Writers and A Slowed Economy

If you’re watching or listening to the news, or reading newspapers, you’ve got to be aware of how much talk is going on about the slowing of the U.S. economy. This kind of “news” drives me nuts, because it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.

None the less, I can’t stop a recession by positive thinking and we freelance writers are actually part of the economy. But I don’t have to participate in a recession. That is, I don’t have to buy into the idea that I won’t make any money or I won’t make enough money during an economic downturn. Here’s what’s true in my experience, and I’m old enough to have gone through more than one downturn as a freelancer:

• The need for good writing doesn’t go away in an economic downturn.
• As companies let full-time employees go, opportunities for freelancers typically expand.
• Inexpensive entertainment typically expands during an economic downturn. I suspect this includes blogs and other ‘net centric writing. My hunch is income from AdWords and similar ‘net advertising will only increase.
• There are always people who prosper during an economic downturn – you can be one of them.

My advice? Stay optimistic. Look for opportunities. Know that you will be okay and the chances are you will be.

Tell us what you think about economic turn downs.

Write well and often,

Two newsletters:
Abundant Freelance Writing – a resource for freelance writers including 3x a week job postings.
Writing With Vision – for those who want to get a book written.