On the Freelance Writing Gigs Facebook Page one of the questions they asked today was
Finish this sentence: The “free” in “freelance” stands for ________________.
Good question isn’t it? So, of course, that make me think. What does it mean to me to be a freelance writer? Why do I want it so badly? What’s the big deal?
To me, it really means being free to choose what you want to do to make your living. It means being free to choose they type of work you do, who your work for, and what you will get paid. Of course, there are some exceptions. I can’t just decide I’m not going to write for a client anymore and then just bugger off and never be heard from again. I have to think about whether I want to do that kind of work and once I decide to do it I have to commit to it. I can’t decide to get paid $500 an article and expect it – my demand have to be reasonable. But there are a lot of things I am free to choose:
- to write blog posts (or not to)
- to write articles (or not to)
- to write for content companies (or not to)
- to write for private clients (or not to)
- to write for pennies (or not to)
- to write for corporations (or not to)
- to write for free (or not to)
- to write in my pajamas (or not to)
- to write at the kitchen table (or the couch or the bed or heck – even my desk!)
What does the “free” in “freelance” mean to you? Write about it in a blog post and leave a comment and get some “CommentLuv”!
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Article by Danielle
I'm a social media junkie and professional freelance writer living in small town Manitoba, Canada. I drink a lot of coffee and love my computer (named Garcia after Penelope Garcia from Criminal Minds - the ultimate girl geek!), my kids, my husband, and my cats. In 10 years I hope to be that crazy lady travelling across Canada and the States with her three cats and her loving hubby. :) If you're interested in my professional services please visit my professional writer's site to find out more about my services or check out some testimonials from some of my clients.
has written 248 awesome articles for us at The Social Freelance Writer
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All of the above?
I know the term was originally applied to medieval mercenaries, which can make one feel sort of tough if you think about it, but to me it’s all about being able to make your own choices.
Twitter: DanielleMcGaw
May 18, 2010 at 12:09 am
Love the allusion to medieval mercenaries!
Free from regular working hours
Free from cubicle hell
Free from office politics
Free to fire clients (Which I had to do today, and I hate when that happens.)
- But on the other hand –
Free of security
Free of health insurance
Free of funny, smart co-workers
Free of a steady income
Hmm. Why DO you want to be a freelance writer?
Twitter: DanielleMcGaw
May 18, 2010 at 1:22 am
“Free of security”
- IMO there’s no such thing. I make my own security by constantly learning and expanding on my skills.
“Free of health insurance”
- anything that costs a lot is free in Canada – it’s up to the individual to take care of eyes/teeth/etc. though and you can get a family plan through a private insurance company in Canada that will cost less than anywhere else in the world. So, yes, it is something to plan for but I pay $200 a month at my job so it is worth it to pay a little more.
“free of funny, smart co-workers”
- yes, I’ll miss some of them. I won’t deny that.
“free of steady income”
- that has been my biggest battle for the past 5 years. But when it comes right down to it – I want my freedom to do what I love more than I want the steady income!
Great points Liz and every potential freelancer should think carefully about those things. Thanks for stopping by!
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