by Raven Lebeau

Created on: March 20, 2009   Last Updated: May 09, 2009

Being a freelance writer means never suffering from extended boredom or being held back for pursuing an idea. It means getting to learn about new topics as well as getting to share one's own expertise. It means never having to argue with coworkers or take criticism from a supervisor.

It also means not having health insurance, forging a steady paycheck, and for most freelance writers, it means extreme poverty. That's why freelance writing is generally better for people who have a spouse providing benefits and a primary source of income. For those not under pressure to perform financially, freelance writing can be a good way to make a little cash without having to make the sacrifices that go with a steady job.

The flexibility of a being a freelance writer is the primary attraction for many people who pursue that line of work. Not having to be in a certain place at a certain time means being able to handle household tasks like cooking, shopping, and cleaning. For those who choose to care for pets or children it means being able to put their needs first, since taking a break from work is as easy as saving a file.

With the advent of websites like Helium.com, Associated Content, and Trinod, being a freelance writer is easier than ever. Not many people make a solid income at these kind of sites, but they do provide opportunities for anyone to make a little bit of extra money by writing. Talented web writers can even generate significant income, especially if they are also talented at marketing their work.

Being a freelance writer is also a viable "second job" for those with other employment. Experts in academic fields or those with significant experience in a particular industry often publish on occasional article in order to bolster a professional reputation. Freelance writing also provides people with an opportunity to share interests outside of their main career. Even a busy full time employee can often find a few minutes to post an article about his or her favorite hobby or share some thoughts on politics, religion, or family.

In the silicon age, being a published writer is as simple as typing, cutting, pasting, and clicking "submit". An article or story that people enjoy will usually make a few pennies here and there. An unpopular article my collect cyberdust, unread, but it doesn't cause any harm. Posting a piece of freelance writing offers the opportunity to succeed and comes with no risk. So, the question is, why wouldn't anyone want to be a freelance writer?

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