Freelance Writing vs. Traditional Employment—Which Path Is Right for You?

The rise of freelance work has been a prominent trend in recent years, including in the field of writing. Freelance writing involves working as a self-employed writer on a project basis, providing writing services to clients. 

This arrangement offers flexibility, independence, and the ability to choose projects that align with your interests and skills. However, it also comes with challenges such as self-discipline, income variability, and the need for self-promotion. Before diving into freelance writing, it’s essential to ask yourself: Is freelance writing the right fit for you?

In this article, I delve into the meaning of freelance writing vs. traditional writing careers, explore ways to get started in both, and provide examples of the kinds of jobs you can get. I also cover the pros and cons of each and offer helpful tips when deciding which is best for you. So, keep reading to determine which of these career pathways might be your best fit. 

What Is Freelance Writing?

Freelance writing has emerged as a popular and flexible career option. Defined as working independently on a project-by-project basis, freelance writing offers individuals the opportunity to provide their writing services to clients without the constraints of traditional employment. 

Its draw for me is the incredible flexibility with time and workload. I have never freelanced full-time, but using it as a side job has allowed me the financial freedom I didn’t have before. As a teacher and mother, this allows me to find the perfect balance between staying on top of bills and setting a little aside for travel and shopping. 

Since freelance writers can choose their own projects, set their own rates, and work from anywhere, they can more or less customize their employment. This level of flexibility includes factors such as time, location, and project choice and is one of the key attractions of freelance writing. 

How to Get Started as a Freelance Writer

I fell into writing more or less as a form of financial stability. As an English teacher, I have already honed my writing skills and know they are marketable, so I suggest that if writing isn’t something you enjoy, maybe you should avoid this profession.

But if you know you have something to say, enjoy writing, and are willing to sharpen your research, organization, and overall writing skills, use the following suggestions to get started. 

• Determine your niche: Identify your areas of expertise or interest within the writing field. A niche can help you stand out and attract clients seeking specific expertise.
• Build a portfolio: Create a portfolio of your best writing samples to showcase your skills and demonstrate your range. If you don’t have any published work, consider creating samples on different topics to showcase your abilities.
• Set your rates: Research industry standards and determine your pricing structure. Consider your experience, the project’s complexity, and the client’s budget. 
• Create a professional online presence: Create a website or a blog to showcase your portfolio, services, and contact information. Establish profiles on professional networking platforms like LinkedIn and create a presence on social media to connect with potential clients.
• Network and market yourself: Network both online and offline to build relationships and find potential clients. Utilize social media platforms to share your work and connect with an audience.
• Pitch and apply for jobs: Actively seek out freelance writing opportunities by pitching ideas to publications, websites, or businesses in your niche. Explore job boards, freelance platforms, and writing communities.
• Continuously learn and adapt: Stay updated on industry trends, writing techniques, and market demands. Adapt to changes in the freelance writing landscape and be open to expanding your skills and exploring new opportunities.

Pros and Cons of Freelance Writing

What Are Examples of Traditional Employment in Writing?

When you decide to become a full-time writer, you can choose from various career routes. Often, professional writers have a diverse portfolio and have been successful with more than one of these paths. Many also do freelance to build their portfolios. 

I should add that these types of jobs can be highly competitive. I chose to steer away from these career options early on because their competitive nature does limit your scope of living options, such as location and hours worked.

To be lucrative in the field, you will likely have to make sacrifices early on. However, as you gain more experience, you may have more choices concerning what you work on and where you work. 

Staff Writers

Staff writers are employed by a specific organization, such as a media outlet, publishing house, or company. They are full-time employees dedicated to producing content for their employer on a regular basis. 

Journalists

Journalists work for newspapers, magazines, news websites, or broadcasting companies. They gather information, conduct interviews, and write news articles or reports on current events, politics, business, or other topics. 

Copywriters

Copywriters are employed by advertising agencies, marketing departments, or companies to create persuasive and engaging content for promotional purposes. They write copy for advertisements, website content, brochures, product descriptions, and other marketing materials. 

