by Jamie Elizabeth

Created on: August 20, 2010   Last Updated: November 20, 2010

Freelance writing is an attractive career choice to many people. It offers flexibility and the opportunity to fully do what you love in order to make your living. However, it takes a certain type of person and personality to be successful as a freelance writer. This is especially true after the initial euphoria of writing as a full time job wears off and you have had your first few cranky clients. If you are considering freelance writing as a career, you first need to know if it is something that you can truly do full time and do well. Take the following into consideration as you begin to think about whether freelance writing is the right choice for you:

Are You Self-Motivated?

Getting up every morning and being dependent only on yourself to get your work done can be difficult. If you need the type of supervision or tight deadlines that a boss or even co-workers can impose on you to get any work done, then freelance writing is not for you. If you wake up on the weekends and wonder to yourself what you are going to accomplish today, and then accomplish it, then freelance writing might just be a fit for your personality.

Can You Write?

This is definitely an obvious question, but it is still one worth asking yourself. If you cannot produce quality work in a timely manner, then it will be difficult to find clients. Often, especially when using internet freelance sites, you will need to produce large quantities of work quickly to make any money when you are first starting to build your reputation. The more quickly you are able to build your reputation the better off you will be overall as a freelancer. Even for sites like Helium, where you are merely submitting articles, the amount you are able to earn is directly related to the quality and quantity of work that you submit.

Are You Easily Distracted?

Freelance writers spend a lot of time at their computers and it is often necessary that the computer they work from be connected to the internet. If you have a difficult time tearing yourself away from the mindset of "I'll just check my Facebook one more time and then start" you will not be able to accomplish much as a freelance writer. If, however, you can set yourself on a task, finish it, and avoid surfing the web then you will be able to find success as a freelancer.

Do You Mind Being By Yourself?

Freelance writing can be a solitary job. Though you are producing content for clients you are often not directly in contact with them except via the internet. Even if you are working for clients local to you, the amount of human and social contact that you have throughout the day will be much less than that of an office setting. If you are a person who finds the social aspects of offices or other jobs uncomfortable or even just don't care much about spending time around others, then you will not have much trouble adjusting to the life of a freelancer.

By considering these four points, you will be well on your way to deciding if a freelance writing career is right for you. Be sure to consult those who know you best about their thoughts, as well. Freelance writing can be a rewarding career path if it is something that you truly enjoy and have the skills and motivation for.

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