The Rise of the Freelance Writer

I'm getting tired of the articles about "the great resignation" and how the pandemic drove the work from home revolution.

One of the main reasons is that I was a work-from-home homie years before most of us ever heard of Wuhan, China.

Yet the fact remains. More and more folks are not only choosing to work from home, but they're also deciding to become freelance writers. The looming question I have for them is this.

Why now?

What I mean is, why the heck did it take a pandemic for you to pull the trigger? Why did it take a movement like the great resignation? Why did outside forces need to be the impetus for your "bold" move?

In other words, if it was your dream to #wfh and freelance write, why the fuck didn't you start years ago?

I'm not trying to be harsh. I'm legitimately curious. Because the thing is, if you had started years ago, you would have been way ahead of the curve.

You wouldn't be part of the herd.

You would have avoided all of the "how do I work from home" and "how do I freelance write" questions that are currently flooding social media and Google search. You would have had a few years under your belt to get comfortable with the work-from-home lifestyle and develop your writing skills. And, most importantly, you would have been earning money during all of those years.

But instead, you waited. And now, you're playing catch up.

Or worse, you're seeing other people living the dream you want.

I'm not saying it's impossible to make a successful transition to the work-from-home/freelance writing life. I'm just saying it would have been a lot easier if you had started sooner. But we can't be armchair quarterbacks to our lives, right?

Now more than ever is the time to act…to rise…to write!

The rise of the freelance writer

The freelance writer is an interesting being.

On the one hand, they are beholden to no one. They can pick and choose their clients, work from wherever they please, and set their own rates. On the other hand, they often find themselves struggling to make ends meet, juggling multiple jobs, and constantly scrambling for new work.

And if you really think about it, isn't that kinda sorta already the kind of job you were in before?

I'm not trying to be a Negative Nancy here. I'm just being honest. My friends, because the freelance writing life is not all rainbows and butterflies. It's hard work.

But it can be so rewarding.

The thing that I love most about freelance writing is that I am my own boss. I make my own schedule. I decide what projects to take on and what to say no to.

I am in control of my own destiny.

Plus, a little secret between you and me…I made more as a freelancer in 2021 than ever before.

Ever.

So why is freelance writing such a hot topic?

There are a few key reasons freelance writing has become so popular in recent years.

First, the internet has made it easier than ever to connect with clients and market your services.

Second, more and more people are comfortable working remotely, which means they don't have to commute to an office or other traditional employment setting.

And third, the rise of the gig economy has made it easier for people to find freelance work.

All of these factors have contributed to the rise of the freelance writer. And as the world becomes more and more digitized, I expect that trend to continue.

I hear you, so now what do I do?

Where do you start if you're thinking of making the jump to freelance writing?

Well, first off, it's essential to get clear on your goals and what you want to achieve. What are your writing strengths and weaknesses? What type of work do you want to focus on? What are your rates?

Once you understand your goals, it's time to start networking and marketing yourself. Skip a fancy website right now. Go look for work.

Reach out to friends, family, and acquaintances and let them know you're available for hire.

Finally, join relevant online communities and forums and participate in discussions related to your niche. Scope out Facebook, Discord groups, or real-life meetups.

By taking these simple steps, you'll be on your way to becoming a successful freelance writer.

The final stroke

It is time to take control of your life.

If you are looking for a new way to make money, consider freelance writing and the work-from-home lifestyle.

You will be in charge of when you work, how much you earn, and what projects you choose.

If this sounds like something that interests you or if freelancing already pays part of your bills, then we encourage taking these steps: first, get clear on your goals and desires; second, network with contacts in person or online; third, find relevant communities (Facebook groups) so that people know who you are when they need someone just like yourself!

Now go get 'em, tiger.

>> The freelance writer's life