Growing up, I always had a job. In the beginning, it was making manuals at my father’s manufacturing company for a measly $4 per hour.
Then, as I got older and was able to accept more responsibility, I boarded horses at our family farm and did some training. Then came the gas station, then the drug store, and then several jobs throughout University. I’ve always maintained some kind of extra employment throughout my life.
They’ve all come with their own perks. At the drug store I was able buy anything I wanted at cost, one job in university allowed me to work from home, but the best side job I’ve ever come across is staff writing.
Michelle has written about how she makes extra income on this blog before, she’s a whiz at it. While I’m not a prodigy like her, I have managed to secure a staff writing job, and I love it.
Please read How To Start A Blog On Bluehost if you are interested in starting your own blog (which can then help you find freelance writing jobs). There is also a way to earn a free domain through that blog post and you will receive a discounted price through my tutorial! 🙂
Staff Writing is The Best Part Time Job
When I think back to all of the part time jobs I’ve had over the years, this one is hands down the best. I get to pick my own hours. If I work best in the morning, I’ll write in the morning, if I want to write my posts a month in advance, I can do that too. I get to earn money while sitting next to my fiance on the couch, and since I’m always trying to find ways to spend more time with him, staff writing satisfies this like no other part time job could.
I also can work as much or as little as I want. Right now I’m satisfied with my work load, but if I decided I wanted to take on more down the road, or less, I can adjust how many writing jobs I take without too much difficulty. This type of side job has a flexible income in ways that a regular part time job might not have.
Being able to staff write for a blog that has a slightly different focus than my own is also a big plus. There are some things I wouldn’t discuss on my own blog, so but those avenues are open for exploration on different blogs. It keeps me interested in what I’m writing and helps me stay out of a rut.
Related: 10 Of The Most Common Questions About Having A Side Job
I Can Indulge My Inner People Pleaser
Staff writing for a blog means that I’m here to make the blog owner’s life easier. When I make that my main priority, it can be very rewarding to help make that a reality for the blog owner.
Whether it’s writing about certain topics or making sure to respond to comments quickly, staff writing brings satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment that I didn’t have when working the till at the drug store.
Knowing What You’re Worth
The only downside of staff writing is setting rates. Unlike waitressing or other part time jobs, the staff writers can set their own rates. Knowing what to charge can be difficult. Personally, I try to focus less on what everyone else is charging, and more on what makes it worth it for me.
Still, negotiating fees or raises rates can be a tough sell. In those situations, I follow the same rules I’d follow when asking for a raise at work: I outline the value I provide, I explain what skills I’ve added that justify the increased wages, and I make sure to be firm and reasonable.
At the end of the day, when I get home from work, and I’m tired, the last thing I want to do is to head out to a part time job. I want to be home with my dog, my cat and my fiance. Staff writing allows me to do that, and earn money too. That fact alone makes this side hustle priceless.
What’s your side hustle? Do you staff write?
Related tip: My friend Cat Alford started a course called Get Paid to Write for Blogs that I highly recommend. She has written for many large sites and is extremely successful. Now, she is sharing her amazing tips so that you can become a full-time writer as well. If you want to earn money as a writer, I recommend you check out her course.
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