Some thoughts about enjoying your work as a freelance writer.

Working as a coach to help freelancers develop and grow their businesses raises a wonderful variety of concerns and interests.

Recently, I had to give some thought to the issue of enjoying one's work as a freelancer.

Here's what I concluded:

There are different ways to look at this. There is the "realistic view". This is where a copywriter might say to me, "Sure, I try to stick to work I'll enjoy. But hey, there are bills to be paid, so sometimes I take what's on offer, even if I'm not going to enjoy it much."

I can relate to that view. But the flip side of it is that every aspect of your business improves when you enjoy your work. You will work faster. Your writing will be better. Your expertise will grow faster. Clients will love to work with you, because it will always be a positive experience for them. Word will spread. Etc.

So while bills do need to be paid, I am also very strict in my own business. Here's what I say to myself, "If I save 16 hours not working on this project I won't enjoy, surely I can use that time to find a different project, for a better fee, that I will enjoy."

This approach helps keep me focused and on track.

That said, I know I am very susceptible to being "pulled down" by work I don't enjoy. Project like that really depress me. For copywriters who are not impacted that way, it may not be such an important issue.