How I Made the Jump from Accounting to Freelance Writing and You Can Too!

A freelancer's home office — Photo by Ola Dapo

When I graduated with a degree in Professional Communications, I had only one goal: finding a meaningful and fulfilling job. But the market at the time (2009) was saturated with people just like me, all vying for limited opportunities. So, after being turned away from entry-level roles due to lack of experience, I decided to take a more practical approach and found myself in Accounting - a field I could turn into a career if need be.

For 14 long years, I worked under fluorescent lights and was stuck with white-collar roles out of necessity. Although my true passion was writing, as a single woman living on my own, I needed to maintain my stability, so I soldiered on - working overtime when possible to get ahead but feeling stagnant nonetheless.

Turning Point

In 2014, I met the man who would become my husband - and he changed everything. He was in school for design and had the mind of an entrepreneur, a doer, and a risk-taker. Watching him go after his goals made me question what I was doing in accounting: why wasn’t I following my dreams? I would meet some very influential figures in the Milwaukee community through volunteering alongside him. This was how I began to gain experience within the field of communications.

Then came the birth of our son in 2018 - an event that changed everything. With a new baby in tow, going into an office five days a week didn't make sense anymore. So it was time to pursue my dream of freelancing. It felt overwhelming to make a big jump after 14 years in the same field, but this was my chance to start fresh and chase what truly made me happy.

I quickly realized that no matter how hard you work or how much experience you have accumulated over the years, it's always possible to start anew - especially when there is something within you urging you forward! So, with this newfound motivation and drive, I began researching ways to make freelance writing work my full-time job. Of course, there were months of trial and error (lots of error!). Still, eventually, all the hustle paid off, and today I am the happiest I have ever been.

What I Did to Prepare for the Change and What I Learned

I began researching ways to freshen up my writing skills. I had a ton of outdated articles that were good but no longer in the direction, I wanted to go in as a writer. I used pieces I had drafted for local organizations, such as press releases, to begin my new portfolio. But it was a contributing writing opportunity with the Milwaukee Mom blog and a freelance writing course by Elna Cain that would be the catalyst. I used the Milwaukee Mom blogs to build my official website. The course taught me how to become a successful freelancer and provided some amazing resources to help me get started on how to market myself. It was through my website that my first freelance client found me.

Benefits of Making the Leap to Freelance Writing

The ability to make my schedule was amazing. I could take a break when needed but also work whenever I wanted and keep the momentum going. It also gave me more control over which projects I took on and what type of content I wrote. The best part was that it allowed me to focus on exciting topics - no more monotonous accounting tasks! The freelance writing field has so much to offer, and the variety of subjects I can cover keeps me engaged and learning new things all the time.

Preparing for a Career Change

Making a career switch can be daunting, but with the proper preparation and guidance, it can be done! Here are some tips on how to make the leap successfully:

1. Identify what you want to do - Take time to reflect on your current situation and decide what you want to pursue. It can be helpful to create a list of pros and cons for each career option to help you make an informed decision.

2. Research the field - Once you've identified the career that interests you, research it thoroughly. Read articles, books, and case studies on what successful professionals in your chosen field do. You can also reach out to people currently in the industry and ask questions.

3. Update your skills - If you need to brush up on any skills, take courses or attend workshops to gain experience and confidence. You can also look for freelance opportunities that will give you real-world experience while earning some money.

4. Network - Connect with professionals in the industry and make meaningful connections. You never know when these contacts might come in handy!

5. Make a plan - Before you take the plunge, create a plan of action that outlines your goals and strategies for making the switch. This will help you stay on track and motivated as you transition into freelance writing or any other career.

Developing an Effective Portfolio Website

A portfolio website is essential for freelance writers who wish to make the most of their careers. Not only does your website provide potential clients with an easier way to find you, but it also gives them a better idea of what kind of work you can do and how reliable you are as a writer.

A compelling portfolio website should showcase your writing skills, highlight your achievements, and include samples of published work. Additionally, it should feature a professional design that conveys your unique personality and style. Ensure the website is straightforward to navigate so visitors can easily find what they are looking for. You should also include contact information and other essential details, such as rates or turnaround times.

I found Squarespace to be the best for me. Squarespace has ready-made templates, and I am married to a man whose career revolves around tech and design. Therefore I had in-house help with perfecting my website.

Aside from showcasing your work, your portfolio website should also be a networking platform. Make sure to include links to social media accounts and other websites of interest. This will help build connections and lead to more freelance opportunities.

Learning How to Price Your Services Accordingly

Freelance writers need to be able to price their services appropriately to make a living and stay competitive in the industry. However, pricing your services too low can lead to undervaluing your work, while pricing them too high could mean losing potential clients.

The best way to determine a fair price for your services is to research the market and find out what other freelance writers in your area are charging. It’s also important to consider your expertise, experience, and the type of work you take on.

