The Freelance Pen: Why Freelance Writing Could Be Your Best Post-College Move Yet
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It’s 2 a.m., you’re staring at your blinking cursor, and you just submitted your final college essay. The idea of doing this again willingly—of writing for a living—might sound absurd.
But then again, absurd is kind of the vibe right after graduation.
You’ve just spent four years weaving words into arguments, stories, and research papers. What if that skill could be more than just a GPA booster—it could be your ticket into the real world?
Finding Footing Without the Cubicle
You don’t need a cubicle to feel like you’re working. And if you’re not itching to slide into corporate office life, you’re not alone.
Writing offers flexibility that makes it one of the few career paths that doesn’t demand a traditional 9-to-5 start. With nothing but a laptop and a decent Wi-Fi connection, you could be pitching op-eds to news outlets or ghostwriting blog posts from a coffee shop. That freedom can be both thrilling and terrifying—but mostly thrilling when you realize how it lets you shape your days instead of having them shaped for you.
Portfolio Over Pedigree
Let’s be honest: few editors care where you went to school. What they want to see is whether you can write something people want to read.
That’s good news for you. It means the door is wide open—you just need a few strong clips. Start with Medium, Substack, or a personal blog if you must. Even class essays can be reworked into portfolio pieces.
The key is to show your voice, your range, and your ability to deliver on a deadline. Once you have that, you're already miles ahead of others who only talk about wanting to write.
The Art of Pitching Without Selling Your Soul
You’ve probably never written a pitch in your life. That’s okay—most people haven’t. But learning how to pitch is half the freelance game.
You don’t have to write clickbait or chase trends that make your skin crawl. You just need to learn how to frame your ideas so they’re digestible and relevant to an editor.
Think of a pitch as a little appetizer: make them hungry for the full piece. With time, pitching becomes less scary, more strategic, and sometimes even fun.
Side Hustle, Main Hustle—It’s Yours to Define
Maybe you don’t want to be a full-time writer. That’s fair. Writing can still be a valuable side hustle while you pursue other dreams.
It pays in more than money—it builds discipline, deepens your thinking, and expands your network. Plus, it looks good on any résumé. A side hustle in writing shows initiative, self-management, and communication chops. Whether you're applying for grad school or gunning for a startup role, that’s a currency you can take anywhere.
The Advantages of Forming an LLC
If this is your main hustle, forming an LLC for your writing business offers several benefits, including personal liability protection, potential tax advantages, and increased credibility with clients and publishers. As an LLC, your personal assets are generally protected if your business faces legal issues or debt. You also gain flexibility in how your business is taxed, which may lower your overall tax burden.
Additionally, operating as an LLC can enhance your professional image. You can save on LLC registration by self-filing or using a highly rated LLC formation service that simplifies the process.
Money Isn’t Dirty—Talk About It
Nobody likes to talk about money, but you need to.
One of the biggest mistakes new freelancers make is undervaluing their time and skills. Just because you’re starting out doesn’t mean you should write for peanuts.
Research fair rates, ask other writers what they charge, and get comfortable negotiating. There’s nothing noble about being broke and burnt out in the name of “exposure.” Freelance writing isn’t a hobby—it’s a business. Treat it like one.
Networking Without Being Gross
You don’t need to become a LinkedIn evangelist, but you should let people know you’re writing. Most freelance gigs come from word of mouth or casual introductions, not job boards.
Talk about your work on social media, join a few writing communities, and don’t be shy about sliding into someone’s DMs if you admire their work. You’d be surprised how generous other writers can be. Collaboration beats competition every time. And the people you meet now might become the editors, agents, or collaborators you grow with down the line.
Failure Is Part of the Package
You’re going to send emails that never get answered. You’ll get edits that sting and rejections that feel personal. That’s all part of it.
The trick is not letting those moments define you. Every seasoned writer you’ve ever admired has been there, many times over.
Resilience isn’t just a bonus—it’s a job requirement. The more you lean into that discomfort, the more likely you are to find your rhythm and voice. And the wins, when they come, will feel earned.
You don’t need a book deal, a viral tweet, or an MFA to call yourself a writer. If you’re writing, you’re already doing the thing.
The freelance path is winding, often chaotic, and sometimes lonely—but it’s also rich with potential and meaning. Writing as a post-college path isn’t about escaping the world of work. It’s about rewriting what work looks like. And if you’re willing to trust your voice and sharpen your skills, you might find that your words can take you farther than any job listing ever could.
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