: The Pros and Cons of being a Freelance Writer

:
(470 Words)
Being a freelance writer comes with both advantages and disadvantages. You should consider both of these when deciding whether it is the career for you.
Pros
You can work from home
A lot of people enjoy working from home. You can sit in your own comfortable chair. You can get the food from your own kitchen when you are hungry. Some like using their own bathroom.
You do not have to pay for transportation to and from a job
Transportation costs can add up quite a bit. Many people drive a long way to get to work. Gas is expensive as is the cost of maintenance of the car. You may be able to not have a car altogether or just have one for the family if you work from home as a freelance writer.
You love to write
A lot of people just love to write. You may like to share your thoughts through the written word. You may feel that you can educate others. You may just love coming up with something that sounds great. Freelance writing can allow you to do this.
The timing is usually flexible
Many freelance writers make their own hours. If you work best in the early morning, then you can get up and write then. If midnight is the best time for you, then that is when you can do it. You also might be able to start and stop to fit it in to small crevices of time that you have. Most traditional jobs have specific hours, and usually they are not of your own choosing.
You can fulfill other obligations
A stay at home parent might have difficulty keeping a regular job. With freelance writing, you may be able to work while your child is sleeping or otherwise occupied. You can also do it when you are off from a different job in order to supplement your income.
Cons
It is difficult to find well-paying jobs
There are a lot of would-be freelance writers out there. It can be difficult to find an opportunity that pays as much as a traditional job does.
The income may also be very unsteady. Instead of a regular paycheck you may do great one month but then have hardly anything another month.
You may have stressful deadlines
With some jobs, you may have a deadline, which can be difficult to meet. Even with writer’s block you will still have to work .
You do not get benefits
A lot of people need a more tradition job because of the health insurance and other benefits that may be available. Many will not even consider a job without it.
There are both pros and cons to the field of freelance writing. Weigh these together to find out whether it is a job that makes sense for you.