While I have had one temp job that lasted 2 months (I don't list it on my resume) I've been out of work for a year.

5 Comments

1. BethBJuly 31,2023 at 1:17PM UTC

   I’m sorry it’s been so rough. Why not take a few of the lower paying gigs to gain experience and possibly some references or testimonials. Look for certifications that would support your expertise in these areas. It would help you establish credibility with potential clients.

   See what you can do locally. Go to local networking groups. Let people know through your local FB groups.

   Create a professional presence, such as a website. Utilize social media. Ask for referrals.

   Buildiny a business isn’t easy, it can be wonderful though.

2. AnonymousAugust 2,2023 at 3:42AM UTC

   Thank you for your response, I appreciate your advice.

3. AnonymousAugust 2,2023 at 4:38PM UTC

   It is a very tough market now, do a few things to brand yourself. Set up a website that you can share links to when you apply and make sure you list all of your expertise there. Add that to your linkedin and also be sure that you add it to forums where folks are speaking about those skills. Get certified if you can and be sure you add those to your profile as well. Then write about what you know in LI and other places. When you speak aloud about your expertise folks who listen may refer you over as well.

4. AnonymousAugust 2,2023 at 8:14PM UTC

   Thank you for your response, I appreciate your advice.

5. Liz MilneAugust 7,2023 at 12:30AM UTC

   I've been a freelance writer since 2010: initially as a side gig while I had other part time jobs, but I've finally got to a point where I can mostly fully support myself with my writing and 'proper' paid work (as a uni visiting lecturer for like 4 hours a week term-time only) is my occasional 'side gig'.

   Start small - use sites like you mention, but also People per Hour, Twine, etc - google lists of WFH freelance work and you'll get a good selection. Sign up with as many as you can, and then check them daily, picking up those small jobs that you can do *perfectly*. It will be horrendously hard work for little pay at first, but gradually you will build up a stable of clients who give you regular work because they like your style and work ethic etc - and you will have freelance experience so you can network to bring in direct customers which will pay you more.

   In time, you should end up with a lot of clients who you like and get on well with, and who pay reliably, give you work that is interesting and within your sphere of expertise - and having a little stable of these good clients will allow you to earn a decent income that is not solely reliant on one of them giving you enough work.

   I've currently got three or four private clients, I'm on Textbroker where I mainly write for direct customers (they send work that only I can see, not the whole pool of writers), and I write for a ghostwriting agency. These days (*touch wood!) I hardly ever have to scramble for work, I get enough to earn a decent weekly wage just sent directly to me from those various clients.

   Compare this to those early days when I would spend 8 hours at my computer, perhaps earning ten euros in that time because most of the time was spent looking for work rather than doing the work.

   So! It is possible, but it's hard and you will need support/ a part-time job that won't tire you or use up so much time that you can't get the freelance stuff done in good time. Good luck!