Is Freelance Writing Worth It? My Honest Opinion

Okay, so you’re thinking about becoming a freelance writer. Maybe you’re dreaming of working from your pajamas, setting your own hours, and finally escaping the dreaded 9-to-5. I get it. I was there too. Honestly, it’s kind of like the siren song of the internet. But is it *actually* worth it? That’s the million-dollar question, isn’t it? And, well, the answer is a bit more nuanced than a simple yes or no. It’s complicated, like most things in life.

The Allure of Freedom (and Flexibility)

Let’s face it, the biggest draw for most people considering freelance writing is the freedom. The freedom to choose your projects, the freedom to work when you’re most productive (for me, that’s definitely *not* before 10 AM), and the freedom to, you know, work from anywhere. I spent three months backpacking through Southeast Asia a few years back, stringing together articles on my laptop from dodgy hostel wifi. That was pretty cool, I gotta admit. Being my own boss, setting my rates, and not having to answer to anyone? It sounds like the perfect life. And sometimes, it is. But that’s just one side of the coin. The other side? Not so glamorous. It’s important to be realistic though. You are your own marketing team, your own sales team, your own accountant, and, yes, your own boss. That can be both empowering and absolutely exhausting. There are days you’ll feel like you’re running a one-person circus. And other days where you nail a high-paying gig, and the whole thing feels absolutely worth it. So it is a rollercoaster to be sure.

The Feast or Famine Reality (and how to avoid it)

One of the biggest challenges of freelance writing is the inconsistent income. It’s the feast or famine cycle. One month you’re swimming in assignments, turning down work left and right. The next? Crickets. Ugh, what a mess! Finding a reliable and steady flow of work is an ongoing battle. I remember one time, back in 2019, I got so cocky after landing a huge contract that I basically stopped prospecting for new clients. Big mistake. Huge. When that contract ended (which it inevitably did), I was scrambling for work, practically begging for scraps. Learned that lesson the hard way. So, how do you avoid the dreaded famine? Diversification is key. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Build relationships with multiple clients, explore different niches, and constantly be marketing yourself. It’s a grind, for sure, but it’s necessary to survive in this game. Using job boards like ProBlogger or Contena can help a little, but networking is usually the best path.

The Imposter Syndrome (and the constant hustle)

Even when you’re successful, the imposter syndrome can creep in. Am I good enough? Am I charging too much? What if my clients realize I’m just winging it? I think everyone feels that sometimes. It’s part of the gig. The other thing is that finding freelance work requires a constant hustle. It’s not just about writing; it’s about marketing, networking, pitching, and following up. It can be draining, especially if you’re not naturally a salesperson. Plus, there’s the administrative stuff: invoicing, tracking expenses, taxes… It’s all on you. Nobody is taking care of the back-end for you, and if you don’t, well, you don’t get paid. I use Freshbooks for invoicing and time tracking which has helped me a lot. Was I the only one surprised at how much admin work there was? Honestly, sometimes I think I spend more time on admin than I do writing. Funny thing is that most of us freelance writers got into the gig to *write* not do admin.

So, Is It Worth It? (My personal take)

So, after all that, is freelance writing worth it? For me, personally, the answer is yes. But with caveats. It’s not a get-rich-quick scheme, and it’s not always easy. It requires hard work, discipline, and a willingness to constantly learn and adapt. But the freedom and flexibility are worth it to me. I love being able to choose my projects, set my own hours, and work from anywhere in the world. That Southeast Asia trip? Would not have been possible otherwise. However, you need to be honest with yourself. Are you self-motivated? Are you comfortable with uncertainty? Can you handle rejection? If the answer to these questions is no, then freelance writing might not be for you. But if you’re willing to put in the work, learn from your mistakes (and trust me, you’ll make plenty), and embrace the hustle, then it can be an incredibly rewarding career. Just go in with your eyes open. And maybe keep a stash of ramen in the pantry, just in case.

A Quick Anecdote About Undercharging (and learning from it)

I totally remember when I first started out I was so afraid of scaring away potential clients that I massively undercharged for my services. I was basically working for peanuts, and it burned me out *fast*. I stayed up until 2 a.m. sometimes, writing for what felt like pennies per word. It wasn’t sustainable. It wasn’t until I stumbled upon a freelance writing community online that I realized I was seriously undervaluing my skills. Seeing other writers command much higher rates gave me the confidence to raise my own. It was scary, but it was also the best thing I ever did for my career. Don’t be afraid to know your worth. And don’t be afraid to ask for it.

The Future of Freelance Writing (and staying relevant)

Who even knows what’s next? The field is constantly evolving. AI writing tools are changing the game, for better or worse. It’s more important than ever to stay ahead of the curve, learn new skills, and adapt to the changing landscape. If you are curious, you might want to dig into other articles about the gig economy. The key is to be a lifelong learner and never stop improving your craft. If you do that, then you’ll be well-positioned to thrive in the world of freelance writing, no matter what the future holds.