If you are someone who loves and has knowledge of a language, it is usually expected of you to become a writer. However, everyone with good language and communication skills does not aspire to the same career. While some find their comfort in writing, editors succeed by perfecting this work.
Editors are the professionals that hold the power to turn a mediocre work into a bestseller. This talent is realized worldwide; hence, editors, especially those with sufficient experience, are making enough to live a blissful life.
The recent pandemic has shown the benefits of working from home to many. Therefore, many employees are still adamant about working from home. You can also enjoy the countless benefits of working from home as an editor.
If you are considering the shift to freelance soon, here are some benefits that can help you feel more confident about your decision.
- Enjoy More Freedom
One of the most important things on-site offices cannot provide their employees is freedom. You are expected to be at a certain place at certain hours. While some people like routine, others may feel it restricts their creativity.
One turns in such circumstances and wonders how to become a freelance editor. That is because no other office in the world can give you the same freedom as working from home. Imagine the freedom you can enjoy without a manager lurking over your shoulder.
As a freelancer, you are working under no one. It would be fair to say that you are your own boss. It all depends on you, from the hours you work to the workload you can undertake. You are under no obligation or threats if you decide to take less or more work.
- Benefit from Flexibility
Imagine yourself in a position where you must read one manuscript after the other every day with a clock ticking over your head. There is barely any energy left in one to spend time with their friends and family. Many editors can agree that they barely have the energy to check their phones after long days at work.
Of course, working with a publication company also means you can only take limited days off every year. In addition, you may have to notify your superiors even for your valid holidays. It can all become very frustrating.
On the contrary, working as a freelance editor is not the job that ties you to the desk. Whether you go to a picnic with your family or meet your friends for a weekend retreat, all decisions are up to you without any questions or judgment.
- Prioritize Your Comfort
Driving to the same location at the same hours every day and doing the same job can be very taxing, especially for someone with a creative job like editing. The same view and people around you can make it challenging to unlock your full potential.
However, you can work from any location you want as a freelance editor. It is one of the best things about working as a freelance editor. No one can ask you about your whereabouts as long as you meet the needs of clients chosen by you.
Whether you choose to work from your own home or move to another country, there is no problem in changing your location. Potential clients from all over the world can still contact you, and your profile can still continue to grow.
- Manage Your Workload
There is no denying that working with reputable companies has its own benefits. However, one of the first things that make a workplace toxic is the unbearable. It is not uncommon for even bigger companies to overwork their employees. In such times, it can be hard to maintain a work-life balance.
However, freelancers are their own bosses, and this fact cannot be emphasized enough. You can manage your workload according to your needs and potential. This way, you can prioritize your mental health and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
However, it is up to the freelancer to secure more clients. Unlike in bigger publishing companies, clients do not come running to you. Instead, you must put effort into creating new gigs, getting in touch with people, negotiating rates, and much more.
- Control Your Income
Talking to your boss about the pay raise can be an awkward conversation, especially if you get a cold shoulder from them. It is one of many reasons that people feel stuck at toxic jobs. They do not want to leave a steady source of income, but they are also sad about not getting a timely raise.
One of the best parts about being a freelancer is that you do not have to ask anyone for their consideration to raise the pay scale. As you establish your name as a freelancer, you can increase your hourly rates and enjoy better pay without anyone’s intervention.
However, it is still important to keep your rates reasonable and conduct market research beforehand. After all, you do not want to scare away potential clients with high rates. Instead, the goal is to invite them to have a chat with you and negotiate the rates if needed.
- Diversify Your Portfolio
All editors are creative and quick to adapt to new ideas. These skills keep growing over time as they read different types of text over their career. However, there is always a limit to the type of work you can get while working with one company. Most clients may not go past the content for their niche.
Over time, your work life can become very monotonous. As an editor, the only way to break this cycle is by working with other niches. Of course, there is no better opportunity to work with other niches than working as a freelancer.
As a freelancer, you meet multiple clients from different walks of life. Each client offers a new experience to expand your skill set. Hence, there is more opportunity for growth when you are working with different people and a wider variety of projects.
