Am I Good Enough to be a Freelance Writer?

What writer hasn’t Googled this at some point in their career?

I’ve stared at countless freelance job boards, wondering, Am I a good enough writer to do this?

As a matter of fact, I just had a job opportunity come across my desk this past week, and that same old panicky question still popped its nasty little head up.

So often, the jobs that come our way are on topics we have absolutely zero experience with.

I’m currently writing a blog about student loans for doctors.

One, I’ve never had student loans.

Two, I am most definitely not a doctor.

But here I am, doing the thing and writing the stuff.

I’m not saying this for a pat on the back. I’m saying it to let you know how real that question actually is.

So this blog is for all the writers asking that exact thing. And no, this isn’t about how to become perfect. It’s about giving you the push to start.

What “Good Enough” Even Means (and Why We’ve Made it Way too Dramatic)

Have you ever had this spiral of thoughts while trying to find freelance jobs?

• I’m not an English major. What am I doing?

• What actually is a semicolon?

• Can I even write more than seven sentences on this topic?

• Am I overestimating myself?

• Do I look like a fraud?

Whew.

The thoughts trying to plague us can feel heavy sometimes. We think there are all these invisible standards we have to meet before we’re allowed to even begin.

Here’s the thing.

A lot of clients aren’t looking for perfect.

They’re looking for writers who can solve problems and meet deadlines. Writers who work well with

others and can communicate clearly.

That’s it.

The Confidence Trap: Why Almost Everyone Feels Under-qualified

Before I became a mom, I worked in an office every day. I had a team of ten people who reported to me. I met with community leaders often. I always looked polished and professional.

Today, I’m writing in my sweatpants while finishing the goldfish crackers my four-year-old got tired of.

Even with all the real-world experience I’ve got under my belt, I still have days where I feel grossly underqualified.

And honestly, I think part of that comes from the change in my daily structure. I would never trade this season for the world, but being out of a traditional work routine can quietly create doubt.

And it’s not just stay-at-home moms.

People in career changes feel this way. People coming from non-writing backgrounds feel this way.

Then you scroll through LinkedIn and it looks like everyone else has it all figured out.

That’s usually when imposter syndrome shows up.

Here’s something really important I’ve learned.

Just because you feel unsure doesn’t mean you aren’t capable.

A Much Better Question Than “Am I Good Enough?”

Instead of wondering if you’re good enough, I want you to start asking yourself a few different questions.

Can I help someone?

Can I learn new things?

Can I put myself out there?

Can I be brave?

When you shift the focus, the answers usually land in a much better place.

Five Signs You Might Already Be Ready to Freelance

Sign 1: You can explain things clearly

I’m not talking about big, flowery words. Can you explain an idea from start to finish in a way that makes sense?

Sign 2: You’re comfortable learning as you go

There are so many tools out there to help you become a better writer. Google and YouTube are your friends. And yes, so is the Pajama Writer.

Sign 3: You finish things

Most of the people you write for don’t get to work from home in sweatpants. They have real deadlines and expect you to meet them. This is basic business 101.

Sign 4: You’ve written in real life already

Anything counts.

Have you written a blog or a newsletter? Do you write long social posts that actually get attention?

What about school projects?

Yes. All of that counts.

Sign 5: You care how your writing lands

You understand that when you’re writing for a client, you’re writing for them, not for yourself. You care about your final product, and you take pride in your work.

What You Actually Need to Start (and What You Really Don’t)

Here’s what you actually need to get started.

• A few writing samples. Check out more Pajama Writer blogs for inspiration.

• The ability to match your client’s voice.

• A simple way to put yourself out there as a writer.

Eventually, as your business grows, you can pick a niche and build a fancy website with a fancy portfolio.

But those things are not required to get your business off the ground.

The Uncomfortable Truth: Confidence Usually Shows Up After Action

Most freelancers don’t feel ready when they start.

But they start anyway.

And sometimes it’s messy. Sometimes it feels awkward. And sometimes you second guess yourself way more than you’d like.

That’s okay.

The more you do, the more confidence you build.

A lot of the time, you really do have to start scared.

That job I mentioned earlier, the one that made my doubt pop back up? Instead of ignoring it, I’m giving it a real shot.

You don’t actually know what you’re capable of until you try.

So… Are You Good Enough?

Yes.

If you’re sitting on the couch late at night scrolling job boards and wondering if you’re kidding yourself, you’re exactly where most of us started.

You don’t need to feel ready. You just need to be willing to try.

And if you want a little support while you figure out those first steps, Dez and the tools inside the Pajama Writer can help make starting feel a lot less overwhelming.