Structure and Stability of Traditional Employment

Writers typically enjoy a structured and stable work environment in traditional employment roles. Some of the benefits of a consistent career in writing include:

• Salary: Traditional employment usually provides a fixed salary that offers a sense of financial stability. Writers receive a regular paycheck, often on a monthly or bi-monthly basis.
• Benefits: Full-time writers often receive health insurance, retirement plans, paid vacation, and sick leave.
• Work environment: Traditional employment often involves working in an office or designated workspace alongside colleagues and under the supervision of a manager or team lead. 
• Career progression: Traditional employment roles may offer opportunities for career advancement within the organization. Writers can grow into senior positions and take on managerial roles as they gain experience.

How to Get Started as a Traditional Full-Time Writer

Getting started with a traditional writing career is similar to freelance work, with a few notable differences. Here’s a quick list of how to get started as a traditional full-time writer:

• Obtain a relevant degree or certification: Consider pursuing a degree in journalism, English, creative writing, or a related field. Formal education can give you a strong foundation and credibility in the writing industry.
• Build a portfolio: Compile a portfolio of your best writing samples. Include a range of work that showcases your skills and versatility. 
• Gain experience: Seek out entry-level writing positions or internships at media organizations, publishing houses, or other companies where writing plays a significant role.
• Network: Attend industry events, join writing associations, and connect with professionals in the field. 
• Research job opportunities: Regularly check job boards, company websites, and industry-specific platforms for full-time writing positions.
• Prepare a professional resume and cover letter: Craft a well-written resume that highlights your writing experience, education, and related achievements. Write a compelling cover letter demonstrating your passion for writing and explaining why you are a good fit for the position.
• Prepare for interviews: Practice common interview questions and prepare examples of your writing work to discuss during the interview. 

Career Advancement Opportunities in Traditional Roles

Writers in traditional employment can enjoy career advancement opportunities. These include:

• Senior writer: In this position, you may take on more complex or high-profile writing assignments, mentor junior writers, and provide project guidance.
• Editor: Advancing to an editor role allows you to oversee the work of other writers. Editors often collaborate with writers by providing feedback and guidance to improve their work.
• Content manager: This role involves managing a team of writers, setting content goals, ensuring consistency across platforms, and measuring the effectiveness of content strategies.
• Editorial director: In this senior leadership role, you’ll shape the content strategy, manage a team of writers and editors, and collaborate with stakeholders to ensure the quality and relevance of the content produced.
• Subject matter expert: This role involves writing authoritative pieces and potentially speaking at conferences or industry events.
• Authorship: Some full-time writers transition into book authorship as a career advancement opportunity. This allows for more creative freedom, broader project choices, and potentially higher earning potential.
• Writing instructor or professor: You can teach writing courses at universities, colleges, or writing institutes.
• Columnist or opinion writer: This allows you to express your unique perspective and build a dedicated readership.
• Media or publishing executive: This role involves overseeing the strategic direction, operations, and financial aspects of the organization while still utilizing your writing expertise.

Pros and Cons of Traditional Employment in Writing

What Are the Key Differences Between Freelance Writing and Traditional Employment?

Flexibility and Autonomy vs. Stability and Structure

Freelance Writing

Freelance writing provides a high level of flexibility and autonomy. Freelancers can choose the kind of projects they want to work on, set their own rates, and work on their own schedules. They can work from anywhere, allowing for a location-independent lifestyle. 

However, freelance writing offers less income stability than traditional employment. Freelancers often experience income variability, as their earnings depend on some variables. They are also responsible for finding and securing clients. Freelancers also handle administrative tasks and business aspects of their work, such as invoicing, contracts, and self-promotion.

Traditional Employment

In traditional employment, writers have less flexibility and autonomy. They typically work within a structured schedule and are bound by their employer’s policies and guidelines. They may also have less control over the types of projects they work on and the topics they cover. 

