On the stability of freelancing

This was a wild week for media. New York magazine’s feature on Conde Nast set the media world ablaze with gossip on what’s the future of the content conglomerate. Meanwhile, Deadspin writers and editors quit after their new corporate owners wanted the site to primarily “stick to sports.” As it happens, all this took place as workers in other professions have been striking and protesting, too.

Up and down my feed, I saw journalists announce their resignation from the beloved sports site. The exodus was both courageous and heartbreaking, the former for standing up for their principles and the latter for the uncertain financial and career futures. 

Last year, I was grateful for my freelance career because of the freedom it gives me. As the bloodbath continues in American media today, that gratefulness remains. 

When I began freelancing, it started by accident. While in college, I met editors as part of school assignments and networking events who were looking for freelancers. But as my freelance career became more intentional, more media outlets underwent layoffs or shuttered entirely, making it — in my opinion — increasingly necessary for me to understand how to survive as a freelancer. 

I distinctly remember attending a party filled with media professionals during which one journalist commended me for actually freelancing rather than “freelancing” — yes, she did use air quotes — meaning unemployed or working on projects in between jobs. I remember responding in somewhat disbelief, explaining that freelancing was the way that I made my living. freelancers who have been working for some time are familiar with these preconceived notions that freelancing is code for a variety of things including unemployed, poor, not worthy of full-time employment and overall precariousness.

I’ve come to see freelancing as a way to circumvent the uncertainty of full-time journalism jobs. While the number of gainfully employed journalists continues to drop, the pool of freelance journalists clamoring for coveted spots at remaining publications continues to grow. I once dreamed of being an associate editor or features reporter for a magazine, but now the pathway to that role feels quite unattainable. In the interim, freelancing has allowed me to pursue lengthier articles.

Many in the media industry are starting to question their leadership. Why must we lay off staffers to hit abstract profit goals? How do we jump into bed with tech companies without scrutinizing the possible profitability of pivoting to video? What is the long-term effect of both digital and legacy media companies consolidating? After entire media companies shutter, where will the stories that were a good fit for them find a home? At what point will we realize that cutting fat has really meant cutting into muscle?

I’m comforted by the fact that every day that I wake up and I’m able to work is the day that I am able to work towards the media career I’ve always wanted. As long as I’m okay, I can find new clients, deliver what they need on deadline and get paid. 

There is truth to the notion that freelancing is precarious, but it is also true that one could lose their job and have to start all over again, not knowing how long the job search will take to end. I’ve met too many talented journalists who continuously apply for job after job, stressed out about how they’ll be able to manage their families, finances and futures. I personally take comfort in my ability to find work regardless if companies decide to hire me and provide me with benefits. The number of full-time jobs continues to dwindle, narrowing the number of journalists who can make their living exclusively as storytellers. 

Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and I find myself thankful for my freelance career this year, too. And though the media business has been in a state of upheaval for some time, I hope that the industry finds its way by the time I’m munching on Thanksgiving dinner next year.

Does the decline of full-time media jobs concern you? Tell me your opinion in the comments or email me at contact@thefreelancebeat.com.