Fellow writer and consummate blogger Devon Ellington posted about the need for writers to buck up in their expectations of what they should earn. As she put it, “Yes, we ARE in a recession. Sometimes you need to take a job you don’t really want to make some quick cash. But don’t settle. Always strive to use each gig as a building block towards a better and better-paying one.” Amen. Alleluia, sister.
See, the problem from where I sit is some writers (and dare I say even seasoned pros) are using this R word as an excuse for not scoring the jobs. I don’t get it. I sit here in the midst of the same recession, yet this was the best month of my freelance career in terms of earnings. I’m not lacking for work or for checks. So why are others struggling?
Attitude. If you approach your career with doubts leading the way, guess where you’re going? Right down the path of Can’t Get There From Here. So what if you try this – what if you attack the path with a solid plan and a positive attitude? What if you say “Hell no!” to the low-paying gigs and take only what you know will benefit your financial picture? How will that affect your career? How about your attitude – what do you think it will do for that?
So, what’s stopping you exactly?
There will be like a week during the transition where you’re pitching for the higher paid jobs and panicking because you don’t have the security of the lower paying jobs. But ride it out, and you’ll be in a better place in a month or two.
Good advice, Devon.
In all honesty, I don’t even worry about a “recession” (in terms of work anyway; when it comes to my retirement accounts, that’s a whole other story!). I think the more people who get laid off, the more freelancers are in demand … not only to pick up the slack left behind, but also to help those out-of-jobbers land new positions. It’s alll about putting a positive spin on things.
Truer words have never been spoken.
I’ll admit, I’ve taken some writing gigs that have put me darn near close to minimum wage, without the neat benefits (like free burgers) over the years. I’ve paid my dues.
On the other hand, I’ve had some gigs that I’ve almost felt guilty for taking what I was offered. I’ve had some lucky breaks, too.
At the end of the day, it all balances out.
One awesome thing about our field, especially in modern times, is that you can pretty much do what we do from anywhere. I live in the Middle of Nowhere, Michigan. Michigan has been in a one-state recession for the last five years, so it’s nice to see that we’ve been a trendsetter in one way or another.
My point here is that, even though people around me are losing work and moving to other states, I’m not. I’m turning down work these days. And I can keep doing what I do, right here.
I have had — about $150 dollars of work in a month — until I got a 10 article order the other day, but even that is not even close to what I usually earned.
Frankly, I’m frustrated, depressed, and want to quit.
I have maintained the same professionalism, marketed times 10, and still no work. NO IDEA WHAT’S GOING ON.
Jess, hang in there. You KNOW you can do it. You had a great year last year. Look over your plan – are there steps you’re missing? Following up? Asking for more work? Contacting old clients? Asking for referrals?
If that’s not working, try mixing it up by going after different gigs. If you need a shoulder, here I am.
That is a great bonus, Sophia. I agree. :))
I’ve marketed to , no exaggeration, at least 100 jobs or more a DAY the last month. I have followed up with every last client, I have asked for more work to others, I have EVEN offered 20% off all services to clients AND 15%for referrals, and still no takers.
Starting to take it personal.
Email on the way, Jess.
Jess, if any extra work crosses my desk, you’ll be the first one I contact.