Brilliant: Why Being a Professional Creator is Awesome
Let's not forget why we're doing this in the first place
The career of a freelancer or content creator can be challenging. The reason I created these guides in the first place is to help all of us build resilience. But, while we need to be vigilant and secure our futures, let's not lose sight of why we chose this profession in the first place.
Being a professional freelancer or content creator can be awesome. Few careers can match ours in terms of freedom, managing our time, diversity of work, setting our own agendas, and knowing that every penny we earn is down to our own effort.
Today I'm going to take a break from giving advice. Instead, I'll share some of the reasons that we're fortunate to do what we do. These aren't just my opinions either—I asked many of the members of a large freelance community what they loved. And this is what they told me.
Content creators can earn good money
Let's start with the most obvious thing. The money. While the early years of being a freelancer or content creator can be challenging, once you start earning decent rates, things get much better. Many of the freelancers who I know make good money from creating content—they're consistently pulling in a lot more than the median household income.
Of course, it's not always easy. There are real challenges. But expanding our skills, having the confidence to ask for more, and building trust with clients means that a strong, middle-class income may not be far away.
We're paid to do what we enjoy
According to research, more than half of people working a nine-to-five are pretty dissatisfied with their jobs. That contrasts with around three-quarters of independent workers and freelancers being satisfied with their careers. Most of us are paid to do what we enjoy. I know I'd be a writer just as a hobby—it's awesome that it's also how I make my living. I hope you feel the same way. I've also found that the work is much less of an effort if you're doing something you love.
Our effort and capabilities are directly reflected in what we earn
When you're working for someone else, your own efforts probably don't have a huge impact on your salary. We all know of teammates who didn't pull their weight, yet were paid the same or more than us.
As professional content creators, we directly impact what we earn.
The greater our experience, the deeper our skillset, the better we are at adding value—the more we can invoice. There's a strong link between how much effort we put in and how much money we get out. That effort isn't always tied to how much we work. Sometimes, it's about building connections, getting training, creating better processes—well-spent effort is often a precursor to bigger bank accounts.
Problem-solving can be deeply rewarding
I think that many of us like hard work and solving problems. It can be very satisfying to take a challenge, break it down, and find better ways of doing things. That might be the process of running your business, the work that you do for clients, or how you find ways to add value. It's using your mind as a muscle and developing new methods and approaches to do things better.
I'm a strong believer in using data to make decisions. Measuring what we do, changing something, measuring again, and analyzing the results. It lets us become more efficient—we can leverage our expertise to build a better business.
We can satisfy our curiosity with research
I've learned so much since becoming a freelancer. Most times, when a client wants me to create content in a new niche, I'll say "sure thing" and then figure stuff out through research and strong Google-Fu. That voyage of discovery can be fascinating and lead you in all sorts of creative directions. Then, you get to bring it all together and consolidate that learning in what you're doing for the client. That helps it to stick in your mind, and expand your knowledge. The job is seldom boring!
We get to find common ground with clients and build relationships
I do go on about relationship management a lot because I think it's so crucial to showing your value, getting repeat work, and finding clients who respect your time and boundaries. Finding that common ground is a surefire way to securing future work, and it's worth putting the effort in. I'm an extrovert, so I enjoy interacting with people and seeing how I can help. But, even if you're an introvert, there are wins to be had from listening and absorbing what your client tells you.
The hours are extremely flexible
If you set the right deadlines with clients, you can have a pretty open schedule. Not feeling like working on a Thursday? If you're meant to deliver next week, you can work on Saturday instead. If you want to get up early, you could work from 6 AM into the early afternoon. If you're a night owl, start at 2 PM and work into the evening. You can find a rhythm and a schedule that works for you.
You're not beholden to the normal working day. You don't have to plan vacations months in advance. You can go for a walk whenever you want, spend some time with your family in the middle of the day, or just take an afternoon off.
We get to talk to and work with interesting people
Some of your work might involve getting knowledge out of people's heads and into another form. That means you get to talk to subject matter experts, find out what they think, and forge it into something interesting. Depending on the niches that you're involved with, your work can be extremely varied.
Plus, depending on how deeply integrated you are into your client's team, you get to talk to those professionals at the top of their field. For a content creator who enjoys learning, these conversations can be fascinating. And, they'll give you greater experience and insight that you can parlay into more work later on.
We set the boundaries that are best for us
We get to put the boundaries in place that work for our lifestyles. Those could be:
Where you work: Creating In a dedicated workspace, elsewhere in your home, or out in a coffee shop or other public place.
When you work: Putting in certain hours each day, varying your schedule, and choosing your days off.
Who you work with: Choosing clients that align with your priorities, values, and how you do business.
How you work: Choosing the right tools and processes to support your unique approach to creating content.
How you dress: Every day is casual day if you're not in a video call with a client! I'll admit that I've billed more than a few hours while I'm still in my pajamas!
We get to share with others
As these guides would suggest. one of the main things I get out of my career is the option to share my knowledge, expertise, and experience with others. I love helping out newer freelancers, and thinking through how I'd apply advice to their situations. I'm a strong believer in "A rising tide lifts all boats." We can cherish those opportunities to give back to the communities that helped to raise us up in the first place.
Positive feedback is absolutely lovely
I love it when a client takes some time to say they appreciate my work. It always gives me a slight endorphin rush—that gratitude is seldom needed, but it's always welcome. of course, it's even better when that positive feedback turns into repeat work and long-term contracts. You have a client who appreciates you, and both of you are getting something great out of the relationship.
Enough said
Just to close this out and leave a smile on your face:
When you're working for yourself, the boss is generally pretty great.
Every day is "take your dog to work" day.
No more office politics!
Please, share what you love about freelancing and content creation in the comments.
I love freelancing for all of the reasons you mentioned. The most important one for me is being able to choose who I work with. I have high ethical standards related to honesty and sales tactics that many potential employers and clients don’t share. I also care about liberty and justice for all, and don’t want to work with anyone who deliberately spreads misinformation, especially hate speech that encourages violence. The freedom to set my own schedule is great, too, because I’m a night owl.
timely idea for a post!
my favorite part is that the gig travels extraordinarily well...this planet can make for a sweet office.