On Writing Careers: Freelance Writing vs. In-House Writing

Do you know the difference between freelance writing vs. In-House writing?

If you are thinking of pursuing a career as a writer, then you might want to decide whether you want to be a freelance writer or an in-house one.

Many writers get excited by the prospects of earning their first $100 as freelance writers, but there are other things to be considered.

It is a matter of choosing the one that is most suitable for you, given your time, lifestyle, and monetary requirement.

In-House Writing

Being an in-house writer for business means that you will basically be a full-time or part-time  employee who handles relevant writing jobs.

It also means that you’ll have to come into the office on every work day, do the job that your supervisor has set for you, all in exchange for a fixed salary at the end of each month.

Of course there will be other specific benefits and responsibilities as mentioned in your particular employee contract.

You will essentially be part of a company payroll and have a fixed employer. This is mainly opted for by youngsters and individuals who have no problem with a 9-to-5 lifestyle.

Pros of in-house writing

The reasons why a considerable number of writers go for in-house jobs are as follows:

• There is a fixed work schedule.
• An in-house writer is paid the determined amount every month, even if the firm itself did not get as many clients that month, unless you work on commission.
• The paycheck will come from your employers which means that you do not have to haggle with stubborn clients for your deserved pay.
• There are certain health benefits, salary bonuses and insurance options offered by the firm like any other office.
• The scope of promotion and pay hikes is very much there.

Cons of in-house writing

Like any other line of work, being an in-house writer for a writing firm can have certain disadvantages as well. Here are a few of them:

• The corporate lifestyle might be too hectic for those who are elderly and/or have other commitments that they have to take care of.
• There is a certain age after which you are forced to retire, even though you are still fit to work. .
• The threat of being fired if you are not able to live up to the company’s expectations is always hovering above your head like a punitive axe.

Freelance writing

Freelancing as a writer is the best job option that is available for the elderly, the retired, students looking for part-time jobs, mothers who have to stay with their children at home, and people with disabilities.

You will not be working as an employee with a firm, but you will either be getting jobs from clients directly or be given work of available projects by writing agencies that work with freelance writers.

The pay will be transferred directly to your account by the client or the accountants at the agency. If it is the latter, however, they might charge a commission fee.

Pros of freelance writing

You can already understand that freelance writing can have a lot of advantages, including but not limited to:

• You can set your work schedule and take up or reject projects depending on your convenience.
• You do not have to live up to company goals and can work at your own pace.
• Most importantly, you can work in the comfort of your own home without having to go anywhere.
• You can look to reputable online agencies such as Upwork, Fiverr and WeWorkRemotely to help you get clients.
• There is no age bracket involved. As long as your work is good, the clients will come.

Cons of freelance writing

The disadvantages of working as a freelance writer are as follows:

• There is no steady flow of work. This means that the pay you receive each month is subject to change.
• Clients usually trust big established writing firms over freelance writers for assignments.
• There is no room for advancement in the field or fringe benefits received for working in established companies.
• Often times, there will be clients who will refuse to pay you or pay less than the agreed amount and that too after a long time has lapsed. Being a freelance writer means having to cope with difficult clients all the time.

Finally, on freelance writing vs. In-House writing

Your decision on which line to pursue needs to be done after a careful analysis of your needs and ability to committing to the individual pressures that come with either of these two kinds of writing jobs. You need to choose one that you are comfortable with and can sustain for a long time.

Photo credit: From Darin Micheal Shaw’s blog