Today is the 25th of March, officially one year since I started my freelance writing career. It seems like both yesterday that I started, and a lifetime ago. Even though it hasn’t been that long, there are a lot of freelance writing lessons I’ve learned along the way.
These lessons include both personal and professional insights, many of which I wasn’t expecting. Working from home means you are completely independent, and being self-employed means handling many jobs at once. I won’t lie and say it’s been easy, but I’m so glad I preserved and wouldn’t change what I’ve experienced so far.
To celebrate this important milestone, I thought I’d share just a few of the lessons mentioned above. Not only to show my growth in this period, but also to (hopefully) help you avoid some of the mistakes I made.
Scams Are Everywhere (But They’re Not Hard To Spot)
Something I was really surprised by when I first started freelancing was the number of scams that are out there. The amount of people who will do anything to get you to work for free is astonishing.
In the beginning, this did make me extremely apprehensive, and there was a time where I felt completely out of my depth.
After a while of talking to other freelancers, and researching independently, I realised that these scams are relatively easy to spot.
Now, I tend to avoid people who insist on communicating through Skype. Making sure contracts are in place beforehand is also a great way of covering both parties, too.
In reality, identifying scams is about using common sense and trusting your gut instinct. In my opinion, your gut instinct is extremely powerful, and very rarely wrong.
Slow Months Are Completely Normal
When I had my first slow freelance writing month, I panicked. I was a few months in and I started to worry I wasn’t cut out for freelancing after all.
A year in and I’ve now learned that this is completely normal. Slow freelancing months happen to almost everyone, at least those I’ve spoken to. It can be scary to have less coming in than in previous months, but it’ll pass and the good months will return.
The only mistake I’ve made since learning this is thinking my experience will be the same as other people’s. A lot of people reported January was a slow month, but in my case, it’s been one of my best yet.
It just goes to show everyone’s freelance journey is different. You’re no less successful just because your slow months happen at different times than other people’s.
Free samples and/or discounts do NOT lead to more work
One of the fastest freelance writing lessons I’ve learned is that free samples and discounts almost never lead to more work down the line. Even if has been promised, they’ll almost never return.
I was extremely lucky to have never entertained those who requested free work, but it didn’t stop people from trying. One of the worst was a digital marketing company that asked me to produce 20 SEO friendly blog posts to see if I was the right fit. It’s fair to say I didn’t accept their offer.
Although I didn’t fall for that, there were some discounts that I shouldn’t have honoured. On two occasions, I was working pretty much for free, so it wasn’t much better.
Thinking back to early in my freelancing writing career makes me realise how far I’ve come, however, as I know I wouldn’t accept those if the time came again.
It’s Okay To Say No
I’ve never been very good at saying no, but I was even worse before I started freelancing. If someone wanted me to do something, I’d say yes, even if I have to sacrifice things to do so.
In the beginning, this definitely transferred to freelancing. I found it really difficult to turn down clients, but I soon learnt that doing so is incredibly important.
Now, I don’t hesitate to turn down projects if I don’t feel like I’m the right person for the job. If I can’t fit it in, I’ll try and offer a later deadline if I can, but there are still times where I have to say no.
Down Time Is Essential
Something I’ve really struggled with throughout the last year is knowing when to take time off. Despite being passionate about self-care, I really struggle with guilt when I’m not working.
My struggle with this got so bad in January and February that I literally had about four days off the entire time. I felt exhausted, but I really struggled to disconnect.
Going into March, I knew things couldn’t continue this way. I was exhausted, and my mental health was suffering because of it.
This was triggered by a conversation I had with my siblings, where they said they’d never go self-employed because I seemed to be stressed all the time.
Now, I try to avoid freelancing on the weekend, and it works reasonably well. It gives me the Saturday to catch up with family and friends, before dedicating Sunday to my personal blog.
I find I’m a lot more productive when I am working now because I know there’s a finite ending to my work week, which is really helpful.
