Why I Chose To Start Freelance Writing After Being Laid Off
It’s mid 2022 and it’s no secret: the job market sucks right now.
Will it get better? Can it get better? Or should we all prepare for the inevitable recession that’s headed our way?
I'm one of thousands who recently experienced a mass layoff at their job this summer. I can say with confidence that the hunt for a job has not been easy at all. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, June’s unemployment rate settled at 3.9. That's 5.9 million unemployed persons in the United States.
And with more and more layoffs announced on a weekly basis, it’s no wonder so many are worried. Do we even stand a chance of being hired, only to be laid off yet again in a few months?
So here’s an idea: take control of the situation.
A Few Things About Me
I grew up doing performing arts and graduated with a BFA in Acting. Although all my jobs have been customer service-focused with a bit of administrative duties thrown in. My most recent position was at a virtual network connecting clients with therapists.
It was my first remote job, which is no surprise considering I began in June of 2021 in the middle of the pandemic. I’d just moved to a different state, living on my own for the first time with my cat, Grizabella, and it was a pretty good gig.
As a Patient Support Specialist, I assisted new clients with the intake and onboarding process, insurance verification, and scheduling. I worked closely with providers as well. And over time, I became a subject matter expert, tested new workflows and tools, and led training and QA.
I was laid off a year and two days after being with the company. It was one of those mass layoffs. Members of leadership called 30+ people into a Zoom meeting and told us, “effective immediately, your role has been terminated.” 15 out of the 17 people on my team were let go, including our direct manager!
We were so upset with the way in which they let us go. We weren't treated well for months. But in a way, this situation was a blessing in disguise.
Job Hunting Mode Activated
The Monday after I was laid off, I hit the ground running. I updated my resume, uploaded it to Indeed, set up my LinkedIn profile, and started searching for jobs.
It quickly became too overwhelming. When you’re unemployed there’s already so much pressure and worry on your mind. How much money do I have saved? When does my insurance end? Can I afford my rent? Add on the actual task of searching online for jobs and it was too much.
I spent four hours in the morning and four hours in the afternoon, scouring job sites and career pages. So, basically, a full time job looking for a job! It was exhausting! Mentally, physically, and emotionally draining. And for the time I spent searching, and the amount of applications I’d sent in, I wasn’t having any luck.
Are There Other Options Out There?
After a month without a single serious job lead, I started to panic. I knew I only had X amount of money to last me X amount of rent, plus bills, and necessities like groceries and gas. What really started to get to me was how I felt I had absolutely no control over being unemployed and the job market.
But maybe I did. Maybe? That’s when I started thinking about freelancing. We’ve all seen those YouTube videos and articles about someone who began freelancing and how it changed their life.
Now, I have no disillusions about my journey with freelancing. I don’t expect to make 7-figures in the next few months. But the appeal is knowing that:
I can start NOW without waiting to hear back about interviews.
I can make my own work schedule.
I can take control of my situation.
Yes, there are a lot of other logistics involved in becoming a freelancer. There’s no doubt that a lot of backend work falls on you if you decide to go into freelancing. But what if all that extra work I have to do for myself is worth it?
What if it’s worth it?
With my background in theatre, scriptwriting, fiction writing, and poetry, writing was an easy decision. I quickly realized there is a need for both content writing and copywriting out there. Content writing and copywriting that I could do!
I absolutely love storytelling in all forms. If I could use my storytelling in web copy, social media posts, and blogs, that would be a great place to start.
Facing My Fears
But what about all those unknown factors? Oh yeah, you can bet that I’ve thought about them all.
What if this investment doesn’t pay off? How do I file taxes? Will I find any clients? What if my writing just isn’t any good? Should I waste my time trying to be a freelancer instead of working a normal job?
Yes, all those questions are valid and come with justified hesitation. I’m still hesitant, right now, while I’m writing this post!
But I realized sitting and waiting on someone else to decide my future could leave me sitting for months, a year, or more!
You never know unless you try. And what’s the worst thing that could happen? It doesn’t work out. The best thing that could happen? I find a bit of success, make a steady income, get to do something I love, and have a sense of professional freedom I’ve never experienced in my life.
So this is me, giving it a try.
