We freelance writers are victims of these annoying statements and assumptions. They irk and piss me off. Sometimes, they are insulting.
1. You brainstorm on what we really do for a living
I just hate that blank expression on people whenever I say that ” I’m a writer“. I say, ” I’m a housewife” to those poor souls who are basically clueless on what writing is.
I feel for new freelancers automatically assumed as “unemployed”. With published works, I don’t give a damn anymore whenever I tell people I write for a living. And we don’t need to be published to claim we are writers in the first place.
2. You think we are not busy
Just because I have daily updates on my Facebook page doesn’t mean I’m not busy. Haven’t heard of smartphones baby? And freelance writers and bloggers are also social marketers.
My Facebook updates are just one of the many business operations that I have to do to get potential clients and to stay in the loop. Like most freelance writers, I am a one-man show.
I also manage Facebook and Twitter accounts ( another story to deal with). Being on Facebook all the time is none of your business, freelancer or not.
Just because you read that I’m on a party doesn’t mean I’m available. You don’t have the privilege to take it against me for not attending an event you think I’m supposed to be at. Talk to Paris Hilton and she’ll tell you being a socialite is a tough job.
We may have the most flexible time, but sorry we are not on call 24/7. And there is this concept called time management.
3. You call a conference to discuss how we make money
Money and finances, don’t dare to dig unless you want to become one. How do bloggers make money? There are many ways.
Travel bloggers even those full-time bloggers have their own private writing jobs. Some make money from consultancy and speaking engagements while others make money from affiliate marketing ( just Google). And there are more income generating activities among freelance writers that I’m not aware of.
I earn a decent living writing contents for blogs, copywriting, social media management and contributing to print publications.
What I’m trying to say is that freelancers are one of the most hardworking people on Earth. And yes, freelancers make money. I have high respect for them, especially those who are full-time because it is not easy to work everyday, securing a steady flow of income.
4. You can enjoy free travel with us
Okay, this is the top misnomer among travel writers. A very personal issue that I face. Whether they mean it or not, it pisses me off. Because #1, I don’t get free travel and #2, I’m not friendly, so …… back off. 😀
I have brought a couple of friends when I was on assignment. It was not for the sake of holiday. I brought them to have different perspectives and even risked their lives when our little boat almost capsized. I have a strong feeling they are still traumatized. haha!
Don’t be extra sweet to me hoping to score free travel. If I can, I will take my kids with me, my family or my girl friends.
So please, stop assuming that I will take you on my trips. It is hilarious and annoying at the same time. In Filipino, ” ‘di tayo close.”. 🙂 A travel writer on assignment is not the best travel companion. Seriously.
5. You love our job and just because we can, so can you..
And the idea of la dulce vita for travel writers? How I wish! It is cool but nothing sweet or fancy when you have to get to an island destination on a bad weather or do mental notes during a massage when you are supposed to be relaxing. You are constantly working while the rest of the world is on a holiday. It is work just like any other job.
I always recommend freelance writing especially to moms who want to stay at home but please stop assuming that it takes less of a skill to write and blog. I don’t have to look weird or be a walking dictionary to be a bonafide writer.
6. You ask help that aren’t really favours
I’m also guilty of this to my fellow freelancers like asking my brother to tweak this website for free. haha.
There are those people who just sprout out of the blue, asking for travel ideas and itineraries as if it’s my obligation. I paused and told myself ” Wait, X Magazine pays me for this and here is this thick-faced organism asking me to do this for free“. I’m a travel writer, not a tour operator.
I love helping people even those I haven’t met because I love it when people travel. Unfortunately, I also have an above average EQ and hope you do too. Ask for my personal opinion on things. Ask nicely and I’d be happy to assist you.
Please don’t ask me how long it takes to travel from this town to this town or give you a step-by-step tutorial on how to become a freelance writer. If you are not asking for a personal opinion, then, please Google or check my blog. Again, “‘ ‘di tayo close..”
I think we Filipinos are still not used to the idea that to earn a living, you don’t have to be an employee. And if you are self-employed, you don’t need to have this big office and all those stuff.
Freelancers are business owners even if they work at home. I think it takes more information drive when it comes to the world of freelancing and give due respect to freelancers.
Thanks for reading!
Related post:
How to Write for Travel Magazines
Freelance Writer for Past 5 Years
1 Comment