Working From Bed Gets Old Real Fast
I was in college when I started freelance this time last year, so my schedule was hectic. I’d spend all day at college, work on assignments until about 9PM, and then start on freelancing work.
To make things more relaxing, I’d change into my PJs and work either in bed or on the sofa. I thought I was helping myself, but the opposite was true.
Admittedly, it worked ok during college, while freelancing was still a part-time gig. But I had a sharp freelance writing lesson when it became my full-time gig and the downsides came through.
One of the biggest things was the reduction in my productivity that came from working in a place that I usually associated with sleep. I also noticed that going to bed became even more stressful than it usually is.
Now, I get dressed as soon as I wake up and exclusively work from my desk, and it’s made things so much better. I’m far more motivated, and I know when I get into bed I can actually relax.
Having Friends In The Same Position Is Invaluable
I was extremely lucky to have started my freelance writing journey at the same time as some of the friends I’d made through blogging. This meant that I’ve had a pretty stable network of people to talk to throughout the last year, which has been incredibly invaluable.
Whether it’s to rant or ask for advice, having people who understand where you’re coming from can make the world of difference. Especially with freelancing, which can get incredibly lonely at times, it’s a lifesaver.
I’ve also found that these friends are great when it comes to sharing information. With things like taxes, pitching, and building a portfolio, I’ve definitely received some valuable advice from these people over the last year.
Follow me on social media to keep up to date with my latest posts & extra content
Lisa's Notebook
Firstly, massive congratulations on your anniversary, that’s wonderful! I agree with so much of what you say here: knowing when to say no, not working at weekends (I fail at this but I do try and stay off social media as much as possible) and slow months. And I also agree about my fellow freelancers and bloggers, we all have so much collective knowledge and experience, it’s great to be able to ask questions and share advice. Loved this post, Rebecca, thank you for sharing x
Lisa | http://www.lisasnotebook.com
Rebekah Gillian
Thank you so much, Lisa! It’s nice to hear that you agree with what I’ve said. Working on weekends is something I still struggle with occasionally; I always take Sunday off, but finding time to take Saturday off every week isn’t always easy. Personally, asking fellow freelancers questions is one of my favourite past times, haha!
Antonia || Lifestyle blogger (@SweetPassions07)
Thank you so much for sharing your experience of freelance writing. I have a lifestyle blog but I also thought about trying freelance writing. I’m still quit indecisive if I should try it or not.
Antonia || Sweet Passions
Rebekah Gillian
If you’re already thinking about it, I’d definitely recommend giving it a go. If it doesn’t work out there’s nothing lost, but if it does, there’s so much to be gained. What’s the worst that could happen?
Corinne ❄️ (@WhatCorinneDid)
Congrats on one year as a freelancer! I agree that having friends who are also freelancers is so important. And to take time for yourself or say no.
budgetbelles80
I have heard a lot about companies asking bloggers or freelancers to do a gig for free! I always found that to be insulting to think someone would want to work for free even if they are a beginner!
Rebekah Gillian
Yeah, it really is. It’s surprising just how common it is, to the point where most freelancers I’ve spoken to have experienced it themselves. You grow a thick skin eventually, but it’s still not nice to see people outrightly not valuing your work.
Jenny in Neverland
Although I’m not a freelance writer (well, I wouldn’t call myself one?) but a full time blogger, a LOT of these apply to me too. The giving yourself down time thing is something I’ve struggled so much with over the years (which I think you already know about) but I’m definitely getting much better at it! The working from your bed point I really need to work on but working from home when you live with your parents and when you don’t have an extra room to work in is REALLY difficult. I could work from the desk in the living room but if my Dad is in there watching telly, that’s not going to be an ideal working situation. So working from my bed is what I have to deal with for now haha!
Congrats on your 1st freelancaversary! Here’s to the next year being super successful!
