A Business Marketing Major in college and a former Retail Store Manager, Katie Donovan is a self-employed freelance writer. Here’s what she has to say with 5 years under belt.
Why did you choose this job?
This job chose me. Writing has been my passion since I can remember. I was lucky enough to be able to follow my dreams and afford the time to dedicate to my profession.
What is an average day like in your role?
I spend my days sitting in front of my laptop, writing, Skyping clients, researching, and creating new avenues for myself to travel. I work long hours most days, but I make my own hours and I only HAVE to work, when I have an immediate deadline.
What’s the most challenging part of your job?
The most challenging part of my job is balancing the ups and downs. Some weeks I am slammed, while others are slow. Time management is crucial for those who work for themselves.
What’s your favorite part of the job?
My favorite part of my job is that I’m living my dream. I no longer work 70+ hours a week for a poor salary, breaking my back and missing out on the best parts of life. I now create time for myself to enjoy the things I love.
What’s a common misconception about your job?
A common misconception about my job would either be that I sit home doing nothing all day. People often think I hang out at home and have an abundance of free time; when in reality, I actually work more now than before only the time is not painful.
Any tips for current college students who aspire to be writers?
Major in something other than writing or Journalism. I purposely chose a different major so that I wouldn’t burn myself out on my passion during college. This is not the same for most majors, but writing is different, in my opinion. Writing can be difficult to make a living on alone, so I recommend having a different major to fall back on.
If you had a time machine and could travel back to visit yourself in college, what’s the #1 piece of advice you would have given yourself?
To enjoy the ride. I would tell myself to cherish every classroom moment, every lecture, every boring note card – because learning is forever but college only happens once (for most people). It is the experience that is the richest element; anyone can read a textbook or read journal reviews online.
What is a fun perk of your job?
My entire job is fun, however, when I get a client that offers work on topics I am passionate about, I find happiness in creating pieces on things that matter to me. I enjoy meeting clients and being a part of their dream by assisting them with content.
