Over the last 6 years, I have spent over $50,000 on freelance writing services. I have hired $100-per-hour specialists and $6 per hour transcribers. I have worked with some of these freelancers for so long that they feel like friends. Others have provided work so poor that I didn’t even bother to post it.

So, despite the fact that I have found other uses for my own writing skills, I feel qualified to comment on the state of the freelance writing space. And, despite the fact that I respect all of the freelance writers that I work with, the conclusion that I have come to is that, with only a few very specific exceptions, this is a soul-sucking line of work to be in.

To be 100% clear, it is not my intention to dissuade anyone from trying to make money from their writing. Quite the opposite! My intention is to persuade all of the talented writers out there to take a more holistic view of their talent. I want to help you avoid the disappointment of not being able to achieve your freelance writing dream.

So, let’s start why I believe that freelance writing is such a tough way to make a little extra money through your talent for words. Then, I’ll offer an alternative perspective on how to use your writing skills.

Is it Really Possible to Make Money as a Freelance Writer? The Supply Problem

When it comes to freelance writing, there is a dirty little secret that is hiding in plain sight. If you go to Upwork’s public website and search for “writing,” you will get a list of 446,000 freelancers.

Of these, guess what percentage have made at least $1 on the platform? 50%? 20%? 15%? Nope! If Upwork’s statistics are to be believed, only 11% of these writers have made more than $1.

How many have made over $1,000? About 7%!

The problem with freelance writing is that everyone thinks that they can do it. In addition, countless blogs, books and Instagram accounts feature stories of fabulously wealthy writers who spend their days sipping cocktails on the beach, while making $1,000s writing for other people.

Once again, I’m not saying that it’s not possible to make money as a freelance writer. I know several people who make $100,000’s a year in this way. But, these people are the exceptions to the rule. They have spent decades building up their client base, they are outstanding writers and they have found a niche (more on this later).

So, if being a freelance writer is so tough, should you just throw away your notebook and give up? Hardly! There are plenty of ways to make real money as a writer. None of these paths are easy, but, in my opinion, they are a heck of a lot more predictable (and profitable!) than putting your words in the hands of others.

Write for Your Own Audience on a Topic You Care About

The other day, I invited a woman to join our Sixty and Me guest writer program. I explained to her that we touched 50,000 women every day through our blog and social media channels and invited her to join the conversation.

Her response? “Thanks for the opportunity, but, I don’t write for free.”

When I took a second look at her website, I saw that she was telling the truth. Her own posts, released once per month, were mostly about her work as a writer. Because she saw her words as an asset to be auctioned, she didn’t even write for her own audience.

I’ve always wondered why freelance writers don’t spend more time… well, writing. It’s almost as if the very act of monetizing your work takes the fun out of putting your thoughts on paper.

My advice to people who want to make money as a writer is to take the exact opposite approach; find something that you care about and start writing about it. Start a blog. Write a book. Join a poetry club. Just write.

By now, you’re probably saying, “That’s all well and good… but, can you make money writing for your own audience?” Not true!

While the blogging space is just as crowded as the freelance writing space, there is plenty of room for specialization and innovation.

You don’t need to have an audience of millions of people to make a solid side income. If you have a sufficiently targeted niche with 1,000 visitors per day, you could probably make $200+ in advertising revenue per month and up to $600 from sponsored posts.

Now, $800 per month doesn’t seem like a lot of money for all that work, but, I can guarantee you that very few freelance writers are making this much. And, they also have to deal with the stress of having customers.

Of course, the bigger advantage of writing for yourself is that there is no upward limit on the revenue that you can make. If your writing takes off and your blog grows to 500,000 monthly visitors, you take all of that upside.

Make Your Writing a Hook for Your Consulting and Speaking Career

Another option that many writers have found profitable is to use their writing to launch their speaking or consulting career. Once again, the trick here is to pick something that you enjoy writing about and then, shock-of-all-shocks, actually write about it consistently!

