Start a Freelance Writing Career while working a Full-time Job
Freelance Writing March 27th, 2008Over the past few weeks I have received several emails asking how to start a freelance writing career while still working a full-time job. Since it can take a while to get a freelance career up and running, most people want to stay on board at their current company in order to ensure that they always have access to some cash flow. While it is never easy to start a freelance writing career while still working full-time, it is more than possible.
1. Set aside time for your freelance writing career. If you do not do this, you will find yourself slacking off soon enough. The question is: when are you going to find time being that you will still have a full-time job? Generally speaking, you have two options. You can either rise early in the morning in order to get some work done before shoving off to the office, or you can do so at night when everything settles down. The option that you choose will be based largely on your personal situation. If you have children, you may find that working in the morning before they get out of bed for school is the best option. You may have to try both options in order to determine which one is best.
2. If there is help to be had, make sure that you ask for it. For those who are married, this is something to definitely consider. If you are lucky, your spouse may be willing to pick up the slack around the home so that you can spend your downtime building your freelance writing career. Sure, this could be tough on your significant other at first, but as your freelance career builds, things will settle down. Your ultimate goal should be to replace your full-time job with freelance work. Once you do this, you will find it simple to handle everything at home because you will be there all day long.
3. Do not bite off more than you can chew. This is a common problem among people in this situation, and one that could lead to burnout. Make sure that you only take on freelance writing jobs that you have time to complete. If you have too much on your plate, you will find yourself working well into the night to complete the work. Sure, this means extra money, but you do need to sleep sometime, right?
4. Take breaks when need be. Since you are still making money from your full-time job, you can afford to take days off from freelancing when you begin to wear out. There are going to be times when you simply feel like resting because you have been working two jobs, day in and day out. When you need a break, take one right away. It is better to take time off when you need it than to go too far and make yourself sick.
5. If you are like most people with a full-time job, you probably work five days per week. In this case, make the most of the two days that you have off. This is not to say that you should work eight hours a day when you are not at your full-time job, but this is definitely time that you can use to catch up and make some headway on chasing down your dream of becoming a full-time freelance writer.
It is never simple to work full-time and attempt to build a freelance writing career on the side. But if you follow the tips above and are truly dedicated to making this work, you will be able to realize your goal soon enough.
March 27th, 2008 at 2:54 pm
At the beginning of this year I started my freelance writing career while working a full-time job. My hours are 6am-2pm at my job, come home to take a nap, then usually work from 5pm-midnight. Of course I allow myself to go out on weekends, but if I have a deadline that comes first.
I have to admit, it’s pretty difficult to do this, but I keep telling myself to work at it because hopefully soon I will be able to leave my full-time job and freelance full-time instead. So far my freelance income has been steadily climbing each month. So far so good.
Oh, and I’m single, so it’s easier for me than others because my attention isn’t needed elsewhere.
March 27th, 2008 at 10:01 pm
I am a father of three with a full-time job. My days are pretty hectic but predictable. I have found my commuting time as a great opportunity to work on my writing. If you are sitting on a bus or a train for part of your day, use it wisely; you’ll be surprised how much you can get done.
March 28th, 2008 at 9:39 am
[...] over at Chrisblogging dot com was also right on time yesterday. He wrote about how to Start a Freelance Writing Career while Working a Full-time Job. I identified with this article because it talks about exactly what I’m doing. Chris shares a [...]
March 28th, 2008 at 11:30 am
Diana/Tim - That is awesome that you have both found your own way of doing things. That is what I tell people: find free time, and make it work to your advantage!
March 28th, 2008 at 7:47 pm
With two children under the age of five and a full-time job, you need to be creative with your time. I found that I can do head-down work, which requires laser-like focus, during my lunch hour. I realize that I have only that single hour to get my thoughts together, organize my work, and start cranking it out. I must admit that I have so many projects on the burner that I think I’m losing my mind. However, I keep thinking that this craziness is better than working in obscurity.