This article by Forbes is nothing short of journalistic malpractice. What do we expect from a publication obsessed with millionaires and billionaires? The author uses the word “easy” ten times in the article. Apparently, podcasting is easy. So is freelancing. Online courses are a cakewalk. Self-publishing and dropshipping are also easy. See the problem here?
Do a little digging, and you will find that the author is quite affluent. In the words of the late, great Dusty Rhodes, “you don’t know what hard times are”.
Those of us who are searching for the ideal side hustle are often trying to earn “a few extra bucks” for any of the following:
- A rainy day fund
- To make ends-meet
- To save for a home renovation
- To survive through college or trade school
- To make it through a spell of unemployment
- To save money for one’s kids
- Save for holidays
- Save for vacation
- For basic needs
- Car repair/transporation
- New baby
The list goes on and on. Regardless, it pisses me off when out of touch people give bad advice to those who are trying to improve their quality of life.
Freelance Writing Isn’t Easy
Freelance writing and other freelance projects ROUTINELY make these lists of “best side hustles”. While freelance writing is a great way to make money, it is far from easy. Ask anyone who has sent dozens of article query letters to editors, only to be rejected. As any commercial copywriter who has made cold calls and sent cold emails if landing their first client was easy. Ask anyone who has gotten their ass kicked on Upwork repeatedly. The list goes on and on.
Now, this doesn’t mean that freelance writing is impossible, but it is important to set the proper expectations. Additionally, “freelance writing” is a catchall term for the many sub-disciplines that involve the written word.
We will dive into the ways to make money from freelance writing at a later time, but for now, do not despair if you’ve tried this discipline and have failed.
Read: How to succeed at freelance writing