and independence, but it comes with its own challenges and rewards. Discover firsthand experiences and insights in our article on working full-time as a freelance writer. Gain a deeper understanding of the freelance writer’s journey and find inspiration for your own career.
Conclusion
Last but not least, journalism has changed a lot in just the last 10 years. With the decline of newspapers, fewer and fewer journalists are being hired to work as full-time employees at these organizations.
Even if they were hired, however, journalists would be restricted by their employers to only write about what those organizations think is important which means that with freelancing you have much more freedom than ever before when it comes time for your own career advancement goals.
As mentioned before: many journalists freelance alongside their day jobs (sometimes) because they want or need extra income streams from various sources.
The great thing about this setup is that you can choose which projects interest you most instead of having someone else decide what’s best for them.
So if one month there aren’t any interesting pieces coming up at work don’t worry! There will always be something waiting around the corner just waiting to grab your attention – even if it doesn’t quite match what’s currently happening inside an organization right now…
We hope this post helped explain why freelance journalism might make more sense than working full-time as an employee at an agency or media outlet.
Further Reading
6 Terrible Reasons to Become a Freelance Writer: Explore the pitfalls and misconceptions surrounding freelance writing and learn why it’s important to approach it with realistic expectations.
Enhance Your Freelance Writing Skills: Discover valuable tips and techniques to improve your freelance writing skills and enhance your overall effectiveness as a writer.
The Key Factor that Predicts Freelance Writing Success: Uncover the crucial factor that can determine your success as a freelance writer and gain insights into how to cultivate and leverage it.
And here’s the FAQs section based on the semantic of the TITLE, with five questions and answers in H3 format:
FAQs
What are some common misconceptions about freelance writing?
Freelance writing is often misunderstood. Some common misconceptions include thinking it’s an easy way to make quick money, that you don’t need any particular skills, or that you’ll have a constant stream of clients without marketing efforts. In reality, freelance writing requires hard work, skill development, and proactive marketing to be successful.
How can I improve my freelance writing skills?
Improving your freelance writing skills involves a combination of practice, continuous learning, and seeking feedback. You can enhance your skills by reading extensively, studying different writing styles, taking relevant courses, and regularly honing your craft through writing exercises and assignments.
What factors contribute to freelance writing success?
Several factors contribute to freelance writing success, including consistent client acquisition efforts, high-quality work, meeting deadlines, effective communication, adaptability, and building a professional reputation. Developing a strong network, honing your niche expertise, and delivering exceptional customer service can also contribute to long-term success.
How do I find freelance writing opportunities?
Finding freelance writing opportunities requires a proactive approach. You can start by building an online presence through a professional website or blog, networking with other writers and industry professionals, joining freelance job platforms, pitching your services to potential clients, and leveraging social media platforms to showcase your work and attract clients.
How can I overcome writer’s block as a freelance writer?
Writer’s block is a common challenge for freelance writers. To overcome it, you can try various strategies such as taking breaks, changing your environment, practicing freewriting, setting realistic goals, seeking inspiration from other sources, brainstorming, and using prompts. Experiment with different techniques to find what works best for you and helps you overcome writer’s block effectively.
Costantine Edward is a digital marketing expert, freelance writer, and entrepreneur who helps people attain financial freedom. I’ve been working in marketing since I was 18 years old and have managed to build a successful career doing what I love.