If you answered no then maybe it’s time to rethink your freelance writing career.
Most freelancers will openly admit to being passionate about what they do, be it writing, designing, programming, whatever. But when the going gets tough – and trust me aspiring freelancers, it will get really tough – do you have what it takes to persevere?
Let me put it another way. James of Men with Pens fame recently asked on Twitter:
If you had to stop doing one thing off your list, would you choose something that had brought you money, noteriety [sic] or satisfaction?
Would You Choose to Drop Money?
I suspect James has a post up his sleeve that will analyse his question and the three possible answers in the very near future. Regardless I won’t delve into it too deeply here.
It did however get me thinking about what drives a freelancer to succeed while so many others fail. In my not so humble opinion I believe that driving force to be passion and again that passion can be “measured” by your response to James’ question.
Drop satisfaction and effectively you’re not doing what makes you happy. Give up freelancing and go back to your 9 to 5.
Drop notoriety and you’re missing out on building a reputation. But you’ll still get paid and you’ll be happy right? C’mon, that’s hardly a test for true passion!
Which leaves us with “drop money”. Now we’re talking! Would you do what you do if you didn’t get paid for it? Yes you’ll be happy, yes you’ll gain notoriety but you absolutely will not make money from it.
In many ways this is what it’s like for the aspiring freelancer and to an extent the established ones as well. When you start out there’ll be little work as you build your portfolio, create writing clips and sell yourself to potential clients. Then there’s the feast or famine cycle to contend with break.
It’s at these times that the freelancer must reach inside for that passion, in order to persevere and to eventually succeed.
Are you passionate about what you do? Do you live your dream or dream your life? What are you doing or what have you done to demonstrate it?
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{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
I would write even if no one read it. My blog is a great place for me to try ideas out, record thoughts and shift my mental furniture about.
I know not everyone has that but I cherish it. The fact people read my blog and keep coming back is lovely.
Benjaminbrum’s last blog post..Things that make me cry….
@Benjaminbrum Your blog is a prime example of a passionate writer at work. The thought provoking posts clearly draw in the subscribers. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, ideas and mental furniture
I would continue to write and take pictures even if no one read it. For me, blogging is a learning process. Each post and picture is part of me, even the research I do for a particular post, is enjoyable.
My blog is my dream. I’m not making any money on my blog (yet), but I still love it and would continue to do it regardless…………………:)
LisaNewton’s last blog post..Palm Trees, a Famous Bakery, and Mexican Food
You haven’t been paid for your photography talents Lisa?
Writing for pleasure is something I’d love to keep in my life. But when you’re a freelance writer who also writes for pay, writing becomes your life, plain and simple.
Clients want writing. Partners want writing. Your blog wants writing. You need to comment, to Twitter, to guest post, to write portfolio pieces, to build assets… writing consumes everything.
So, time to cut back, right? Do you drop the guest posts that bring you clients and fame? Do you drop the clients to build your reputation and starve? Do you choose the best-paying work, even if you hate it?
These are questions freelancers will have to ask themselves. We’re not talking hobbies, here. We’re talking what cutbacks to make to find the right level of what works for you when writing is everything you have.
Tough stuff!
James Chartrand – Men with Pens’s last blog post..Are You Doing What You Do Best?
@ James, good questions. I guess it would mean striking the right balance. In the end you need happiness, notoriety and money as @SarKE pointed out on Twitter earlier today.
Marc, yupp, on money from photography. I basically just started a couple of months ago, and I’m still learning. For me, it’s very relaxing to discover LA with my camera and then write about it.
But, hey, if someone wants to pay me, I won’t refuse…………………:)
Lisa, only a couple of months? Wow. You have an eye for it definitely. With a bit more exposure (pun not intended) you should be able to get some paid photography work I would think.