Here are a few questions that you can ask yourself if you aren’t sure what to write about.

What activities do I love? Note: loving something is not enough. You also have to want to add value to others. But, for now, identifying your passions is a good place to start!

Which topics do people seek out my advice on?

What do my friends and family consider me to be an expert on?

What unique skills or experiences have I gained over the course of my life?

How do I want to make the world a better place?

What do I wish I could help other people to accomplish?

Obviously, this is an abbreviated list of questions. There are literally hundreds of ways to approach picking a topic to write about. The point is that writing with purpose is WAY more fun than writing for others… and it’s also more profitable!

Becoming a recognized subject matter expert is not a fast process. In the beginning, you may struggle to make any money at all. But, if you stick with it, over the course of months and years, people will start to seek you out. And this is where your new business as a consultant, speaker or author can really take off!

Write a Book… No, Seriously!

Right about now, I can hear you groaning. We all know that writing a book isn’t the short path to riches that people think it is. But, that’s not the point!

The point is that, if you are reading this article, you want to make money from your writing. The brutal truth is that ANY path that you can take as a writer is hard.

I’m not saying that writing a book is an easy or predictable way to make money. I’m simply saying that becoming an author is a better way to make money from your writing than being a freelance writer.

Here’s the thing. Like starting your own blog and becoming a subject matter expert, writing a book isn’t just about making money directly from your words; it is about standing out from the crowd. It is about shaping the world through your work. It is about putting value out into the world, not into someone else’s business.

To be 100% clear, I’m not saying that writing a 60-word, poorly researched “10 Tips for…” book is going to launch your career. These days, there is simply too much competition to stand out as an author (self-published or otherwise) unless you are willing to take the writing process seriously.

But, if you pour your heart into your work, you have a good chance of changing your life. Will your book make it onto the New York Times Best Seller List? No. And, I’d love you to prove me wrong on this by the way!

Could your book establish you as a credible writer who can attract top dollar for any paid writing work that she does? Absolutely! Could it make you come extra cash? Yes! Could it launch your speaking or consulting career? You bet!

If you don’t know where to get started with the ideas on this article, don’t worry! In the next few months, I am going to interview several experts who can help you to launch your writing business. For now, I just want you to believe in yourself enough to use your words for your own benefit.

And, if you still want to be a freelance writer, that’s ok too! I’ll be back with some advice on this topic soon!

Have you ever thought about making some extra money as a freelance writer, blogger or author in (or before) retirement? What is stopping you? What do you want to write about? Let’s have a chat!

Right now, I’m sitting in my apartment and working from the couch. The ceiling fan is spinning at top speed. The box fan is just a few feet away. I’m doing okay…for now. Those weeks before the official start of summer are particularly agonizing because one day could feel like a literal furnace while the next is rainy and cold. When do I set up the air conditioners? At this point, who knows?! Normally, my skincare routine gets stuck in a rut when this happens too. I know sunscreen is always a must, but what about my face oil and the rare makeup moment? Right now, the thought of putting anything on my face feels like disaster and a literal meltdown. But since moisturizing is a non-negotiable, I’ve gotten familiar with some of the best summer face oil that keeps me glowy without going into greasy territory.

Like retinol, foundation, and countless other skin products, there isn’t just one solution for everyone. Finding a product (like face oil) or crafting an effective routine depends on your lifestyle, budget, and skin type, which doesn’t necessarily have to fit into one category. For instance, my skin is oilier in the winter while I tend to be on the drier side come summer. With that being said, this is just a starter list of formulas made with oils renowned for their lightweight texture and overall effectiveness. Whether you wear them alone or mix a couple drops into your foundation or BB cream, these skin nourishers go beneath the surface to moisturize, repair, and brighten with consistent use. Keep scrolling and take your pick.

nyakio.

nyakio Maracuja & Yangu Rescue Oil

This Black-owned skin soother is made with lightweight ingredients directly sourced from two countries: cold-pressed maracuja oil from Brazil and cold-pressed yangu from South Africa. Combined with other effective properties, this certified clean oil nourishes all skin types, minus a heavy, greasy finish.

