Is it good to make freelance writing part of a 5-10 year career plan? (If not, what's next?)
Look, I get it. You're a writer, probably juggling clients, deadlines, and maybe, like me, family stuff too. You love the freedom freelancing gives – setting your own hours, picking projects, maybe even working from wherever.
I've seen how that flexibility can be a lifesaver, much better than being chained to a desk, right? And the potential to earn good money, especially if you figure out retainers or specialise, is definitely there.
But let's be honest, because glossing over the tough stuff doesn't help anyone. That income? It can swing wildly. One month you're flush, the next you're scraping by. That takes serious budgeting, something I had to learn the hard way. And the isolation? It’s real.
Sometimes you miss just bouncing ideas off someone or having a team around. Plus, let's face it, the market feels crowded sometimes, especially with AI popping up everywhere, making clients wonder if they can just get it cheaper. It puts pressure on us to prove our worth beyond just putting words on a page.
Thinking Beyond Just the Next Blog Post
So, what does the road ahead look like, say, for the next 5-10 years? Sticking only to basic blog writing might be like trying to ride that motorcycle using only first gear – you'll move, but you won't get far, fast. From what I'm seeing, just churning out words isn't enough anymore.
Businesses that care about quality aren't just looking for text; they need strategy, unique insights, a voice AI can't easily copy.
This is where adaptability comes in. It's not about abandoning writing, but maybe expanding your toolkit. Think about where things are heading:
- Getting Specific (Niching Down): Can you become the go-to writer for a specific industry? Tech, healthcare, sustainability – these fields need writers who really get it. In my experience, deep knowledge is harder to replace.
- Adding Strategy: Instead of just writing what you're told, can you help clients figure out what content they need and why? That's moving towards content strategy.
- Working with AI: I know AI feels like the competition, but I've seen writers in my own teams start using it as a tool. Maybe it helps with research or first drafts, freeing you up for the stuff that needs a human touch – like deep editing, adding unique perspectives, or nailing that perfect brand voice. Businesses often need someone to refine AI content anyway.
- Exploring Different Roads: Look at roles like UX writing (making tech easy to use), crafting stories for new platforms (like NFTs, if that's your thing), or even helping people build their personal brands online. These need strong writing skills but in different ways.
Making a Plan That Works for You
Nobody can tell you the single "right" path. Blaming AI or the market won't change anything or pay the bills. What works is figuring out what you can control.
For me, it always comes back to a few core ideas:
- Don't Put All Your Eggs in One Basket: Relying on one type of client or project is risky. Think about mixing it up – maybe some freelance gigs, a steady retainer client, maybe even creating a small digital product or course related to your expertise.
- Keep Learning: The landscape is shifting. Learning about things like SEO, how AI can help your workflow, or understanding user experience (UX) keeps you valuable. It’s like tuning up your motorcycle – gotta keep things running smoothly.
- Know Your Value: Don't compete on price alone, especially against AI. Focus on what makes your contribution unique – your expertise, your strategic thinking, your ability to connect with a specific audience.
Freelance writing can still be a solid part of your career plan. But, like anything long-term, it requires looking ahead, being willing to adjust your course, and maybe adding a few new skills to your repertoire.
It’s about being proactive, not reactive.
You've got the writing chops; now it's about applying them smartly in a changing world.