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When Five Figures and Freedom Weren't Enough

This article tells the story of a freelance writer who, despite earning a good income and having the freedom of setting their own hours, decided to leave the world of freelancing and take a corporate job. The author explains the reasons behind this decision, highlighting the challenges and pressures of freelance writing that ultimately led to their choice.

The Allure of Freelancing

The author began their freelancing journey during the coronavirus pandemic, driven by necessity and a passion for writing. They quickly found success, landing writing gigs and building a following on Medium.

• Their initial experience was exhilarating, with the freedom to set their own hours and work from anywhere.
• They enjoyed the flexibility and the sense of being their own boss.
• The author acknowledges the element of luck in their early success, noting that many writers struggle for longer to build a client base and steady income.

The Challenges of Freelancing

The initial excitement of freelancing eventually faded, replaced by a sense of pressure and obligation. The author found that the work, which they initially loved, became more like a burden as they relied on it to pay the bills.

• The constant need to produce, find new clients, and handle administrative tasks (like invoicing and contract negotiations) took away the joy of writing.
• The lack of growth opportunities and the anxiety associated with income insecurity contributed to the author's decision to leave.
• The author also found that despite having the freedom to travel, their lifestyle limited their ability to enjoy it fully due to their partner's and friends' 9–5 jobs.

The Decision to Take a Corporate Job

The author describes the difficult decision to give up freelancing and take a corporate job. While they acknowledge that it’s not an ideal situation (demanding hours and a lower salary), they hope it will provide stability and new opportunities for growth.

Embracing the Change

Despite some anxiety about the change, the author expresses excitement about learning new things, being part of a team, and making new connections. They also see it as an opportunity to grow their career and gain new skills.

Balancing Work and Passion

The author plans to continue writing part-time, recognizing the importance of maintaining their passion and creative spark. They hope that by writing less frequently, they can rediscover the joy of writing without the pressure of freelancing full-time.

Looking Forward

The author's decision to take a corporate job represents a significant change, but they are embracing it as a chance to find stability and explore new aspects of themselves. They acknowledge that their journey might not have gone exactly as planned, but they are optimistic about the future and the new opportunities that lie ahead.