My First Year at Associated Content: Looking Back

A quick look at my contributor profile this morning alerted me to the fact that today marks my one-year anniversary here at Associated Content. It seems somewhat unbelievable to me that it's been one full year since I decided to try my hand at freelance writing. Mainly because I can't believe that a whole year has passed, but also because I still consider myself very new to Associated Content and writing for profit in general.

One year ago, back in August of 2009, I was a graduate student faced with a difficult decision. For the second year in a row, I hadn't received funding through the school, which meant I would have to work at least part time while also carrying a full load of classes and working on my Master's thesis. The idea of getting another job in retail was, quite frankly, causing me some despair. I had to pay rent and eat, though, so I started sending out resumes and filling out applications.

It was then that I heard about Associated Content. I didn't have formal experience in writing, but it was something that came naturally to me and something that I enjoyed. The thought of writing about topics that interested me, and getting paid for it, was appealing. Initially I planned to write a little bit while I was looking for a "real job." I didn't see writing as anything more than a hobby that happened to pay a little. That was one year ago.

Since then I've written for Associated Content and a handful of other clients (which I learned about from the helpful and incredibly welcoming people on the Associated Content forums) and have managed to make freelance writing my one and only job. Writing has kept a roof over my head and food on my table, as well as paying for a nearly week-long vacation in California. A year ago, back when I had never heard of SEO and thought a person had to have a degree in journalism and tons of experience to freelance, I never would have dreamed that I'd have such an amazing (and "real") job. Associated Content is what opened that door for me.

Freelance writing is perfect for a graduate student like me. I can write between classes, or when I need a break from staring at complicated statistics. It allows me to set my own schedule and to work whenever I have time to work. Plus, I don't have to worry about angry customers yelling at me for things that aren't my fault. I've found something that will allow me to work even in a rough economy, and it just happens to be something I love.

Over the past year I've watched Associated Content grow and change, along with my own writing. Even though I focus on other clients more often than Associated Content lately, I still consider this site to be my home-base. The welcoming atmosphere and community spirit are a huge bonus. This is the site that taught me about freelancing, and this is the site that noticed that my work was improving and changing as I learned to write for the web.

Thank you, Associated Content and the wonderful community of contributors that make it so special. I look forward to many more productive years!

Here's a look back at some of my favorite articles I've been lucky enough to write for Associated Content:

Top Ten German Wheat Beers
Spotting Junk Science
What is Amusia?
Ten Great Canadian Films
One Week (Short Fiction)
Anti-Valentine's Songs: The Top Ten
German Expressionist Film: A Primer
Lonesome George: The World's Rarest Animal
The 10 Best Movies Set in San Francisco
Joshua Tree National Park (Slideshow)