Laid Off? Reassess Before You Start Fresh as a Freelancer
Posted by Maya Smart on Wed, Apr 14, 2010 @ 10:00 AM
by Maya Payne Smart
Since 2005, newspapers and magazines have laid off nearly 130,000 journalists. Many are seeking a fresh start as freelancers. But, without the structure, competition or camaraderie of the newsroom, it can be easy to feel lost. Sound familiar? The good news: With a little self-assessment, you'll be headed in the right direction, toward a lucrative freelance career as your own boss, in no time.
First, you need to step back, reflect and take an inventory of everything that you bring to the table. In moments of change, especially when economic times are tough, people tend to focus on what they've lost — the job they used to have or the title that they used to hold. Instead, concentrate on what you have to offer.
Make a list, onscreen or on paper, of everything positive you can offer freelance clients. Note your educational background, including any special certifications you have, and the reporting or other expertise you've developed over the years. As you list, point by point, your knowledge and experience, you'll likely start to see some patterns. Use them to consider offering yourself up as an authority in a given topic, area or field.
Now that you've established your skills, make another list of everyone you know who may provide some professional support. As someone who's already worked as a journalist, you have an advantage over other a freelancers: your network. Who you know really does help to determine your net worth in this business. Start with colleagues, from every relevant job you've ever had. Then list professors from journalism school with whom you're still in touch, or even professors in other subject areas. Include friends or family members who are editors or who work at publications.
You also want to write down any writers you know. Other freelancers who are successful in their careers will become assets as you go forward. Once you've written down all the names, look for any relationships between your skills and your network. All of these people can become resources for you as you develop your freelance writing business.
Finally, make a third list of the tasks you enjoy and your general interests. Of all the things that you've done, professionally and voluntarily, what subjects and activities do you have a natural affinity, enthusiasm or passion for that you may be able to turn into great writing?
Freelance writing, particularly journalistic writing, can be a difficult way to make a living. You have to sit at your desk, just as you would if you were back in your old newsroom, and produce story after story — often without anyone to bounce ideas off of or to light a fire under you. In order to sustain the constant, rapid pace of development that you'll need to make a good living, you really need to (mostly) enjoy what you're doing.
After all, you don't want to create just another job for yourself. As a freelancer, you can shape and mold your career into whatever you want it to be. Why not create your dream job?