Freelancing...

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Has anyone here got any advice on becoming freelance?

I'm a writing graduate and I'm thinking of setting up a website and becoming a freelance writer. It just seems logical right now because of the lack of jobs at the moment and that working from home on different things without having to deal with other people seems appealing.

Can anyone recommend if it's possible? I know it's probably quite hard to get into, get your name out there and also getting a decent wage from.

Share your experiences and recommendations!

Thanks.

I do freelance construction and carpentry work on the side of my full-time warehouse job. Craiglist, flyers, and make lots and lots and lots of contacts through already existing friends. It's not easy but it's worth it. And once you've already done 10 or 15 jobs you're name will start to perpetuate itself.

I do a lot of free lance work (writer & musician), but as an Aspie, it's a difficult road because it really involves being social and making connections (like using the phone, which I hate). But it can be done if you are motivated enough to get past your social anxiety/awkwardness.

As far as you being a writer, you need to investigate whatever writing field(s) you are interested in. Seek out others who are doing what you want to do for advice. Talk to editors/publishers/etc. as to what they are looking for. Without knowing what direction you are going, it's difficult to give specific advice.

A year and a half here, and I don't think I've ever posted in this forum before.

Anyway, I don't make a living freelancing, but I sure as heck want to.

There is one thing I've learned and heard over and over from others who make their living in unconventional ways (no J.O.B.).

You have GOT to have a solidly positive attitude and be able to maintain it MOST of the time, or you will not make it.

I do freelance writing through oDesk. I've also worked a little on Elance, but not as much. These sites may help you start out, or could be an extra source of work, but the sites take %10 of the money you earn (on oDesk anyhow, can't remember the rate on Elance).

Elance has higher quality work, usually paying more, but I've found the jobs are harder to get, and you can't apply for many jobs with a free account. On oDesk, there is the issue of having to compete with workers from poor countries who are willing to work for almost nothing, but you have many more jobs you can apply for.