It was almost 4 AM, and I was still glued to my computer, reading my resignation letter for the 4,867 time. My freelance writing business was taking off, and I was making enough money to quit my job and support myself. Granted, I wasn’t rolling in cash like Scrooge McDuck, but I was making enough to support my travel extravaganzas. Yet, I was questioning my decision.
So, I get you. Deciding to quit your job to pursue a career in freelance writing services, feels a lot like jumping off a cliff and trying to craft a parachute on the way down. It’s equal part exciting and terrifying. What if you get rejected? What if it’s hard to find new clients? What if you don’t know the topic well, and you make a flagrant mistake? What if your ideas aren’t good enough? What if you don’t have enough experience?
These fears are something that every freelance writer encounters during their career. It happens to the best of writers, and the worst of writers.
The difference is the best ones know how to overcome their fears and build a lucrative business. It’s all about having the right mindset.
With that in mind, here are six irrational fears that are holding you back.
- You Don’t Feel Ready
I’ve seen many great content writers stuck at the starting line, obsessing over every single detail, and waiting for the right time. Here’s the hard truth: if you wait for everything to be perfect, you will never start.
Everything you need is in place right now. In this day and age, when you have access to a seemingly endless stream of resources, building a freelance writing career is easier than it was years ago.
- You Are Afraid of Hard Work
Succeeding as a content writer requires a lot of hard work, especially in the early stages when you are striving to build a steady base of clients and figuring out what niche works for you. Be prepared to work 12 hours a day, during the weekend or holiday and pretty much anytime you find a spare second.
I know it sounds tiring and stressing, but despite the enormous amount of work, there’s something incredibly validating about the freedom and control a freelance writing career has to offer.
- The Competition Is Stiff
Many writers start their freelance career thinking that it will be easy to find new project constantly. But, they realize quickly that the competition is fierce and need to bring something new to the table to stand out.
Comparing yourself to more experienced freelance writers can be intimidating. Some content writers have spent years building their portfolios and reputation. Savvy writers understand that they have a lot to offer to businesses – fresh perspective, desire to learn and work hard, etc. So, don’t get scared by the competition and keep in mind that your skills will get better with time. Focus on growing your client base and learning as much as you possibly can.
- Change Scares You
Most people are afraid of change, which often leads them to make decisions that guarantee everything will remain the same. Even when they are dissatisfied with certain aspects of their lives, they still rarely take action.
You need to accept the fact that change and progress go hand in hand. You cannot grow as a writer or business person if you are not ready to get out of your comfort zone. Remember that your core values won’t change, even when your routine and lifestyle are altered.
- You’re Afraid You Will Fail
One of the biggest concerns that are holding you back is fear of falling short, especially when you are just getting started. What if you can’t get enough clients? What if you don’t have enough discipline?
Successful freelance writers are calculated risk takers. They never jump right in and don’t leave too much to chance. They understand that, to evolve and achieve success, you need to get out of the comfort zone. But, they do it through strategic planning, analyzing risks and anticipating mistakes.
- Fear of Conflict
Most people have a romanticized representation of writers. They imagine them sipping tea in a brightly lit apartment while typing on their computers.
That’s a nice image, but the reality is different.
Content writing is both art and business. Sure, you need to be creative enough to offer a different approach to a boring topic or to structure your texts in an engaging way. But, you also need to negotiate prices and deadlines, pitch ideas to prospective clients, answer complaints, and so on. So, if you want to make a living as a freelance writer, you need to overcome your fear of conflict.
Final Thoughts
That morning, I resigned from my day job and focused on my freelance writing. Two years have passed, and I’m still enjoying being my own boss and working on my terms. I’m still not rolling in money like Uncle Scrooge, but I’m getting closer every day.