Free Lance Writing Pros and Cons

Writing can be both difficult and rewarding.  It is certainly a creative outlet, but there is also a technical aspect involved in any linguistic pursuit.  So it takes a particular type of mind to really make a career out of writing.  It can bring about feelings of euphoria (when you’re on a roll) or total depression (as the nefarious writer’s block strikes at random), but it is almost never boring.  However, freelance writing, in particular, has its own special challenges and benefits.  So before you leap at the chance to be your own boss (to an extent), examine some of the pros and cons associated with becoming a writer for hire.

1. Work from home.  PRO:  The major benefit of contract writing is that you can do it from the comfort of your cozy office.  You can formulate a routine that works with your lifestyle and avoid the constant interruptions inherent in an office setting.  Bonus: appropriate attire includes pajamas and you’ll avoid the morning commute!  CON:  You will literally have only your cat for companionship.  Freelance writers can become very isolated if they don’t make an effort to get out of the house once in awhile.  You also face constant distractions like pets that need attention, a house that could stand a little cleaning, and your evil arch-nemesis, daytime television.
2. Set your own schedule.  PRO: If you want to go to lunch with friends, sneak in some time at the gym, or take in an afternoon movie, there is absolutely no reason you can’t schedule it in.  The flexibility is what draws most people to at-home work.  CON: You are solely responsible for how your time is allocated.  That means you have to be diligent when it comes to setting work hours and sticking to them.  If you thought you could earn a living by rising at the crack of noon and working for a couple of hours in the afternoon, you were dreaming.  And there is no one to blame but yourself if you can’t pay the bills.
3. Variety.  PRO:  The great thing about freelance writing (as opposed to other types) is that you will enjoy a constantly changing palette of subject matter.  This means that you will most likely be learning new things all the time and you can avoid the boredom of expounding upon the same topics all the time.  CON:  Freelance writing requires you to be a sort of pen-slinging jack of all trades since at any given time you might have to tackle a vast array of topics from computer technology to nursing degrees to eco-friendly home-building to shopping for wedding dresses.  It all depends on the work that comes your way.  For an individual who is not comfortable with research or has a hard time elucidating subjects on which they lack expert knowledge, this can be an extremely challenging and stressful aspect of the job.
4. Multiple clients.  PRO:  Since you are basically your own boss, you can take on as few or as many clients as you wish, and only accept repeat business from the ones you like, ensuring less stress and good working relationships.  CON:  One problem with taking on several clients is that you are bound to get some bad apples.  You will have to deal with people who are demanding, irrational, and disrespectful, and you must remain professional throughout if you don’t want to risk a negative review.
5. Freedom.  PRO:  This is the absolute best reason to pursue a career in freelance writing.  If you want to work 20 hours a week you are free to do so.  Planning a vacation does not require anyone’s consent or the rearranging of a schedule.  And once you are established, you can virtually pick and choose which jobs to take.  In essence, you are in full control of your life and your time.  CON:  As much as this can be a blessing, it can also be a curse.  Freedom, in many cases, equates to personal responsibility, so if you find yourself spending all day at the beach only to realize that you’ve missed a deadline, you may not have self-discipline required to make a living as a freelance writer.