Jenny
http://www.jennyinneverland.com
writingthebluesaway
This is really helpful as someone who would love to go into freelancing! Would you possibly have any advice on where is best to find freelance work? I’m signed up with Freelancer and some others but had no luck and spend more time looking for work than anything else!
Rebekah Gillian
As with anything, you really do have to pave your own path when it comes to freelancing. I’ve never had much luck with Freelancer myself, but I know lots of people who have. Using social media (especially things like LinkedIn) can be really useful, and targeting local companies in the field you want to work in can be really useful.
writingthebluesaway
Thanks for the advice, I really appreciate it!😊
mischievouswordsbymartaazra
First congrats on one year aniversery. This is such a great post to read, with lost of great tips. I am a half time blogger and lots of those applyed to me as well. Especialy those that want you to work for free (brand ambasador – order in the first 24 hours and you’ll get a discount code, but you have to post every month).
Rebekah Gillian
Thank you! I think there are a lot of similarities between freelancing and blogging, especially on the business side. Those who want you to work for free or even pay them to work for them, as demonstrated in your example, are showing just how little they value you, and they’re not clients I’d ever consider working with.
stephenyule
Really enjoyed reading this post, some really useful tips. I’d love to write for a living. It’s just finding a way in.
http://Www.yuletimes.com
Rebekah Gillian
Thank you. Finding your way in is definitely difficult, and it’s a lot more about marketing than you’ll ever understand before you get into it, but it’s so worth it if you do give it a go.
clairelomax2018
Happy anniversary! This is a great piece, I’d love to get in to this in the future.
I’ve pinned x
Rebekah Gillian
Thank you! It can definitely be hard at times, but I wouldn’t change my freelancing career for anything. Good luck if you do get into it.
Lellalee
Congratulations on your first year anniversary! What a fabulous achievement! It’s so good of you to share all these really useful tips, I can totally relate to many of these. I’ve learnt (and this has applied to my life more widely) that it’s ok to make mistakes, so long as I learn from them. And you seem to have made a success of your lessons learnt. Good luck for the next 12 months! xxx
Ashley
https://lellalee.com
Rebekah Gillian
Thank you, Lella!
The learning that it’s okay to make mistakes has been a big learning curve for me, too. I’ve made so many mistakes since I started freelancing, but learning from them makes them worthwhile, even if they are embarrassing or difficult to deal with at the time.
glowsteady
Congrats on your first year! I think a lot of these things apply to blogging too, the scams and the people who want the world from you for nothing in return. It’s exhausting sometimes trying to be polite and establish strong working relationships when all you want to do is tell people to be more considerate of your time and effort. Slow months can be daunting too but it’s totally normal! Loved reading this x
Sophie
http://www.glowsteady.co.uk
Niamh O Maolain
Literally just about to go on maternity leave and thinking about using the time to take the plunge and commit to the freelance life so this is invaluable 💖 thank you!
Rebekah Gillian
It’s been a couple of months since you posted this comment, but I hope you took the leap. It’s definitely difficult to get started with, but it’s so flexible, which makes it all worthwhile.
Emily Adams The Planking Traveler
I’m hoping to get into freelancing, so this was eye-opening for me. I’d love to connect with more people who are doing this, as I feel like most friends just view my blogging as a hobby right now.
Rebekah Gillian
I’m glad you found this post useful. It’s so important to connect with others who’re in a similar boat; though friends try and be supportive, it can be difficult to understand unless you’re in the same place yourself.
Rebecca Bardess
Congratulations! I became very ill when I was your age, and had to work from home. I’m still doing it at 46. I’m also a freelance writer and coach. Keep going. 🙂
Rebekah Gillian
Thank you! That’s very similar to my situation; I’m disabled and struggle with my mental health, so going out to work in a traditional environment has never been an option. Congratulations on being able to make your career a success for so long!
wanderingformoney
Thank you for sharing. This is very well written and informative.
Rebekah Gillian
Thank you! I’m glad you found it useful.
