Start a Freelance Writing Career while working a Full-time Job
Over the past few weeks I have received several emails asking how to start a freelance writing career while still working a full-time job. Since it can take a while to get a freelance career up and running, most people want to stay on board at their current company in order to ensure that they always have access to some cash flow. While it is never easy to start a freelance writing career while still working full-time, it is more than possible.
1. Set aside time for your freelance writing career. If you do not do this, you will find yourself slacking off soon enough. The question is: when are you going to find time being that you will still have a full-time job? Generally speaking, you have two options. You can either rise early in the morning in order to get some work done before shoving off to the office, or you can do so at night when everything settles down. The option that you choose will be based largely on your personal situation. If you have children, you may find that working in the morning before they get out of bed for school is the best option. You may have to try both options in order to determine which one is best.
2. If there is help to be had, make sure that you ask for it. For those who are married, this is something to definitely consider. If you are lucky, your spouse may be willing to pick up the slack around the home so that you can spend your downtime building your freelance writing career. Sure, this could be tough on your significant other at first, but as your freelance career builds, things will settle down. Your ultimate goal should be to replace your full-time job with freelance work. Once you do this, you will find it simple to handle everything at home because you will be there all day long.
3. Do not bite off more than you can chew. This is a common problem among people in this situation, and one that could lead to burnout. Make sure that you only take on freelance writing jobs that you have time to complete. If you have too much on your plate, you will find yourself working well into the night to complete the work. Sure, this means extra money, but you do need to sleep sometime, right?
4. Take breaks when need be. Since you are still making money from your full-time job, you can afford to take days off from freelancing when you begin to wear out. There are going to be times when you simply feel like resting because you have been working two jobs, day in and day out. When you need a break, take one right away. It is better to take time off when you need it than to go too far and make yourself sick.
5. If you are like most people with a full-time job, you probably work five days per week. In this case, make the most of the two days that you have off. This is not to say that you should work eight hours a day when you are not at your full-time job, but this is definitely time that you can use to catch up and make some headway on chasing down your dream of becoming a full-time freelance writer.
It is never simple to work full-time and attempt to build a freelance writing career on the side. But if you follow the tips above and are truly dedicated to making this work, you will be able to realize your goal soon enough.