When pricing freelance writing services, you should also factor in how much time it takes you to complete a project. This includes research, editing, and revisions. Also, don’t forget to consider your overhead costs, such as software subscriptions and business expenses, when setting your rates.

Finally, make sure you have an agreement that outlines the terms of payment before starting any freelance writing job. That way, you can rest assured knowing that you’ll get paid for your work on time.

Finding Clients and Understanding Marketing Strategies

Knowing where to look for potential clients can be challenging when you're just getting started as a freelance writer. Fortunately, there are several ways freelance writers can find work and build their client base.

One approach is to join freelance writing networks and job boards such as Upwork or Freelancer. This will give you direct access to potential clients looking for freelance writers. You can also create a profile on social media platforms such as LinkedIn or Twitter and use them to network and promote your services.

It’s also essential to understand the basics of marketing in freelance writing. Develop an understanding of effectively using search engine optimization (SEO) to attract more clients. Additionally, you should consider investing in advertising on Google or other platforms. This will help ensure that more potential customers find your website and contact you for freelance work.

Setting Up Payment Structures and Policies with Clients

Once you’ve found clients and secured freelance writing jobs, setting up an effective payment structure is crucial. This should include a clear outline of your services, how much you will be paid, and when payments will be due.

You should also ensure that you have a system for collecting clients' payments. Many freelance writers prefer to use platforms such as PayPal or Stripe, allowing them to accept payments online securely.

Creating a set of policies around payment and communication with clients is also essential. This should include when and how often you will communicate with them and the steps you will take if they fail to make payments on time.

Finally, don’t forget to factor in taxes and other expenses regarding freelance writing. Make sure you set aside monthly money for tax payments and any other business-related expenses you incur while freelance writing.

Building a Support Network of Other Professionals in the Field

Networking is key. You know, the phrase it's not what you know, it's who you know rings very accurate even in freelance writing. So you will want to meet and get to know other freelance writers in the same or similar fields.

This can be done through local freelance writing groups or events, such as writing conferences or workshops. This is an excellent way for freelance writers to find mentors and share best practices. In addition, LinkedIn is a great place to find network groups and in-person networking events. I am constantly being discovered by other professionals seeking writing services through LinkedIn.

Establishing an Ideal Work Schedule and Workflow That Best Suits Your Needs

We live in a time of work/life balance, and freelance writing can provide the ideal situation. Being a work-from-home mom, I love the flexibility freelance writing offers, and you have to take advantage of it.

Determining what kind of work schedule works best for you is essential to maintain a healthy work/life balance. Establishing an optimal workflow is also vital to ensure that freelance writing projects are completed on time and to the desired standards. My workflow includes organizing my freelance writing tasks for the day and breaking them up into manageable chunks so that I can focus on the task at hand without getting overwhelmed.

Keeping Achievable Goals and Holding Yourself Accountable For Meeting Them

The freelance writing journey can be long and overwhelming if you don’t set realistic goals and hold yourself accountable for meeting them. Be sure to set short-term goals, such as increasing your rates or streamlining your processes, and long-term goals, such as creating a book or expanding your freelance writing business.

Tracking my progress and setting rewards for myself when I meet specific goals helps to keep me motivated and on track.

Taking Time Off & Making Time For Your Mental Health

Freelance writing can be advantageous, but it can also be stressful at times. Make sure you take breaks and step away from work regularly to stay refreshed. Also, make time to do things that bring you joy, such as traveling or engaging in a hobby. Doing so will help keep your freelance writing career fresh and exciting.

Overall, freelance writing can be a great career transition that allows you to pursue your passions while maintaining a work/life balance. However, planning, building a support system and establishing an ideal workflow to get the most out of freelance writing is essential.

Setting Boundaries & Protecting Your Time & Space From Distractions & Interruptions

As a freelance writer, it’s essential to create boundaries and protect your time & space from distractions and interruptions. This means setting limits on how much work you will take on at any given time and creating a physical workspace free of distractions. I also find it helpful to block out specific times for work and breaks.

It’s also essential to take care of yourself mentally and physically by getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, and eating healthily. These things will help keep you energized and focused on freelance writing tasks.

Having a Plan B in Place if Things Don't Work Out as Expected

The freelance writing industry can be unpredictable, so it’s essential to have a backup plan if things do not work out as expected. It may seem unnecessary, but having a Plan B will help ensure financial security and limit stress if freelance writing is not the career path you envisioned.

There are several other career paths that freelance writers could consider if freelance writing does not work out for them. For example, many freelance writers have the skills and experience to transition into content marketing or copywriting roles. Other options include technical writing, freelance editing, blogging, and media relations. Freelance writers could also look into teaching, public speaking, or consulting roles if they have the right experience and qualifications.

Regardless of your career path, remember that having a backup plan is always a good idea.