Five Reasons to Be a Freelance Writer

Why is freelance writing better than a poke in the eye when it comes to a career choice? Freelancers have to be highly self-motivated, have incredible personal discipline, and be constantly ready to create from their own mind writings and tales for an audience - a daunting and sometimes fear-filled task. But freelance writing also has numerous rewards. Here are the five top reasons for being a freelance writer that I have discovered.

1. Flexibility in your schedule. Sort of. As I stated above, being a freelancer requires incredible personal discipline.

You have to get out of bed, drag yourself to your keyboard, scour the airwaves and internet for what's going on and is "hot" right now, this minute - or what could turn into an issue in the next few days or weeks. Being clairvoyant should be in the job description, because if you are usually writing on spec, you have no idea what might sell, or what might sit in your rejection bin over and over again, no matter how much work you put in.

However, when you're 'on' your game, you can make that extra trip out of town during the middle of the week, have that extra-long lunch with a friend, or sleep in, all without a boss calling you and hounding you for why you aren't in the office.

2. Respect from your friends and peers. Amazingly, at least to me, people on a personal level respect the craft of writing and the hard work and dedication that you put into it. Not so amazingly, a freelance writer lives in a state of indentured servitude to some editors and publishers, who will expect endless rewrites, for their nickel-a-word piece that you poured your guts into at what could erode into making less than minimum wage.

3. Self satisfaction. For me, there is nothing quite as satisfying as seeing my byline (and occasionally, my face) in print. It gives me a rush, and motivates me to work even harder. That, and it leaves a "trail" that you existed here on Earth, that some future generation may find interesting to look into.

4. Intellectual stimulation. When you are working on a difficult or complex article, you can come in contact with people and information that you never knew existed before, expanding your horizons both personally and intellectually. People are amazingly willing to talk about themselves, and what they do, depending on how you approach them with your questions.

5. Working in your underwear. Depending on what kind of freelance work you do, and what sorts of items you actively research, you can work in your underwear without getting unwarranted stares, leers, jeers, or dollar bills shoved in the waistband.

Not that I wouldn't graciously accept a tip delivered that way.