6 Signs You’re Ready to Make the Leap Into Freelance Writing
- Carolyn Cabral
- Apr 29
- 4 min read
Changing careers (or starting one) is often nerve-wracking, especially if it involves freelance work. So, if you’re thinking of becoming a freelance writer, it’s natural to worry whether you’ll be successful, whether people will read what you write, and whether they’ll like it. It can be hard to put yourself out there. Then, if you want to try freelancing full-time, you have to consider whether you will make enough to support yourself and how to get by without the benefits provided by a traditional job, too.
On the other hand, freelancing can be incredibly liberating with renowned freedoms, allowing you to take charge of your career trajectory and live life on your own terms. Additionally, because you have the flexibility to set your own working schedule, freelance writing can be a bank-account-boosting way to earn supplemental income or dip your toe into the writing industry before deciding whether you want to write full-time. So, how do you know if life as a freelancer is right for you? Consider these six signs you’re ready to make the leap into freelance writing.
1. You’re Comfortable Working Independently
Freelance writing often involves collaboration with clients and colleagues, but ultimately, you need to be comfortable working independently. As you gain clients and take on more work, you’ll also need to be comfortable setting your own schedule, prioritizing projects, and handling any problems along the way. It’s all on you to make sure you’re creating high-quality work and meeting deadlines.
If you love working independently and feel comfortable with the responsibility of being your own supervisor, you’re ready to begin freelance writing. Don’t worry if you’re still a little nervous. Getting help through coaching or a trial post review will help you build your confidence as you find your footing in the freelance world.
2. You Can Handle Criticism
When you write, you put a little bit of yourself out into the world. That can be a great source of pride, but it also exposes you to criticism. Naturally, no one should have to deal with abuse. However, you need to be able to handle criticism as a freelance writer. Your piece may be rejected, or a client may ask for edits. That’s just part of the game.
Remember, not everyone has the same taste or vision for a particular project. Plus, it may take a while for you to gel with your clients and understand exactly what they’re looking for. Further, if you’re writing about technical or scientific topics, you may need to consult with subject matter experts who ask you to tweak parts of your piece. None of this means you are a bad writer. So, if you view criticism as a necessary part of the writing process or as an opportunity for growth, you’re ready to take the leap into freelance writing.
3. You’re Good at Communicating
Writing is one of the careers that draws introverts. In fact, that’s one of the aspects of freelance writing that many people find appealing. You’re not stuck in an office every day, being forced to make small talk around the water cooler. You don’t have to schmooze the CEO or attend endless pointless meetings, either. However, you do still need to be good at communicating.
Although you mostly work independently as a freelance writer, you need to be comfortable marketing your services, reaching out to potential clients, and resolving conflicts. Many freelance writers also work as independent contractors for businesses, in which case, you need to communicate with your colleagues, too. If you’re confident in your ability to coordinate with others, resolve conflicts, collaborate with colleagues, and establish clear lines of communication, you’re ready to begin freelance writing.
4. You Want More Freedom
Traditional jobs and corporate culture don’t work for a lot of people. Work-life balance is often non-existent, set schedules and long commutes keep you away from home, and being anchored to an office prevents you from traveling for most of the year. You may not be able to spend as much time with your family as you’d like, and if you have a chronic illness or need to care for a family member, you may be unable to work the hours that are required.
Freelance writing opens whole new vistas of freedom and flexibility. You can travel the country or the world as a digital nomad, write from your homestead, balance writing with caregiving, work around medical appointments, write part-time while you go to school, or supplement your existing income. Freelance writing gives you the ability to live and work on your terms, in any way you see fit. If that sounds appealing to you, it’s a sign you’re ready to take the leap into freelance writing.
5. You’ve Thought Through the Practical Aspects of Writing Full Time
Taking the leap into full-time freelance writing isn’t without risks. It takes time to find your groove, build your portfolio, and establish a steady workload. So, if you want to write full-time, it’s important to think through the practical aspects of what that will mean for your life and come up with a financial plan.
For instance, are you covered under your spouse’s insurance, or will you need to buy your own plan? Do you have enough money in the bank to live comfortably while you build your writing career? Do you have the skills you need to jump in full-time, or do you need to learn more about how the industry works first? If you’ve thought through these types of questions and have a plan in place, you’re ready to try freelance writing.
6. You Have a Passion for Writing
Finally, the most important sign that you’re ready to make the leap into freelance writing is simply that you love writing. If you’re passionate about the written word and truly think you’d enjoy freelance writing as a career, you’re ready to take the leap. Everything else can be learned along the way.
Fortunately, there’s plenty of help available to get you started in your new career as a freelance writer. Begin gaining the skills you need with these easy-to-understand guides, or schedule one-on-one support with Dez.
Comments