Michelle Rafter recently wrote a terrific article offering ten suggestions for freelance writers who are interested in launching their own businesses. The suggestions range from the obvious (train others in what you do) to the truly creative (launch a customized wire service).
One core reason that these suggestions are so important is because entrepreneurs are making the money when other people aren’t. A couple of years ago, I wrote a very basic article on things you need to do if you’re looking for a job. The article has gained hundreds of comments from unemployed people who are desperately struggling to find work. While I can sympathize with their plight, I have to confess that there is a part of me that wants to suggest to these people that they try to find creative ways to launch their own businesses rather than waiting for someone to hire them.
In the recession, nearly all of the people I know who are managing to do decently for themselves financially are people who are going out there and making their own jobs. I know people who have gotten laid off and used that opportunity to launch photography businesses, grow their writing careers and work in foreign countries. I realize that not being able to find a traditional job in your field is terrible but going out and making those opportunities for yourself is a creative and productive approach to the problem.
Freelancers who are struggling to make ends meet with traditional writing jobs can take their already-independent way of working and really make it work for them. The suggestions in Michelle’s article are a great start for that. And of course getting creative and launching a fresh new idea of your own would be even better.
And even freelancers who aren’t struggling may want to consider making this type of business move. It keeps your work fresh. It stops you from stagnating. It allows you to explore your limits, push your boundaries and challenge yourself in the work that you are doing. You don’t have a boss to promote you so you really and truly have to promote from within!
July 1st, 2010 at 11:49 pm
I think this article is great, and I totally agree with you, mainly because that is exactly what I have done…I just wish I’d done it sooner!
I was made redundant in the summer of 2008, but it wasn’t until the summer of 2009 that I even considered working for myself as a writer.But, I’d just reached a point where I could not stand unemployment and the depression that it brought, any longer - it was too stressful, and degrading mentally and physically. And, one year on, self employment doing something I love (writing) is the best decision that I have ever made!
This recession is definitely the time for people to follow their hearts, over their heads!