Vox
Great tips for someone looking to follow a similar full time freelance writing path. 👍🏽
Michelle
Thank you for sharing your experience. I’m new to blogging but really wanted to get into freelancing. Great tips!
Rebekah Gillian
Thank you. I definitely recommend giving freelancing a go if you’re looking into it. Taking a leap is the best way to make a success of something sometimes.
Ellie Phillips
I work retail so hardly have any clue about freelance work but its so interesting to learn about!
Rebekah Gillian
I’m so glad you found it useful!
Amie. (@acurvyvegan)
Congratulations on 1 year my darling! You’ve done an amazing job, and I can’t wait to see what this year brings you!
Love, Amie ❤
The Curvaceous Vegan
hollystockport94
Congratulations on your first year freelance!!!! I am hoping to go freelance in a few years time so this post was really useful! xxxx
Rebekah Gillian
Thank you. I’m glad you found this post useful, and best of luck for your freelancing journey when you choose to go for it!
My Bookish Blog - Ayushi
Highly relatable for me as I do some freelance writing too. Working from bed is over-rated in my opinion. Great article!
Rebekah Gillian
Oh, I completely agree. It might be good in the first few weeks, but in the long run, it’s not very productive. I still do it on the rare occasion, but I don’t think I could ever do it on a long term basis.
Tesh
When I started, it was really hard to say no to clients even when i thought they were not paying me well enough for the fear of not getting other clients. But that has slowly changed and i can now say no when i feel the client is underpaying me. Congrats on the 1 year!!
Rebekah Gillian
I was very much the same. I looked back at the rates I charged when I first started freelancing and I can hardly believe it. It’s great that you’ve learnt to say no when a client is overpaying you! And thank you so much.
debbiehipster
I definitely find you can’t be productive or feel good about yourself in PJ’s all day, so even though I’m at home 100% of the time, I dress, and go to my work place and keep downtime and work time seperatese
richnero1
I am a freelance writer as well so can relate with most of the things you pointed out. But for the scam thing, I do get that alot. You see people approach you and tell you that you should provide a sample article for them first so that they can have a feel of the kind of articles you are likely to produce. While some worked out, some others did not but all in all, I was able to learn a few things about those kind of people.
https://www.tracepreneur.com
clairelomax2018
These are really helpful. And cross over in many areas of work.
Happy anniversary 💕
Chris Kosto | GoldenBloggerz.com
I’m so excited to read this! And so excited you managed to make freelance writing your full-time job. I totally agree with all your tips, epecially about scams and working from bed can indeed reduced creativity. Unfortunately for me, I have no friends offline that are intrested in this field, so I had to work it totally alone.
I’m grateful you contributed to my blog as well, I’ve already publisehd the post! Wish you the best!
Taran
Thank you! It’s great to hear the pros n cons. I still have to get over the money blocks on writing for money! Silly I know but I will get there.
Rebekah Gillian
I’m glad you enjoyed the post! You will definitely get there. Everything takes time, and freelancing is a journey, but it’s so worth it.
nadzzm
Having downtime is critically important. I have a blog and I write twice a week and it is not easy. Keeping up with Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter all include writing. In the beginning, I did not realize how breaks are essential and got burned out really easy. All other points you wrote are also on point.
Rebekah Gillian
It’s so good to see others in the creative field in agreement! It’s something I really struggle with, even now, but like you said it’s crucial if you want to avoid experiencing burnout.
Boxnip
I hear you on the working from bed. I am bedridden permanently so have no choice but to blog on a laptop whilst in bed. It really does effect productivity and I get sidetracked so easily. If I didn’t have meds I take before sleep that make me drowsy, sleeping would be an issue too. I wish I could sit at a desk. 🙂
Sarah 🌺 || Boxnip
traveladdictedunicorn
Great article and thanks for sharing your experience!!
