Chapter 1: The Leap to Freelancing

In 2011, I made the decision to leave my traditional job and pursue freelance writing. Contrary to what many might assume, this change actually alleviated my stress levels significantly. Being self-employed granted me autonomy, options, and liberated me from corporate nonsense and unproductive meetings that seemed to consume my time without yielding any results.

My lifestyle transformed dramatically. Gone were the anxiety-inducing morning commutes; instead, I could transition directly from my bed to my computer.

Fueled by endless cups of green tea and the liberty to choose my writing projects (provided I could find someone willing to pay for them), I felt an immense sense of freedom and relief. The daily grind of commuting had always been a source of frustration for me.

Working independently allowed me to focus on my tasks without unnecessary interruptions from supervisors or colleagues. Once I accomplished my goals for the day, I could enjoy leisurely walks or any other activities I wished. After all, the essence of freelancing is to relish that flexibility.

The primary source of stress stemmed from the constant pursuit of new assignments. Early in my freelance journey, filling my schedule was a daunting challenge and remains a common hurdle for many in this field. This is why many freelance writers opt to teach, conduct workshops, author books, or take on additional jobs.

In those initial years, I was incredibly motivated, pitching ideas every day of the week to ensure a steady stream of work. This strategy proved effective, as I found myself busy with both pitching and fulfilling writing assignments.

The freedom of self-employment was exhilarating. I was compensated for visiting National Trust gardens, capturing photographs, and interviewing volunteers—often feeling as if I was merely enjoying a hobby rather than working!

Despite my busy schedule, maintaining a consistent flow of projects was an ongoing challenge. To diversify my income, I eventually ventured into photography, selling stock images and collaborating with calendar companies. In 2021, I also decided to join the Medium platform.

As time passed, I have scaled back my pitching efforts and have to admit that I now feel somewhat fatigued. I’ve covered local attractions extensively, and the pandemic has limited my in-person interactions, although I continue to foster connections online.

However, sustaining my workload and generating fresh ideas for magazines has become increasingly difficult. With numerous publications shutting down and some turning to AI to lessen their dependency on freelance talent, I can’t shake the feeling that my profession is diminishing.

Consequently, I am now focusing on monetizing my work on Medium. In the corporate world and the mainstream press, my opinions were often overlooked, but now I have a platform to express my thoughts.

The freelance lifestyle aligns perfectly with my preferences, and I have no desire to return to the stressors of corporate life—filled with pointless meetings, office politics, and the feeling of being undervalued. Today, I find fulfillment in my work, and that's what truly matters.

Though I’ve dealt with some recent challenges, such as problematic tenants, I can confidently state that 90% of my work-related stress has vanished. Freelancing has become a perfect fit for me.

© Susie Kearley 2024. All Rights Reserved.

Chapter 2: Challenges of Freelance Life

In this chapter, I explore the hurdles of sustaining a freelance career and adapting to the evolving landscape of publishing and writing.