Common Career Mistakes and how to fix them
Is your freelance writing career broke? Do you feel that there are some things that need to be changed at once? If you answered yes to one or both of these questions you should consider what you can do to fix your career. After all, you are in a good place for the most part. You are a freelance writer, and you have the potential to make a good living. But if some aspects of your career are broke, you will not be able to move on full steam ahead until you find a solution.
Here are a few common career mistakes, and some ideas on how to fix them:
1. Not being organized. Over the years I have found that many freelance writers begin to face issues when they get disorganized. They don’t know what jobs need to be completed first, when the next project is due, or what is working in terms of marketing. And this is only the tip of the iceberg. Do yourself a favor and make it part of your daily job to stay organized. This is something that will help you better your career.
2. Don’t get ahead of yourself. Many freelance writers want to go from no income to $5k per month in a snap of a finger. Guess what? The industry does not work like this. You need to pay your dues, build your client base, and learn a lot about yourself and what is going on around you. This will take some time.
3. Giving up before you give yourself a real chance to succeed. The potential to become a successful freelance writer is right in front of you. But if you give up before you have a chance to succeed you are going to regret it later on in life. It is never easy to start a new career. This is particularly true if you are going to work for yourself. Giving up is easy, but it is also the quickest way to kill your career and find yourself in yet another rut.
These are three common mistakes of freelance writers, and some thoughts on how to avoid and/or fix them.Â
March 9th, 2009 at 4:49 pm
Thank you for writing this post. I know I commit all three offenses, so after reading this I decided I have not given myself enough of a chance. Do you ever deal with a fourth freelance writing mistake: Guilt? Mine started with the neighbor asking me, “So what do you do all day?” in a snide way, and cemented with a girlfriend’s comment: “You know, you’re really lucky to be able to stay home with your daughter,” reminding me she works full-time and put her son in day care. I know the solution is to ignore people and just get over it. I’m not “lucky,” I finished college and worked full time for 15 years so that I could do this! More power to you other freelancers and keep at it.
March 9th, 2009 at 5:21 pm
C.W.A. – You are not alone when it comes to hearing remarks from those on the outside. As you said, the best thing you can do is ignore it. You are doing what is best for your career and family, and your friend the same. Do not feel guilty that you are achieving success as a freelancer. It is something to be proud of!