Is freelancing still a viable career option?

Today’s edition of Wishful Working is a 3 minute read.

Pretty much since I started freelance writing in March 2022, I’ve seen concerned rumblings in the freelance community: 

• It’s getting harder to find work and harder to keep it.

• There are more freelancers now and therefore more competition for freelance contracts.

• Some companies are ending freelancer contracts and turning to AI instead.

• Marketplaces like Upwork, while always a bit iffy, are now almost completely useless.

• The freelance situation is, in general, a bit weird. In a bad way. 

It was strange to see comments like this as a brand new freelancer, especially because I personally had some early good luck. To date, my best revenue month ever occurred less than six months into my freelancing journey. And, to be completely transparent, this month is on track to be my lowest revenue month in two years.

Although income dips, AI fears, and other freelance struggles do sometimes prompt self-reflection (read: anxiety spirals and career questioning), I still ultimately feel like freelancing is not only viable but overwhelmingly preferable to traditional, full-time work.

Here’s why:

1. Traditional jobs aren’t inherently less risky. 

Layoffs across journalism, tech, and other sectors have proven time and again that traditional employment is precarious. As freelancers, we may experience the sting of a client ending an engagement, but we can’t be laid off. That’s a special type of peace of mind.

2. Although there’s more competition for freelance jobs, there are still plenty to go around. 

Many of you found Wishful Working through Kaitlyn Arford’s Freelance Opportunities newsletter, a resource that is consistently jam-packed with roles and project opportunities for journalists, writers, designers, and more. 

In general, I try my best to reject the scarcity mindset, and I also try not to see other freelancers as competition. We all have different skill sets, interests, and niches, and celebrating someone else’s win doesn’t take away from my success.

3. AI has an upside. 

Yes, some companies are trying to replace contract workers with AI, but many are discovering it doesn’t really work like they thought it would. And in many cases, they’re once again hiring freelancers — often to rewrite and/or edit AI content. 

Also, AI and automation tools can be a godsend for freelancers, offering an affordable way to save time, streamline admin work, and deliver more value to clients. For now, I choose to see AI as my ally, not my enemy.

4. Innovation is in the air.

I’ve seen hard times bring out the best in freelancers and independents. We’re a scrappy bunch, and we know it takes grit and creativity to keep things going. 

What’s that phrase people say? Necessity is the mother of invention? That’s basically a freelancing slogan. 

5. There’s something satisfying about the struggle.

I don’t want to glamorize the tough times or put on some sort of starving artist bit, but the reality is that being your own boss and building something from scratch is really freaking satisfying. We pivot and iterate and experiment, not only because we must, but because we revel in the freedom we have. 

And in the end, it’s not shareholders, bosses, or executives who reap the benefits of our hard work.

It’s us. And our families. And what’s more satisfying than that?

See you next week,

Kara

Wishful Working is inspired by my desire to see more people enjoy a life not centered around work. For some, the path to freedom and flexibility is through self-employment, but we also need to challenge cultural norms and champion healthier working conditions and work/life balance for all types of workers.

Who am I? I’m a freelance writer and entrepreneur based in small-town Saskatchewan. I write longform content for B2B clients, and I help founders and independents name their brands and projects through a new venture called Naming. Connect with me by replying to this email, or reach out on LinkedIn or Twitter.