From 9 to 5 to Freelance

I’ve always been an avid storyteller who could often be found writing feverishly in a lined notebook. I wrote stories based on people I’d met, movies I had watched, even books whose plots I found lacking. While my peers excelled in research or delved more deeply into Shakespearan dramas, it was my knack for weaving complex ideas into captivating narratives that consistently set me apart.

Despite my natural talent, the idea of turning writing into a profession felt distant. I had an aversion to lengthy compositions and the entire journalistic field had faced a daunting correction, leaving me doubtful about the potential return on investment from pursuing my dreams at all.

The First Chapter

Well, fate had other plans. A few years ago, I was approached to write for a food blogger amidst Google’s latest sweeping SEO overhaul. This particular cook had over 300 recipes to rewrite and a never ending stream of new content to produce if I was up for it. So began the fledgling stages of my freelance career, as I learned SEO and honed my skills in blog copywriting, I also learned the difference between mirepoix and sofrito, how to deglaze and reverse sear.

Despite the creative spark being ignited and flamed, my writing at this time felt like nothing more than a pit stop in the grand scheme of my life, it would take reaching a professional crossroads before I would begin to take my own talents seriously.

From Aspiring Writer to Ambitious Freelancer

In 2022 I found myself in a job that wasn’t the right fit, the work didn’t align with my values or my passions and left me uninspired. Plucking up the courage to break free from convention, I bid farewell to the familiar, packing my life into a Nissan Versa and making the move to Toronto where I began pursuing my freelance work in earnest. I leveraged my connections and seized every opportunity to showcase my talents, gradually establishing myself as a versatile copywriter, serving diverse clientele across a number of industries.

While I eventually secured a full-time position in writing and editing, my commitment to freelance remains unwavering. I’m always looking for a new client to develop content with, whose ideas I can shape and form into content that is both captivating and informative.

Unlocking Success

My journey is new but it has been fulfilling, writing diverse content for anything from product descriptions to land use proposals, each project develops my expertise. While partnering with new clients always feels like an accomplishment, having consistent recurring clients is my biggest achievement so far. The ability to separate my ego from my work has also been a key to success, it’s important to reframe criticism and view it as a constructive opportunity to grow, not only in your own skillset but also in your ability to understand a given client’s needs. While I aim for perfection in the initial draft, sometimes it’s truly only reached through collaboration.

Overcoming Obstacles

Wrestling with imposter syndrome and navigating the fluctuating demands of the freelance landscape are two of my biggest obstacles. My skills are largely self taught and while I do extensive research and supplement with additional media to fill any gaps, feeling as though I have blind spots in my ability to craft copy is inevitable. The work is also variable, clients tend to want things all at once which means there are spells of little to no writing. Finding a consistent client is so invaluable, it serves as a cure to both of those maladies.

One milestone I look forward to one day celebrating is the ability to write independently full time! I would have to be very certain before making that leap but I hope to one day be ready for such a big step. The beauty of this work is that it is truly mobile, I can write as comfortably from the coffee shop around the corner as I can from a balcony in Belize. Every new addition to my portfolio helps drive me towards that goal.

Key To Growth

A great network, never be shy when it comes to your existing connections. I’ve learned that someone always knows someone who needs something written, there’s an ocean of information out there with a limited number of people who can convey it masterfully.

It’s also important to communicate effectively and regularly. My background in customer service taught me many lessons surrounding the importance of creating clear timelines and knowing my own workflow well enough to avoid overpromising.

Words of WisdoM

Know your worth! Never undersell your talents, they’re your marketable ‘product’ for a reason. The best way to ensure you are positioning yourself correctly is to conduct adequate market research, understand industry rates and develop pricing models that scale as your skillset and portfolio grow.

Ensure that you’re investing what you make back into your business and always allocating funds for tax season, familiarize yourself with the reporting expectations that come with each new income milestone to prevent any surprises. Best yet, find a professional who can help you navigate the fiscal pitfalls and milestones as a trusted partner in your corner. Personally, I like to track my finances month over month to anticipate slower periods and plan accordingly.

My journey as a freelance writer has taught me about myself, my skills, and the possibilities that exist outside of typical employment. I’ve learned when to say no to clients even if it means parting ways, and I’ve learned how fulfilling it is to write for a client who loves your work, which makes it all the more worth it.

I encourage anyone who identifies with the listlessness I felt only a few years ago to embark on your own entrepreneurial path, where self-discovery, autonomy, and the gratification of creating await. Launching your own venture isn’t just about business, it’s about embracing a lifestyle that fosters growth, challenge, and endless possibilities.

By Justine Beaulieu