But, traditional employment provides more stability and structure for writers. Full-time writers have a consistent salary and benefits package. They are less responsible for client acquisition and administrative tasks, as the employer typically handles them.

Work-Life Balance Considerations

Freelance Writing

Freelance writers often have more flexibility in managing their work-life balance. They can set their work hours and choose when and where to work. This flexibility allows them to accommodate personal commitments, pursue hobbies, and have better control over their schedule. 

While freelance writing offers flexibility, it can also blur the boundaries between work and personal life. Freelancers may find themselves working irregular hours, including evenings or weekends, to meet deadlines or accommodate clients’ needs. 

Traditional Employment

In traditional employment, writers have a more structured work schedule. They are expected to adhere to set working hours and may have less control over their work schedule. Depending on the job, there may be less flexibility in adjusting work hours to accommodate personal commitments. However, it provides a clearer separation between work and personal life. 

Networking and Community

Freelance Writing

Freelance writers often have the opportunity to build a diverse network and engage with a wide range of professionals. They can connect with professionals from different industries and build relationships leading to referrals, collaborations, and future work opportunities.

Freelance writers can also network and connect with professionals based on their individual interests and goals in their specific niche or industry. Networking as a freelancer can be more self-driven and require proactive outreach and relationship-building efforts.

Traditional Employment

In traditional employment, writers can build a network within their organization and industry. They work alongside colleagues, participate in team meetings, and collaborate with professionals. It provides a more structured environment for networking. However, the networking scope may be more limited to the specific industry or organization they work for. 

Making the Choice

Now that I’ve already laid out the pros and cons of both routes, you should have a clear judgment about which one you’ll choose. But I list several factors you need to consider to help you make a more informed decision:

• If you love work flexibility and freedom to choose the types of projects to work on, then go for freelance writing.
• Freelance writing allows for greater independence, while traditional employment typically involves working under the direction of an employer or within a team.
• If you want to work alongside other writers, then traditional employment is the right fit for you. But if you enjoy working alone, freelance writing is the key.
• Freelance writing offers the potential for higher income, particularly for experienced writers who can negotiate their rates and secure high-paying clients. Traditional writing careers may have more stable but relatively fixed income levels.
• Traditional writing careers may offer benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off, but freelance writers are responsible for their own benefits.
• Working freelance allows you greater creative freedom, while being a traditional writer may involve writing within specific guidelines or adhering to a company’s style.
• Traditional writing careers may offer more opportunities for long-term growth and stability. Freelance writing can provide the flexibility to build your own business and potentially generate additional income streams.

The Importance of Personal and Professional Goals

Personal and professional goals play a vital role in shaping our lives and guiding our actions. 

Remember that these are unique to each individual. It’s important to reflect on your values, desires, and aspirations to set goals that resonate with who you are and what you want to achieve. Regularly reviewing and adjusting your goals allows for growth and alignment with your evolving priorities.

Here are some key reasons why these are important and should be part of your decision-making process. The setting of personal and professional goals provides us with:

• Direction and focus
• Motivation and inspiration
• Clarity about what we need and want
• Growth and development
• Measurement and progress of career, finance, and overall contentment
• Accountability and commitment to our steps
• Work-life balance

Conclusion

The choice between a freelance writing career and a traditional writing career is a decision that should be based on careful consideration of personal preferences, goals, and circumstances. Both paths offer unique advantages and challenges.

Freelance writing provides flexibility regarding work hours, location, and project selection. However, it can be unpredictable and requires self-promotion, networking, and managing administrative tasks.

On the other hand, traditional writing careers offer stability, job security, and benefits, along with opportunities for networking and collaboration. However, they may involve more specialized assignments and less flexibility in terms of work arrangements.

When making this decision, reflect on factors such as desired work-life balance, financial goals, and personal preferences for independence. 

Remember that the right choice is the one that aligns with your aspirations and long-term objectives as a writer.