Freelancer Reality
What I wish I knew before going freelance
When I tell people I’m trying to make a go of being a freelance writer, they look at me in disbelief as if I’ve told them I’m going to murder their family dog.
The sheer shock, dismay and even anger I get in response to not wanting a standard 9 to 5 reality still astounds me.
“But what will you do for MONEY?” they cry. “How is that even a stable career?”
Well, it’s not. It’s not stable, it’s not easy and it’s not financially viable.
YET!
See, I chose to become a freelancer because it felt like something was missing in me. I loved my previous job, I loved the people I worked with, but I felt creatively flat and unable to properly dedicate my time to what I love doing - writing.
And apparently being sleep deprived, because what’s a deadline if not a challenge to see how long you can procrastinate before staying up until 4am to meet it?
Why Freelance?
Granted, I didn’t have to be quite so dramatic as to quit my job and move to the country in order to pursue a freelance career. If I had a job that wasn’t already in the world of journalism, I’d have probably gone part time and gradually built up my work, like a sensible sane person.
But the terms and conditions of my job at the time meant that any work I did for anyone else acted as a conflict of interest. It wasn’t a viable option.
So, I had to choose - do I stick with stability, or do I jump into the unknown?
I chose to freelance because I wanted a challenge and to be in charge of how I spend my time. Working with new editors and publications, being able to pitch my own ideas for commission and working towards new projects on my time frame was so appealing.
But there’s another side of it that a lot of people, until you’re already in the thick of it, fail to tell you.
Stress & Imposter Syndrome
Unless you are virtual friends with lots of other freelance journos online, you’ll start to think everyone and their aunt is getting commissioned apart from you.
It’s either an evil algorithm that wants you to see how much better everyone else is compared to you, or everyone truly isbetter than you. I’m still yet to figure it out.
Getting wrapped up in the fact someone else who started doing this freelance thing around the same time as you and seems to be sharing their latest piece three times a week is ok. It’s natural, we all compare whether or not we like to. But it’s the furthest thing from being beneficial.
I make a point to remember that journalism is a tough, brutal mistress. It’s cut throat, competitive, demanding, tiring, sometimes unsatisfying, but it’s worth it. And nobody, unless they’re a copy and paste devil, can write the same way you can. This writing malarky truly does come from within if it’s what you feel you’re meant to do, and that cannot be replicated.
Money Honey
The money side of things, however, ain’t so glam. It’s shocking how little some people get paid to put their heart and soul into a google doc.
It’s also important to remember that very few of us, especially if we’re new to it or aren’t seasoned pros, will not always be earning enough to pay the rent just from being a freelance writer. It’s the other, less exciting but better paid, freelance gigs and part time jobs that pay the bills to start out with for many.
It doesn’t matter how much or how little of your income comes from freelancing. You are still a freelancer, and your work is still valid.
I personally wish there was more transparency in how much people are being paid for their work as freelance writers. It’s hard to gauge whether or not you have room to negotiate, if you can send your own rates, if their rates vary depending on experience and if you’re actually being offered enough unless someone who has been there and done that opens up about what they were able to charge.
It’s most definitely been the hardest part of all of this to navigate. But I’m now at a stage that I accept getting to a place where you’re landing regular, consistent commissions and no longer need the extra work takes time and resilience.
So what now? Well, it’s currently 2am and I’ve just filed a piece of work I’ve been manifesting since I decided to step foot on this rollercoaster freelance ride. So I’m pretty tired, but still so excited to see where this goes. My main takeaway so far however, is thank GOD we can schedule emails and may my sleeping schedule rest in peace.