Aspen Kay Naturals.

Aspen Kay Naturals Glow Face Oil

Here’s a natural and organic face oil that’s not only affordably priced, but infused with five different oils (camellia seed, olive, helichrysum, rosehip, sea buckthorn) that provide antioxidant protection, reparative properties, protection from sun damage, moisture, and so much more.

Buy: Aspen Kay Naturals Glow Face Oil $19.99

Bio-Oil.

Bio-Oil

An oldie, but goodie you can find in just about any drugstore and use from head to toe for effortlessly glowy hair, face and body. Some also attest to its ability to fade stretchmarks with longterm consistent use.

Buy: Bio-Oil $16.48

The Ordinary.

The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil

Rosehip oil has long been renowned for its neutral scent and vitamin-rich properties that is especially beneficial to drier skin, but is quick-absorbing enough for those with oilier skin, too.

Biossance.

Biossance Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil

You’re getting the best of many worlds with this best-selling oil that combines the brightening effects of an oil-soluble, stable form of vitamin C; the moisturizing effects of squalane; and the firming effects of Chlos Crystal oil.

Youth to the People.

Youth to the People Superberry Hydrate + Glow Oil

For those navigating especially humid weather, you’ll be obsessed with the fast-absorbing power of this lightweight oil, made with a trio of fruit extracts and plant oils to boost collagen production, reduce dark spots, and provide antioxidant protection.

Kora Organics.

Kora Organics Noni Glow Face Oil

Brand founder Miranda Kerr says this nourishing oil is her longtime favorite of all the Kora Organics products. It’s suitable for any skin type, absorbs in record time, and is rich in Noni fruit extract, which contains over 100 vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

First Aid Beauty.

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair® Oat & Hemp Seed Dry Oil

Ask anyone with sensitive skin which brand they swear by and at least one is bound to name-drop First Aid Beauty. Its star face oil is this botanical-based formula infused with calming colloidal oatmeal and Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil to soothe and moisturize distressed skin, whether you’re dealing with a breakout or sun damage.

RMS Beauty.

RMS Beauty Oil

Though it feels lightweight to the touch, this potent formula contains absolutely no water and three organic oils (rosehip, tamanu, buriti) to hydrate, calm redness and deliver fatty acids to the skin for a plumper, healthier complexion.

Mad Hippie.

Mad Hippie Antioxidant Face Oil

Consider this eco-friendly and preservative-free face oil a literal shield against damaging free radicals and UV damage, thanks to hemp seed extract.

Buy: Mad Hippie Antioxidant Face Oil $19.99

Our mission at STYLECASTER is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.

In a previous article, I argued that announcing your retirement at work is one of the biggest financial mistakes that you can make. Not only can talking about your retirement result in lower compensation towards the end of your career, but, it can also limit your ability to work as a consultant, either for your ex-employer or one of the companies that you worked with in the past.

Today, I’d like to go a little deeper and talk about exactly how to go about getting your ex-employer to take you on as a consultant after you leave your full-time job. Along the way, I will share some advice from other pre-retirees that I have interviewed over the years.

I’m not exaggerating when I say that these techniques changed my life. Continuing to work as a consultant in the first years of “retirement” gave me the confidence and financial resources to start my own company. Had I been in a more defensive frame of mind, I probably would have never started Sixty and Me or any of my other businesses.

Here are 4 tips for getting your ex-employer to hire you in retirement.

Don’t Tell Anyone that You Are Retiring

We live in a world that celebrates retirement as a destination. Every day, we are bombarded by images of happy seniors, relaxing on the beach or playing golf.

It also doesn’t help that, financially speaking, Social Security and Medicare force us to think about 65 as “retirement age.” It doesn’t matter that “full retirement age” for Social Security may actually be 66. Most of us have age 65 stuck in our heads anyway.

