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freelance journalist, freelance writing tips, freelancer, writing, writing for magazines, writing goals, writing life, writing process
Non-writers and non-freelancers sometimes have the misconception that independent workers work only when they want and exclusively on the projects that interest them. For those just starting to branch into freelancing–hopefully you don’t have this preconceived notion!
This month marks the 6-year anniversary of my resignation from 9-to-5 life, and this summer is Write Naked’s 5th Blogaversary! I had a few experiences the past few days and months that were a bit jarring. Why, after all this time, am I still experiencing the same struggles (albeit to much less a degree)?
Press preview invitations, working from anywhere, and the flexibility of freelancing are glamorous to me. With these perks come fugly features:
- Working the weekends. As of this writing, I haven’t had a day off in a little over two weeks. When I first started my writing business, days off were nonexistent. I’ve developed a work-life balance over the years and recently it’s been disrupted by new projects, deadlines, and events. Now that I’ve temporarily fallen back in this old routine of working the weekends I keep thinking, How did I do this?!
- Prove yourself. If you’re still a 9-to-5er, how much do you enjoy job searching, applying for positions, and the interview process? How often do you have to do it? Maybe once every few years? As a freelancer, if you are making new connections you constantly have to prove yourself. Fortunately, I have a few long-time anchor clients who know and trust me. I don’t regularly seek new work like I should. I am comfortable with the volume I’m managing that comes to me organically via online search, referrals, and events. However, I’ve written 13 proposals since January 1st. One was a returning past client, one was a friend, five were referrals. Although I did need to prove myself a bit with the referrals–having that trusted personal recommendation is a plus. The other half of the proposals I created were for individuals/organizations I had no prior relationship with. I have to educate them on online search so that they understand what my work involves and set expectations with project delivery. Earlier this year I made a typo on a blog post for a client I’ve had for nearly five years. They were not miffed by the error because they know that’s not the norm for me. However, if my first draft to a new client has a typo–that sets the wrong impression, much more pressure!
- PITA. I like the PITA factor, a variable I first saw described in Kelly James-Enger’s book Six-Figure Freelancing. The Pain-In-The-Ass factor is a number I mentally assign to every prospect. Is the work with the hassle? Generally I turn away all high PITA scorers. I recognized a high PITA prospect last fall and turned it down. I recognized another one earlier this year, but before I knew it I was accepting payment! Fortunately, I had told the client outright when we met that due to their defensive and negative behavior I was concerned they would be dissatisfied with my work no matter what I delivered. My prediction was true. The extra unnecessary effort involved to coddle this particular client interrupted my other work, laced stress into my personal time, and was a sour experience for all. Through the clarity of hindsight: I would have rather paid them the entire project fee upfront to make them stay away.
Overall, even though articles wrap up by deadline and go to print and new websites launch with engaging content, work is never done. There is always something that needs to be done.
The most unglamorous side of freelancing is that the pressure is always on. Think your finished? You could be pitching an article, ghostwriting a blog, submitting a proposal to speak at a conference, or getting caught up on filing/accounting. But, you can do that from anywhere, so maybe it is a bit glamorous.
I’ve found that much of freelancing is unglamorous 🙂 But it’s true that the misconception IS out there. Also? I totally love your PITA factor. I have ignored signs in the past because I was either hard-up for the $ or the work and I regretted every moment. I don’t like to be available at someone’s beck and call (though I never mind working the weekends/overtime as needed), but there IS a difference and it’s important to understand our own worth.
Thanks for this! And congrats on your anniversaries 🙂
Thanks, Charlotte! Glad you like the PITA factor. I just got off the phone with a high PITA person – I cancelled the meeting! w00t! I have to constantly remind myself of that factor. I feel like I need to be available and cater to all, but who is looking out for me then? Diplomacy comes in handy!
PITA is one of my number one considerations when applying for a job though I didn’t call it that at the time! 🙂 Great name. I love freelancing because even with all its unglamor, it still is often much more glamorous than your typical office job. I guess you can say it becomes a bit more glamorous as you become more experienced and learn how to work smarter. That said, to avoid PITA writing gigs, I teach ESL as a freelancer. And my writing projects help eliminate PITA students, so win-win.
Working at different coffee shops definitely earn points in the glamor column, though. 😉
🙂 Yay, now you have a PITA label to use. Great that you’re incorporating other freelance gigs into your offerings. Being flexible and varied is super helpful. I feel like all things come full circle. Obscure projects I worked on years ago suddenly become relevant, and not pigeon-holing oneself helps to prevent limiting your options. Yes–exploring coffee shops is definitely a plus!!
I hadn’t heard the term PITA Factor until I read your post, but I have heard of some freelance writers/editors quoting a higher project rate for those clients that they know will be more “demanding.”
That’s a very polite way of describing a problem client!