There have been stories of those who dropped out of college to pursue writing and became very successful freelance writers, raking in millions of cheddars. I already discussed if one should quit a regular job to work exclusively online.
So, should anyone passionate about writing drop out of school and follow their hearts? I usually answered, “Yeeees, why not?” but these days I am more thoughtful — I suspect old age is catching up with me — so I’d thoughtfully and slowly reply, “No, hold on.”
You see, AI is muddling the waters, and freelance writing isn’t what it used to be when we started. I’ll discuss this somewhere down here.
The decision to drop out of college to pursue a freelance
writing career is a significant one with serious repercussions and should not
be taken lightly.
Here are some factors to consider when making this decision:
1.
Skills and Experience
Assess your writing skills and experience. Are you confident
in your ability to produce high-quality, marketable content? Freelance writing
can be competitive, and having the necessary skills and a portfolio of work can
make a big difference.
2. Financial Stability
Consider your financial situation. Freelance writing may not
provide a stable income right away, and it can take time to build a client base
and establish yourself in the field. Ensure you have a financial plan in place
to support yourself during the transition.
AI has complicated the freelance writing industry, and getting long-term clients paying good money is becoming more challenging. If you plan to make writing your primary source of
income after dropping out of college, you better think twice. It would make
sense 10 years to go that route, but not now. The landscape is fast tilting
towards AI-generated
content, and many a freelance writer's future is bleak.
3.
Long-Term Goals
Think about your long-term career goals. Are there specific
opportunities or roles in freelance writing that you are passionate about? How
does dropping out of college align with your career objectives? Is freelance
writing worth it, now that its future is uncertain??
4.
Education and Credentials
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5.
Risk Tolerance
You should be honest with yourself about your risk tolerance.
Freelancing can be uncertain, especially with the rise of ChatGPT, and there are
no guarantees of success. Are you comfortable with the potential risks involved
in this career path?
6.
Backup Plan
You should have a backup plan in case freelance writing doesn’t work
out as expected. It’s a good idea to have alternative sources of income or
skills to fall back on. AI makes it hard to figure out how the next five or ten
years will turn out for freelance writers. We are at a crossroads. You need a
backup plan.
7.
Personal Circumstances
Consider your personal circumstances and responsibilities,
such as family, loans, and financial commitments. These factors can impact your
ability to pursue freelance writing full-time. Can you meet all
these by writing?
Parting Shot
Are you still determined to quit college to be a freelance writer? Well, don’t act like I never told you one day. Consider your network and connections if you are determined to quit
college for freelance writing. Do you
have a network of potential clients, colleagues, or mentors in the freelance
writing field? Building relationships and connections can be essential for
finding opportunities and growing your freelance career.
Ultimately, the decision to drop out of college for freelance writing depends on your unique situation, goals, and preparedness. If you decide to take this route, ensure you have a clear plan, financial stability, and a strong commitment to developing your writing career. If possible, you may also explore opportunities to balance your education with your freelance writing endeavors.
Finally, talk to experienced freelance writers and career
advisors to gain insights and advice about your decision. They may offer
valuable perspectives and recommendations better than what I have provided here.