The truth is that reaching “full retirement age” is not the same as “retiring.” This is an important distinction because, as soon as we tell people at work that we are retiring, they subconsciously (and sometimes consciously) start to discount our value, contribution and even intelligence.

Having talked with hundreds of soon-to-be and recent retirees, I can tell you that a much better approach is to talk about transitioning to life as a consultant or small business owner. It doesn’t matter whether you follow through on this plan. Just think of it as insurance.

When I left my last full-time job at a large technology company, my manager asked me if I wanted his assistant to organize a retirement party for me. I smiled and told him that I planned on working forever and that I would prefer to explain my plans to my colleagues and business partners personally. He was super-supportive once he understood my thinking.

Over the next 6 years, while I grew Sixty and Me, I took on projects with multiple teams from my ex-employer. I am convinced that none of these opportunities would have presented themselves had I told everyone that I was “retiring,” in a traditional sense.

Plan Your Consulting Business *Before* You Leave

Don’t wait until you are officially retired to start your consulting business. Even if your current contract prevents you from taking on side work or partnering with people in your industry, there is nothing stopping you from planning your future business.

For example, I wish that I had taken the time to build a simple website before I left my last job. Not only would I have had a place to point my colleagues and business partners in the final days of my career, but, going through this process would have helped me to decide exactly what kind of work I was interested in taking on.

There are so many small ways to prepare for a post-career business. One recent retiree, David, told me, “When I was getting ready to leave my job at an advertising agency, I actually handed out business cards for my new consulting business. I think that taking this step really helped to make the whole process of becoming a consultant much more ‘real.’ 10 years later, I still work with many people at my old company. I don’t make as much, but, I also don’t work nearly as many hours!”

Keep Your Eyes and Ears Open for Opportunities

Like many people who have started successful consulting businesses in retirement, I actually found my first project before I left my career behind.

Despite the fact that I gave several months’ notice, in the days leading up to my departure, my employer was still having difficulty finding someone to take over the management of one of its community websites. I jumped on the opportunity and offered to take over management of the website for a fraction of the cost that it would take them to hire a full-time employee.

Trust me when I say that you will never be in a better position to look for consulting opportunities than when you are still working for your current employer. You know their strengths and weaknesses. You may even know how much it costs them to hire new employees. So, don’t wait until you are an outsider! Start planning your first projects while you are still sitting at the table!

If I had it all to do over again, I would have also taken advantage of any opportunity to visit industry events and take part in partner meetings in the final days of my career. Like many older adults, I was pretty much “done with travel” by the time I left. I should have taken more time to strengthen my business relationships, outside of my employer, before going it alone.

Be Honest with Your Manager and Other Execs About Your Desire to Work

“Retirement” is such a powerful concept that your coworkers and manager may assume that you have no desire to work in the future. Truth be told, they are probably a little bit jealous of what they see as an opportunity for traveling, playing tennis, joining yoga retreats in Bali and drinking cocktails on the beach. Ha!

There is a simple antidote to this kind of thinking… honesty. Before you leave, take the time to communicate your desire to continue working to your coworkers, manager and any other key executives. The specifics are up to you, but, I would advise avoiding discussions of “needing the work.” Instead, focus on your passion for the business, desire to contribute to projects that you believe in, love for the team, etc.

Here’s what one recent retiree, Steve, told me, “Before I left my last job at a multinational pharmaceutical company, I scheduled 1:1s with over 30 people. I brought Starbucks to each of these meetings and split my time between sharing memories about the past and planning for the future. The result was that I had 3 projects lined up before I left. I didn’t want to go ‘quietly into the night.’ And, I didn’t!”

I hope that these tips help you to get your post-retirement consulting business off to a great start! If you have any of your own tips to share, please add them in the comments section below.

Do you plan on continuing to work after you “retire?” How do you plan on preparing for life as a consultant or business owner? Let’s have a conversation!