Don’t Forget the “Freelance” Part of Freelance Writing Work

If you choose to work from home as a freelance writer, it's important to remember that you're just that – a freelancer. You're not an employee, which means that you can't technically be "hired" or "fired". You can sign a contract with a client, and that contract can be ended or terminated. However, there's never a guarantee of future work, unless it's stipulated in your contract. 

Far too often, as I read on forums, blogs, and websites, I notice an attitude of entitlement from freelancers. Entitlement to certain working conditions, certain actions on the behalf of clients, and certain availability of assignments. Unfortunately, uncertainty is the nature of the beast when you're a full time freelancer. This is why I will never, ever recommend that you freelance full time for only one client. If they suddenly go under, make your position obsolete, or simply don't need any more content in your niche for awhile, your income could be gone tomorrow. I've yet to see a freelance client promise anyone full time work – yet I regularly see freelancers who labor away under this impression, only to end up disappointed and scrambling for income when the client makes changes to their business plan. 

I freelance for multiple private and corporate clients, which add up to a full time income. In general, I try to have at least three major income streams. I also maintain accounts with many smaller, lower paying content companies, so that in a pinch, the bills will still be paid. I market on Twitter. I network on forums. I spend money on advertisements, sales, and more. I don't sit around and hope that work falls into my lap – I spend time each day going out and looking for it. 

Even when I have "enough" work, I still look for leads. I still apply for jobs. I still keep my resume and samples updated. There's no guarantee that I'll have enough work next week, or next month. Instead, I keep my options open, and I constantly brainstorm new income streams. I'm working on several passive income streams, as well, with a goal of earning enough passive income to cover the basic bills. 

A key element of success as a freelance writer is to stop thinking of yourself as an employee, and start thinking of yourself as a business owner. Market yourself, market your content, and seek out high paying private clients. Don't depend solely on content mills for work, and don't whine when the work isn't exactly what you've always dreamed of. Instead, build your brand and market yourself to your dream clients. Before you know it, you'll be loving every second of what you do! 

Tags: freelance writing work