Writing Career: Are there Job Security, Benefits, and Rewards?

So you want a successful writing career and to earn your living as a writer. Well, the positive is this - writing can be a rewarding and fulfilling profession for those who love to express themselves in the written form.

However, it is also a challenging way of life, and there are several disadvantages to trying to earn a living as a writer. And I’m sure that aspiring writers are well aware of the pitfalls but they persevere despite them because there is something within that spurs them on to achieve their goal.

So, while writing can provide an outlet for creativity, it can also be a struggle to make ends meet. If you are hell-bent on ‘making it’ as a writer, then in this article, we will explore some of the main disadvantages.

One of the most significant is the financial instability that comes with it. Unlike traditional careers with fixed salaries and benefits, a writer's income is entirely dependent on their ability to sell their work.

Writers typically earn money through book royalties, article fees, or freelance writing assignments. However, the amount of money earned can vary wildly, and there is no guarantee of a stable income. You might need an understanding bank manager to help you through the lean times.

To add insult to injury, writers often have to wait for long periods before receiving payment, which can cause significant cash flow problems. As a result, many writers struggle to meet their financial commitments and this can cause friction with those close to you.

Another black cloud on the horizon is the fierce competition in the industry. With the rise of self-publishing and digital media, anyone can now publish their work online. This has led to a massive influx of new writers, making it more challenging for established writers to stand out in the crowd.

Furthermore, many clients are willing to pay low rates for content, leading to a race to the bottom, where writers are forced to compete on price rather than quality. The result is that many talented writers struggle to find work or receive fair compensation for their efforts.

Depression can stalk a serious writer. The isolation of the writing profession may not suit everyone. If you’re gregarious, or extrovert then a writing career might not be an appropriate choice.

Writing is a solitary pursuit, and many writers spend hours alone in front of a typewriter, computer screen, or blank notepad. While this can be ideal for some introverted individuals who prefer working alone, it can still lead to loneliness and social isolation.

Writers can certainly miss out on the social interaction that comes with a normal job and can find it challenging to connect with other writers. And often a lack of collaboration can stifle creativity, making it harder for writers to develop new ideas and expand their skills.

Are you looking for job security? If so, being a writer can be a negative cerebral activity. Writing is often project-based, with clients hiring writers for a specific task or assignment. Once the project is complete, there is no guarantee of future work. Zilch job security. This factor makes it difficult for writers to plan for the future or build a stable career.

We know that many writers work on a freelance basis, which means that they are not entitled to the same benefits and protections as traditional employees. This can include things like health insurance, paid vacation time, and retirement benefits. If you wish such perks then you will have to finance them out of your own pocket.

The physical toll of writing is not to be underestimated. There is physical as well as mental discomfort and pressure.

Writing often requires long periods of sitting in front of a computer screen, which can lead to back pain, eye strain, and other health issues. This is a common complaint amongst professional writers. The sedentary nature of the job can lead to a lack of physical activity, which can contribute to weight gain and other health problems.

While writers can take steps to mitigate these issues, such as taking frequent breaks and exercising regularly, it can be challenging to balance the demands of writing with the need for physical exercise. Writers, in general, tend to neglect their physical and mental well-being until something happens to make them realize that they are not immortal.

And, one last burden to consider is this: the subjective nature of all writing.

Writing is an art form, and the quality of a writer's work is often a matter of personal opinion. Rejection of that carefully crafted article will always happen, especially in the early days of a writer’s career. Be aware that a writer will always receive criticism or rejection, even if they believe their work is of a high quality.

While constructive criticism can help improve one's craft, it can also be demotivating and lead to self-doubt. I have known writers descend into a spiral of depression because of the constant drip of harsh criticism.

Successful writers are inherently positive, and resilient. They believe in themselves and their abilities. They are always prepared to learn and improve their skills. And they view rejection as a natural by-product of creativity.

If you can embrace such a mindset, you’re halfway there.