Freelance or Staff

There is no doubt that a staff writer enjoys advantages not availed by the freelancer. However, there are benefits available to the freelancer that a staff writer can never expect.

A staffer must produce and on a daily basis because of frequent, even daily, deadlines. As a result the staffer learns several things: how to organize time, how to write under pressure, how to write quickly, how to plan the writing (if not on paper, then mentally), and how to meet deadlines. Perhaps this results in the loss of creativity and inspiration, but it usually produces better mechanics of writing-better sentence structure, syntax, vocabulary, punctuation, and spelling.

The freelancer, on the other hand, enjoys the freedom of choosing the time to write, the topic or theme to write about, and the refinement of language and expression. The negative side of that is that the writer must be an editor and proofreader and must possess the discipline to sit at the desk and write which, of course, sounds so simple, but which is, in effect, the most difficult responsibility of the freelancer.

Thus, it becomes the writer's obligation to choose the kind of writer to be. No doubt, freelance writing appeals to most, but it is not always the wisest choice. One's character, personality, and dedication come into play. If one is individualistic, able to work alone, and inspired, then the freelance route is probably the path to follow. If one is uncertain, needs association, and direction, then a staff position is probably a better choice.

Choosing correctly will result in the greatest satisfaction and happiness.

Charles O. Goulet has a BA in English literature. He has published several books that are available at Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, and many other book stores.