Rebekah Gillian
Thanks! I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Njkinny
Congratulations on completing 1 year as a freelancer. I agree with almost all your points and have struggled with one or more of these issues over the years. It is such a comfort having friends and I am so happy to have found you . Let’s connect and grow together. 🙂
Rebekah Gillian
Thank you! It’s always nice to learn you aren’t alone with these things, isn’t it? Feel free to contact me through my contact page if you want to talk more about this.
Chloe Chats
Congrats on your first year! I can never work from my bed, I’ve tried to a few times and I always end up being unmotivated and I get tired and just end up putting Netflix on and telling myself I’ll just take a break and watch 1 episode.. but then 5 episodes later there I still am and the days almost over!
Chloe xx
http://www.chloechats.com
Danica Anne Panganiban
I need to read this write now. i wanted to dip my toes to freelance writing too and I need to set my expectation right. Congratulations on your first year. =)
determinedtotravel
Great post! İ was thinking about doing freelance work as writing or graphic design. Your post sums all the important points up that has to be considered as a freelance worker. 👍
Rebekah Gillian
Thank you. It’s been a few months since you sent this comment so I’m not sure if you’ve taken the leap or are still thinking about it, but if you haven’t, I definitely recommend going ahead with it. There are definitely downsides but it’s such a rewarding career.
lexydenike
I love this! I’ve been freelancing for a while as well and I struggled with pretty much all of this. But I wouldn’t change my job for anything 🙂
Rebekah Gillian
Thank you! It’s always nice to hear from others who have had similar experiences, and feel the same way about freelancing as a whole.
sarahwalker2101
Congratulations on your first year!
These lessons are so useful, the bed one is one I definitely need to work on haha! It’s so true that you need to ensure you have downtime and prioritise your mental health, it’s good to hear you’re getting a balance now. 🙂
Sarah x
http://yellowfeatherblog.com/
Rebekah Gillian
Thank you Sarah!
I think the bed one can definitely work for some people, but as someone who suffers from chronic insomnia, it’s a recipe for disaster in my case, haha!
Lydia
My one year anniversary is coming up soon, too! The lessons I’ve learnt are more habits, though; question everything, even the silly things, the niggles. If an editor doesn’t like it, then they’re maybe not the person to work with…
Rebekah Gillian
I’m only just catching up on my blog comments now, and I know your one year one year anniversary has already passed, but happy belated!
Oh, I completely agree regarding the habits. Question everything should be the freelancer motto!
Sarah
Congrats on a year of freelance writing! I do not do freelance writing, though my husband keeps telling me I should, so this information is really helpful.
Rachel
Loved this! I’m just dipping my toes in to the world of freelancing now, so this is invaluable! Particularly about spotting scams. Congrats on your first year, here’s to another!
https://www.racheldowning.co.uk
Nadine Heather
What an amazing post and as someone who’s looking to get into freelance writing on the side, this has been really helpful. Thank you for sharing your tips!
Nadine Heather
Rebekah Gillian
Thank you. I’ve definitely been accused of being TOO honest, but I think it’s the best way to go about things, especially with post like these. I hope your freelancing journey is a success if/when you do decide to take the leap.
Milli Davison
I’m so with you about working for your bed! When lockdown first hit I was working from bed and it seemed like such a treat, but then I realised it was effecting my sleep, how does your body know the difference between work and sleep when your doing both in the same place?! It made falling asleep so hard because my mind was still working when I was trying to sleep! Milli X – http://millidavison.co.uk/
Rebekah Gillian
It’s so tempting when you first starting working from home, isn’t it? Seems like such a luxury but I’m sure we’re not alone in it interfering with our work/home balance and ability to relax afterwards!
Jenny Pink
I used to be a freelancer and slow months definitely got me down, reading this would’ve helped a lot at the time. Thanks for this post!
Ellis James Designs
Keeping a desk/workspace and the bed separate definitely help with productivity. That resounds with me as well. Great post!