Combat a Recession and Depression with a Writing Career
How I secured a reliable income and space to heal by writing a couple of hours a day.
Before I can let you in on my secrets, I’m going to get into my story, my background, and how this discovery of mine came about.
It’d be awkward without this introduction, I’m sure.
Immediately after, I’m going to tell you exactly how I made it happen, so stay tuned, I assure you this isn’t clickbait.
The Sappy Story Section
Three years ago, I was diagnosed with moderate depression and severe social anxiety. In hindsight, it's very likely I had been suffering from its symptoms since high school I just refused to visit a medical professional. Immediately after the diagnosis though, things went downhill FAST.
Work became extremely difficult and showing up to classes amidst a campus full of strangers was not happening.
I wasn’t showing up on time to my shifts, if at all, and when I was there I may as well have been a walking zombie. I tried coffee, more sleep, antidepressants, and even cold showers (an activity that comes straight from the pits of hell) but I just could not bring myself out of the funk.
Eventually, I came to a point where having a regular job and work schedule was not going to cut it. I was incapable of getting any better because the long hours and socially demanding responsibilities of working the front desk at a hotel left me utterly drained.
My hours were cut (obviously) because I wasn’t showing up, and that’s when my paychecks began to dwindle until they were barely reaching $1,000 a month.
I quickly maxed out my only credit card and forced myself into “intermittent fasting.”
In other words, my food budget was the first to go.
Then one day, I quit.
Just like that, I left my job. With no plan, very little savings, and no prospects, I handed in my notice and never returned. If anyone asked, I told them I had started my own extremely successful writing business (which at the time was 100% UNtrue, it was just a dream).
But when I found myself sitting at home without a job for the first time in 5 years, the dream started to look more and more like my only realistic option. So, my boyfriend pointed me in the direction of a popular freelance platform, and I got to writing.
For 4 months, I wrote and researched and drove for Ubereats, struggling to keep up with my bills (and yes, still “fasting”).
Finally, after so much trial and error, failed service listings, and TONS of conversations with foreign scam artists, I hit my stride.
This is the part where I tell you how I did it…
Now, before I tell you where I’ve been working, I must preface with this: contrary to some of the more glamourous, professional bloggers out there, my preferred platform is NOT cheap, unpleasant, or unreliable. And I’ll show you why, just stick with me.
I make my money from Fiverr.
While there are some wild claims out there, Fiverr does not pay $5 a client. In fact, my average order amount is over $100 ($104.68 to be exact), with orders exceeding $250 coming in at least 3–4 times a month.
In the last month, even amidst the increasing danger of Coronavirus, I am on track to make nearly $2,000 from Fiverr alone.
So how do I do it?
I learned the art of Sales Copy.
Sales copy is a general blanket term meant to encompass persuasive, marketing-related writing. This can include social media ads, promotional emails, websites, landing pages, blogs and articles, video scripts — the list really does go on.
And while I had always been a natural writer, born to master the art of words, sales copy is just adding relevant words to available, proven formulas, and letting the marketers do the rest! If you’re interested in more detail, here is a GREAT resource to start with.
I picked up the skill rather fast, and once my first order was complete with a tip and 5-Start review, the rest came and went like clockwork.
As it would turn out, writing good sales copy was only a matter of taking the client’s context and putting it inside a formula I already had (from the Profit Writer’s Guide, actually!).
Add a few sprinkles of poetry and razzle-dazzle to make it shine, of course, and you’re good to go! I keep the Merriam-Webster thesaurus VERY handy.
Since learning the ins and outs of Fiverr (also from the PW guide — love that thing), I was also able to get my brother and his wife started with graphic design gigs!
So, how much can you make?
In theory, the possibility of the amount you could make each month on Fiverr is endless; completely dependent on the amount of work you put in and what you charge for your services. Some Sellers bring in thousands a week!
Personally, I average $1,500 a month on the one platform, and supplement it with outside retainer-based clients that normally double that.
Hours & Scheduling
The most amazing part about working as a freelance writer is the complete and total freedom! As long as I have an internet connection and my laptop (sometimes even just my phone!), I can work.
I’ve never been an early bird, so I sleep in till 10 AM most days. I roll out of bed, put some effort into making breakfast, shower, and wear whatever I want! It’s truly the life I was always meant to live.
I’m never rushed anywhere, my time is always my time.
In order to meet my average $1,500/mth, I put in about 3–4 solid hours of work a day. Realistically though, I’ll work 8 hours for a couple of days and be free to lounge, work on personal projects, or spend time with family the rest of the week.
The Learning Curve
Whether you’re a natural writer or not, the Profit Writer’s Guide makes sales copy (one of the most popular and adaptable writing skills) simple. Everything is broken down into formulas and steps that are easy for anyone to understand and implement.
In the case that you have another monetizable skill, it also shows you how to enter any other industry set up for success. There’s no reason you couldn’t be up and running within a week.
What do you need to succeed?
A computer, internet, and determination.
I pursued this dream of mine out of desperation for a lifestyle of low-stress, fulfillment, and decent pay. Thankfully, it’s proven to take great care of my mental health and everything else that I could want.
Freelancing gave me the space to live out the schedule, income, and creative outlet I needed to pull myself out of the hole. And once I saw that I knew I HAD to get this opportunity in front of as many people as possible.
If any of this speaks to you, I want you to know first and foremost that you CAN do it. Disregard the voices in your head and take a chance on believing in yourself.
If you’re interested in getting started, again, I HIGHLY suggest looking into the Profit Writer’s Guide — it covers everything you’ll need; from starting a business to marketing basics, how to navigate Fiverr, and even a boat load of formulas to get started.
Don’t give up, and don’t settle for what you think is the only way. There is another way to live and it won’t take a miracle to make it real.
