5 times it’s Acceptable to take on low paying Writing Jobs

Since I started freelance writing, I have noticed countless writing jobs on the Internet offering extremely low pay. Websites like elance.com and guru.com offer jobs from $2 for 500 word articles! I am not kidding. And while I have found some excellent opportunities on Craigslist, I have almost lost my lunch a couple of times reading posts offering writers $15 for 1000 word articles. While this is unacceptable to me (and I won’t divulge what I charge), I do understand there are people out there who actually take on these projects.

While I am disappointed to hear that some businesses hope to hire quality writers for $5 an article (I say good luck to them), I also want to point out that there are times when it is acceptable to take on low paying work (but please never take on an article for $0.1 per word!).  Here are five times it may be accepable to take on low paying assignments:

When you are a beginner. When you are just starting out as a freelance writer, you need to build a portfolio and your confidence in order to get hired for higher paying jobs. Think of it as an entry level position before you are able to prove yourself and climb up the ladder to success.

You are breaking into a new market. Let’s say you have been writing for technology trade publications but hope to break into fashion. With the contrast being so huge, you will need to gain some experience in your desired market. To do so, you will need to prove yourself first before landing your first big paying assignment.

You are gaining a regular client. Sometimes taking lower paying writing jobs result in long-term clients. Think of it this way: you could take on a job that may offer higher pay but only requires your services once or you could take on lower paying assignments from a client who will be providing you with regular work. It may be beneficial to have the stablity of consistent work.

You really need the money. Maybe you are between assignments and your funds are really drying up. It’s time to take anything that will pay the bills. If you have to write 10 articles for $100 than so be it. Sometimes this is necessary.

You are doing someone a favour. Sometimes it pays to help a friend, relative or charity out. You may need their help in the future and helping someone out will most likely lead to referrals which in turn will generate more business for you.

While I believe in sticking to your integrity and NOT accepting payment that is far lower than what you are worth, I also believe there is a time and place for everything.

And in case you are wondering, no I don’t currently accept low paying jobs, yes I do favours and yes I did start off taking on low paying jobs to build my portfolio.

Published in General Interest, Motivation and tagged with Caroline Pigott, CP Style, low paying writing jobs, payment, writing