Traits of Successful Work at Home Freelance Writers
What traits do you need to become successful in the field of freelance writing? I can’t tell you how many times I get asked that question every week. Although it is a valid question, it is tough to answer because there is no right answer. There are some freelance writers who excel despite the fact that they never follow any of the “standard” thoughts that have been generically outlined.
With that in mind, I wanted to share three basic traits of work at home freelance writers. You do not necessarily need to have these traits to be a success, but you might as well put them into effect. In other words, having these traits can only help you; they will never harm your chances of success.
1. You need to be comfortable working at home by yourself. Remember, work at home freelance writers do not have any supervision, or other employees to gossip with during breaks. Simply put, if you do not enjoy being a loner during the workday, you may struggle to start and sustain a successful freelance writing career.
2. Are you money motivated? Anybody who is self-employed, especially freelance writers, need to be motivated by money. You only get paid when you work hard, secure new clients, and turn out quality work. If you are not motivated by the money at the end of the rainbow, you will probably be better suited with a job that offers a guaranteed, steady paycheck.
3. You don’t like to be supervised or supervise others. This goes along with number one, but puts more credence on the latter half of the statement. In many cases in the corporate world, you will have a supervisor while also being the boss of others yourself. Simply put, some people do not like telling other employees what to do; they are not comfortable with this. When you are a work at home freelance writer you answer to yourself, and are never forced to supervise others.
Are these traits general? Sure are! But even then, you need to keep them in mind. If you do not like one of the three points above, there is a chance that you will not be able to sustain a long freelance writing career. Of course, there are exceptions to every rule; these traits are just a jumping off point!
December 6th, 2007 at 4:13 pm
I think that it can be argued that a few non-money-motivated individuals can become successful in the writing world as well. For example, people who are success addicts. Where their goal isn’t the money (though that’s nice), but the position, the success, the turnout of great work.
Just being self-motivated in general would perhaps be a better descriptor there?
December 6th, 2007 at 4:37 pm
I agree with all of these.
My sister-in-law has more education and work experience than I do (she’s a journalist), but won’t freelance due to the fact that she can’t stand the thought of not having a steady, secured job position and pay check. While I disagree with her here, it reveals that it really is a “type” of person who chooses to slough off the day job and dive into freelance writing.
December 7th, 2007 at 1:57 pm
I have intorverted tendencies, am highly motivated by money and dislike authority. Although I am a good manager and don’t mind supervising people (which I do for my businesses) I don’t have much choice other than to be freelance anything!