If you do a freelance writing related Twitter search, you’ll notice many people who aren’t, or weren’t, writers by trade using writing and blogging as a way to keep afloat after losing their day jobs. I left my job to become a freelance writer, but many in the business today didn’t. I know a few laid off accountants, lawyers and teachers who turned to freelancing as a way to keep the money flowing while they look for work.
I have a friend who is an excellent writer, but he doesn’t write. He’s been out of work for several months so I suggested he try freelancing. He now has a couple of gigs lined up and things aren’t looking as bad as they did a few weeks ago. Another writer friend complained about all the “non freelance writers” making the game more competitive. I disagree. Clients will hire the best person for the job regardless of if there’s 20 applications or 200. The way I see it, anything that keeps the money flowing in this economy is a very good thing. This same writer also complained that newer writers might not be qualified. True, there’s some people who aren’t very good writers trying to make a go at it, but that happens with any professional. Besides just because someone didn’t set out to become a writer, doesn’t mean he isn’t good at it.
The web opened up so many new jobs – freelance writers, web developers, social media people. Can you imagine how many of out of work people would be standing on the unemployement line or even having to go on welfare after running out of unemployement? That’s why I’m fan of certain web content sites, because they provide jobs when jobs aren’t plenty.
Freelance writing is saving the world, and I’m so proud to see so many new writers succeed.
I agree!
I’m an engineer and a programmer, but I write for my own blogs now mostly.
I’ve also done consulting in the past, and there is a lot of very focused writing required in the consulting business.
Freelance writing has definitely helped me when my day job cut out the overtime that my family depended on.
Freelance writing is putting me through college and helping me keep my sanity! When the economy crashed I thought I’d end up working part-time office jobs for the rest of my life. Freelancing is helping me inch closer to my ultimate goal of becoming a novelist.
Excellent post. Also, its good for people who don’t like working traditional 9 to 5 schedules. You work at your own pace and it’s more freedom.
Thank goodness for freelancing! Being unemployed for almost a year after college graduation had me in the dumps. Freelancing offered me less stress and unlimited earnings potential. The world is saved:)
Just wish I had found out about it sooner:/
Wanting to become a full-time freelancer, but the lack of medical coverage is keeping me at my present employment!
Great positive positive message! Thank you for posting!
As a new freelancer, I have faced much criticism from traditional journalists and even friends in the vein of “she just woke up and decided she wanted to be a writer”, when in fact I have always been a writer. I just had never thought of doing it professionally until thru kizmit, I was given the opportunity – and I loved it!
Hopefully those who have been in the business awhile will lose the chips on their shoulders and choose a path of mentoring/partnership than that of cut-throat competitor.
I agree with Erin! I’ve been in fashion for years, but have found a way to combine an industry that I fell into (fashion) with something that I’ve always had a knack for (writing).
Don’t get me wrong, I’m working harder than I ever have in my life on writing projects, proposals as well as enduring rejections and of course, the zero response crowd.
That’s the type of post you won’t find so often on freelance writing blogs. People are generally busy complaining about all the competition they have to face. So I love your approach to this topic. It’s not about “more people to compete against,” but rather “more people being able to earn a decent and honest living,” which is a wonderful thing as I see it.