I have been a freelancer for a couple of years now and this life definitely has its ups and downs. But the ups outweigh the downs massively for my current life, which is why I am still freelance. I truly enjoy the freedom being my own boss brings but sometimes it can get really frustrating. It is getting harder and harder to find good paying freelance writing jobs these days. Many of the writing job opportunities I find online are offering to pay the writers peanuts and some of these websites were the jobs are posted want a commission from the fees as well, which makes it even more frustrating.
My issue with many freelance writing jobs
I don’t bother applying for low paying freelance jobs. The money has to be worth my time, effort and experience, or I wouldn’t apply for it. There is no point accepting low paying freelance writing jobs just to survive. I rather focus on other streams of income than do that. At the end of the day, I am offering well written and researched articles. So if you want them, you would need to pay a fee I am happy to accept. I see a lot of ridiculous offers online, like $5 for a 500 word article or £10 for a 500 word article. That is just mad. I can’t imagine working for such low fees. I won’t be able to survive in the United Kingdom earning even £20 for a 500 word article. That is just way too low but I know that amount may be good money in other parts of the world, which is why these low paying freelance writing jobs exist in the first place.
These days I don’t bother applying for freelance writing jobs. Many of the jobs come to me through Fashion and Style Police and my social media platforms, and that works great for me. I rather have a few clients that pay good money than many low paying clients paying peanuts. The fact that I have other streams of income helps massively. I am not under so much stress because I know I have other avenues to make money. This may not be the case if I was a full time freelance writer. Which is why I always advise people to have as many streams of income when they are self employed. Relying on just one way of making money may be dangerous long term.
Do you freelance? How are you finding it?
My freelance jobs tend to come to me as well, via my blog. I think that is the beauty of having been around such a long time, I have a good base of repeat customers. Mich x
Oh lovely. Yes being around for a bit definitely helps xx
I used to but I don’t anymore. I find I can make more money writing for my own site with my own ideas!
Yes. Most copywriting jobs don’t pay well.
Like you, my jobs come through my blog and although I have applied in the past, I just don’t have the time now LOL
I understand what you mean completely.
I understand your frustrations big time, for me my biggest thing is now these companies are coming to me offering peanuts so these days I just delete and don’t bother responding beyond my budget is.
It is super annoying. I ignore them too!
I’ve done a little freelance but more from my blog . I’m only 2 years I’m so hopefully it’ll progress
I am sure it will.
Yes I agree sometimes the payment is just so low and not worth all the time and effort that goes in but then again it’s not all that bad and we get to choose our own hours
Laura x
Yes it is great for my blog clients. I love I can pick my hours.
I’d love to freelance but I don’t know where to start.
It depends on what you want to do exactly. Try looking around on Linkedin and Twitter for ideas.
This is really informative. For someone who does some freelance work in his spare time, this is exactly what I was looking for. Thanks!
Glad you like the post.
Hi! I really enjoyed your article. Thing is that I am one of those new freelancers who are relying on those low paying jobs just for the sake of getting clients. I know I have to get out of it someday but fear is holding me back. Seeing your blog, I wanted to ask you a question-
Can a writer delve into fashion writing even if he/she does not have an official degree or accolade in fashion? I mean do they stand a chance to grow their fashion writing business in this competitive field?
Love your blog. If you have time then have look at mine 🙂
Ishani
Of course you can. You don’t have to have an official degree in fashion to write about it. Good luck with it all. Thanks for reading.