Journalism or content writing? A journalism grad will spend in the neighbourhood of $50,000 to obtain a degree (then fight tooth and nail to get a foot in the door), content writers can watch a few videos, throw up a five-minute website on Weebly or Wix and be off to the races.

As a freelancer, taking time off from work can be a scary thought. What if an inquiry comes in while you’re away and you miss out on a great opportunity? What if there’s a client emergency and you let them down? And what if you go on vacation and then have no work to come back to because you stopped prospecting? These fears are all possible scenarios so they’re important to think through. However, rest is necessary to fuel creativity and avoid burnout. So how does a freelancer take breaks without losing money, clients or opportunities? Here are a few ideas.

Mary Ito’s latest bold venture has been to return to freelancing in order to take on a number of projects including an exciting new challenge: podcasting. Never one to do anything by half-measures, it will surprise no one familiar with her work to learn Ito has launched not one but two original podcasts this year.

I still want to be a journalist. I quit my last full-time job in October and started freelancing. I sell single malt scotch whisky at a Scottish public house on weekends for extra cash. I have enough energy to develop interests I didn’t study in university. I’ve started a podcast about outdoor adventure sports. I don’t have an office job. I don’t have a salary. I don’t have the career I planned for. I’m fine with that. I am happier. I have control.

by Robyn Roste Although pitching isn’t the only way freelancers find paid work, it’s an important skill to master. As much as I’ve tried to avoid it over the years, pitching in some way, shape or form is a large component [Read the full article…]

During this pandemic, some freelancers have watched their work shift or outright disappear, prompting an urgent need to find new ways to earn an income.

Freelancers are psychologically better prepared than most to adapt to the rapidly-evolving circumstances being forced upon us. But we are also among the most easily compromised financially.

Stagnant or low rates should motivate freelancers, not make them timid. That’s according to a panel of experienced freelancers who spoke recently at an event in Toronto.

Award-winning freelance audio producer Kalli Anderson spoke with Story Board about working in a variety of media and the importance of sharing information among freelancers.

Lesley Evans Ogden is a B.C.-based science journalist whose clients include Natural History, Scientific American, BBC, Nature, and CBC. She shares her thoughts on the challenges of managing multiple projects, how to keep your energy levels up, and the importance of aiming high with your pitches.