Freelancing, one of the fastest growing careers, is entirely different for each person. It can mean long-term contract work that seems more corporate than freelance, on going projects, or quite literally living paycheck to paycheck. And you can basically freelance in any industry, though of course writing and blogging is where I can say with most certainty: it’s a ride. Freelance life can be very hard. But it grants us freedoms that a lot of people don’t have. Growing up in a family full of people with truly difficult, sometimes thankless jobs, I’m grateful that I’m able to spend my days either writing or editing or creating. It’s simple as that. I get to do what I’ve always wanted to do.
As far as difficulty, for me, most of the roadblocks I come across are mental: I wonder if this is right for me, if I’m doing things how I should, if I’m making my mark, being fulfilled (fulfillment is my word of 2015), etc. But I don’t think any of the traditional jobs I might have would come anywhere near what I do now. So this post for those thinking freelance isn’t for them anymore, especially if you’re in your first year or two. Ask yourself the questions I do. By the end I think you’ll feel yourself siding one way or another.
1. Is there another job that would allow you to do what you do?
The un-structure of freelance is often why we question it. Whether writing, design, photography, etc., the root of what we do is not the problem. We still want to do that thing. Freelance certainly isn’t the only way to do it, so if you’re questioning, find out what other jobs allow you to do x, but potentially in a way that suits you better. When I think of whether there’s another job that will allow me to be an editor and do other creative things (social media, photography, crafting, business), I know immediately that’s unlikely.
2. Is it a problem of fulfillment? How will a traditional job solve it?
Like I said, this is my biggest issue, and it comes when I feel like I’ve spent an entire week or month on projects that make me question the bigger picture. Here’s the thing, as a freelancer, you still have to do plenty of things you wouldn’t choose. It’s tough in creative fields because you feel like you’re putting your heart into something that doesn’t 100% reflect you. The harsh reality is that it won’t reflect you all the time, but your skills and work. If this becomes a major problem, you should think about whether a traditional job would remedy this. For me, the answer is most likely no.
When I get in a funk, I know that just means I need to put myself into a more personal project (my blog, free writing, crafting, etc.)–something a traditional job wouldn’t allow much time for. But this could be totally different for you, a different job could be the answer.
3. Do you need a routine?
Sometimes the uncertainty gets to me because as much as I like to think I’m up for anything, I’m wired to chase the routine. If the lack of structure is the problem, there are plenty of ways to create routine in even the most uncertain settings, you just have to be creative. You could block out time for certain tasks, incorporate regular breaks, set “office hours” (even if you work from the couch), or create a schedule of your choosing. Keep creating and recreating this structure until one sticks, but try them on long enough to get in a rhythm.
You need to have exhausted all your possibilities before this can be a big enough reason to outweigh the benefits of freelancing.
Asking myself these questions usually helps me put things in perspective. It makes me realize that I just need to look at things differently. I need to find ways to improve my structure and systems, and make sure I’m taking time to work on my own creative projects (which will ultimately lead to sharper skills and better work). If you ask yourself this and come to the same conclusion, you have a few more methods to try. If you have exhausted those possibilities and you do find yourself dreaming of x job, your time is probably better spent working on your portfolio and resume.
Have you found yourself questioning freelance or your creative biz?
I’ve done some craft post, ghost writing in the past, and it’s left me feeling like if I were going to spend the time, I should be doing it for my own site, not someone elses… As for me, it was something I’ve done on the side for extra money, not something I’m doing full time… I can only imagine how hard it is to force yourself to write about something that’s not your preferred subject, or put your heart into an idea, for someone else…
If only we had magic fingers Angela!!
My career has mostly been a mix of finding a new job every 3-6 months and hoping for something stable through most of the year. I’m used to working for many different companies, which is why I originally though about freelance and still do. I am getting ready to start an internship to gain more skills and knowledge of areas I’m interested in freelancing for, but I’m open to anything at this point. For the past few months I’ve mostly been working on developing and growing my blog, and would love to do it full-time, but I have seen how much work, organization, and dedication it takes. Freelance is not easy or for everyone!
I have been doing a full time office job for many years now, and I keep gravitating towards working as a freelancer, even though I have an opportunity working from home few days a week at my current job. Your article helped me to understand a bit better whether I want to be a freelancer or not. And I think I want to 🙂
Thank you.