Content Writing is Not an Easy Career
Content writing may seem to be appear as a profession with creative opportunities and flexible career choices. However, after eight years of firsthand experience as a content writer in Indonesia, I’ve come to realize that this field often conceals an elusive and enigmatic nature. The reasons behind its uncertain trajectory, as well as the challenges in forging a steady career path that leads to lucrative positions, are worth exploring.
Ambiguous Growth Trajectory
One of the most perplexing aspects of a content writing career is the lack of a well-defined growth path. Unlike professions like IT development, which offer clear steps to advancement, content writing often resembles navigating a complex maze. This challenge has been particularly evident in my own career over the past eight years, during which I found myself firmly entrenched as a senior content writer. The question that lingered was, ‘Why?’ Was it due to my skills, performance, or was it because I had selected the wrong company? The answer, in my case, appears to be a combination of both factors, with the company choice playing a significant role.
In my scenario, I found myself working for an IT consulting company that was relatively new, having been established for just a decade. The company was still in the process of constructing its management framework, and this had unintended consequences for my career. The primary growth seemed to be concentrated in the development team, while my role as a content writer became increasingly isolated over the course of eight years. The career path within this company remained elusive, leaving me uncertain about where my future might lead.
Varied Specializations
Content writing is a vast field, encompassing a diverse range of specializations, from crafting engaging blog content to the intricacies of technical writing, such as user manuals. This wide spectrum of options often presents aspiring writers with a challenge: how to pinpoint their ideal niche. It’s a journey of trial and error, much like my own experience.
When I joined my current company, my initial assignment was blog writing. However, as time went on, the scope of my responsibilities expanded considerably. I found myself delving into SEO writing, content planning, keyword research, meta tag development for client websites, creating content for landing pages, crafting user manuals for various web systems, revising and proofreading sales team emails, responding to client inquiries, exploring potential affiliate marketing initiatives, and establishing partnerships with other entities. All this, while still maintaining the requirement to produce two articles per day. As if that weren’t enough, I’ve recently ventured into the world of PPC ads. It’s been a whirlwind of diverse tasks, leaving me pondering what career path I should pursue in my future endeavors!
Portfolio Building
For content writers, a robust portfolio is a cornerstone for attracting clients and job opportunities. However, crafting a compelling portfolio is no easy feat, as it necessitates time and experience. This challenge is exacerbated for those, like myself, whose assignments have spanned diverse specializations.
Reflecting on my career’s extensive journey, my roles have indeed been varied and diverse. As a result, building a portfolio that aligns seamlessly has proven to be a complex undertaking. The eclectic nature of my assignments makes it challenging to present a consistent and cohesive portfolio of work. I often wonder how recruiters will interpret my resume, given the vast diversity in my body of work.
Networking Challenges
Effective networking is a vital component of career growth. Yet, establishing meaningful connections can prove to be a perplexing endeavor, especially for introverted or novice writers. The intricacies of creating a network, determining with whom to connect, and nurturing these relationships are far from straightforward.
Speaking from personal experience, I readily acknowledge my introverted tendencies. It’s noteworthy that my introverted nature seems to have become even more pronounced since I embarked on a career in content writing. In contrast to journalists who often seek news and connections through firsthand experiences in the field, my role as a content writer primarily confines me to an office, where I spend the better part of nine hours working on the internet. My objective: to craft content that not only ranks well on search engines but remains highly readable for human audiences, all while paying homage to the ever-evolving algorithms.
This often solitary and desk-bound role has contributed to my introverted tendencies skyrocketing well beyond 90%. I’ve been so engrossed in my work that I’ve found myself short on personal connections and, at times, oblivious to the impact my work has on the company. In this context, the question arises: How can one effectively build a network amidst such circumstances?
Low Income Challenges
One significant challenge content writers frequently encounter is the inconsistency in their income. The absence of a fixed salary structure can pose substantial difficulties when it comes to financial planning and stability. Content writers often find themselves navigating through phases of both financial abundance and scarcity, thereby adding an additional layer of unpredictability to their careers.
This challenge has been particularly pronounced in my personal experience. In comparison to those who opt for job changes every two years, my salary increments have been notably more gradual. Even with the varied and diverse types of assignments I’ve undertaken, my compensation has remained largely unchanged — comprising solely of a base pay and standard allowance, devoid of bonuses or position-specific allowances. Furthermore, the annual salary increment percentage has seen a steady decline year after year, with me receiving approximately a 4% increase from the base pay. The prospect of achieving a substantially higher base pay is also limited, especially when compared to the development team, who seem to enjoy more generous rewards and benefits.
Consequently, I find myself in a challenging financial situation, all the while recognizing that content writing jobs in Indonesia are often perceived as low-income positions, in stark contrast to managerial or developer roles that tend to offer more lucrative compensation.
Navigating Boredom, Stagnation, and Industry Evolution
The ever-evolving digital landscape applies equally to the content writing industry. Keeping pace with the latest SEO techniques, writing trends, and shifting digital platforms is paramount. Yet, this constant state of flux can often leave writers feeling adrift, wrestling not only with the demands of staying current but also the persistent boredom that can set in.
For writers, the routine of brainstorming, researching, and crafting content — often exceeding the 2,000-word mark while meticulously applying SEO strategies — can become monotonous. The feeling of stagnation can be particularly pronounced for those, like myself, who have spent eight years in the same content writing role.
This prolonged tenure within a single company can cast doubts on one’s confidence when updating a resume, raising the pressing question of when a more fulfilling and rewarding career opportunity might arise.
Through these trials and tribulations, one thing remains certain: content writing is not for the faint of heart. It requires resilience, adaptability, and an unwavering passion for the written word. While the path may be unclear, and the destination uncertain, the journey continues, with the hope that one day, the elusive nature of this profession will yield to a more rewarding destination.
