I Don’t Have a “Real” Job
Tags: Freelancing, Work, Writing, Freelance Writing, Remote Work

I Don’t Have a “Real” Job

and other annoying things that I’ve heard as a freelance writer

Since I made the decision to stop pursuing a social work degree and become a full-time freelance writer, I haven’t looked back since. Without the added stress of college classes or homework, my schedule has been cracked wide open. I’ve been freelance writing for about three years now, but this is the first time I’ve been able to make it a full-time gig.

Like any job, I’ve experienced occasional frustration and stress, but for the most part, I really enjoy freelancing. There aren’t a lot of downsides, but one annoyance I can’t seem to escape are the things I hear from other people.

From unsolicited career advice to nosy strangers looking for a job hook-up, here are some of the headache-inducing statements I’ve heard as a freelance writer:

“Freelance writing isn’t a real job.”

For some reason, a lot of people think that you’ve got to wake up every morning, get dressed, and head into the office for your occupation to be considered a real job.

I’ve heard this from plenty of people — estranged relatives, friends, and even my own dad. To this day, he considers my freelance work to be some sort of paid hobby rather than a legitimate career I’m trying to build.

Some people just don’t understand how freelance writing works, and others might be envious of the freedom that this occupation comes with.

From the outside, freelance writing looks effortless. You can work on your couch, and since you dictate your own schedule, it probably looks like freelancers have more free time than they do.

However, as easy as freelance writing might look, it’s just as taxing as any other job. Most freelance writers clock in at least thirty or forty hours a week — if not more. Our working hours could be from 10 PM to 3 AM, but they’re still working hours.

Not to mention, I’m a firm believer that if you’re getting paid for your time and effort, it’s a job. Freelance writing might look untraditional to some, but anyone who’s ever worked in this field knows just how real it is.

“I want to work from home, so I’m going to become a freelance writer.”

Look, I get it.

When you’re a freelance writer, you’ve got the option to work in your PJs and every day is bring-your-cat-to-work day. The freedom to be “be your own boss” is what draws a lot of people to freelance writing, and I can’t blame anyone for that.

This occupation is appealing, but many people don’t understand the skillset you need to have as a freelance writer. I’ve heard people tell me that they’d be a good freelance writer since they “wrote good essays in college.” That’s nice, but most clients aren’t asking for a rhetorical analysis of Don Quixote.

Technical writing is a lot different than academic writing. Not only do you have to learn the style, but most of the time, freelance writing requires in-depth knowledge of SEO, keywords, and formatting. You’ll need to know how to research quickly but efficiently. You’ll have to figure out how to reach clients and build a portfolio so they’ll consider hiring you.

Your ten-page midterm on social constructionism might’ve gotten you an A, but if your client has a website about power tools, they’re probably not going to be interested.

I can understand this line of thinking because I used to think the same way. When I first started freelancing, I had no real experience, and until I learned the technical craft, I only experienced rejection from clients.

Technical writing isn’t the only form of freelance writing, but if you’re working for clients and taking on gigs, it’s almost crucial that you learn to write this way.

I don’t say this to discourage anyone from freelance writing — quite the opposite. I think there’s a lot of people well-suited to freelance writing, but if you’re just looking for an easy gig without a dress code, you’re not one of them.

“Yeah, but what do you do all day?”

Currently, my schedule is a little hectic — from 10 AM to 11 AM, I’m dragon-slaying (but I’m doing it in my PJs because that’s the #freelancewriterlife). From noon till 3 PM, I take a mid-day nap because I’ve got nothing better to do.

No, in all seriousness, I’m not sure what people expect me to say when they ask this. I spend my day doing what everyone else does: working. I get up in the morning, I scarf down breakfast, and I start working on whatever project I’m dealing with that week.

The only difference between your job and mine is that my cat likes to distract me by climbing on top of my keyboard and holding my laptop hostage.