3 years of full-time freelancing

It’s that time of the year again…tomorrow, it’ll be my third year of full-time freelancing!

Three years on, the fun times continue to continue

I’m still:

• Stressed when I’m stressed (because my schedule is full), and
• Stressed when I’m not stressed (because my schedule is not full). 😂

Feast or famine, as that common phrase goes. I’m currently in the “stressed when I’m stressed” season, because I have an upcoming trip and am working to wrap up projects before then.

I also still treasure the flexibility that comes with freelancing. For example, I get to take time off during weekdays to go out while places are less crowded. If people ask whether I took leave from work to make this happen, I just smile and say, “I’m self-employed”.

But of course, it’s not all sunshine and roses. As I like to say, just because I have a flexible work schedule, it doesn’t mean I don’t need to work 😂

I typically don’t like to work on weekends, but if I have to make up for taking time off on weekdays, I will.

AI continues to change my industry (freelance writing)

Even as some clients ditch writers in favour of using AI, others are still hiring. Some even expressly say they want to work with humans instead of AI.

But some roles have changed, with some clients now wanting writers to edit AI-generated copy instead of writing copy from scratch.

All this means that we (and I) will have to work harder to prove our worth and focus on the things AI can’t do.

For example, I’ve been doing a lot more sourcing of subject-matter-expert quotes for my articles. These quotes contain insights and data gained from hard-earned experience—they aren’t something AI can make up.

(That said, so many sources send in quotes that have obviously been AI-generated. 🙄)

I think it’s also good to:

• Diversify so you don’t become overly reliant on one client or one type of service for income
• Keep a constant lookout for opportunities you can capitalise on

As I mentioned previously, I revived my email marketing services last year. I’m also exploring potential new revenue streams. Will share more at the right time.

For now, here’s looking ahead to year number four!

My next newsletter will be in a month, as I’m travelling in between. Hasta la vista ✈️

More freelancer news

Free hands-on event on negotiating freelance contracts

Bloomberg and Pro Bono SG are co-hosting “The Art of Negotiation”, an event that aims to help equip freelancers with contract negotiation skills.

The event is happening next Tues (5 Aug) from 9.30am to 2pm, and it’s free to attend.

There’ll be a panel discussion featuring legally trained speakers, followed by a hands-on negotiations workshop and lunch.

You’ll also get to tour the Bloomberg office 👀

​More details + registration link here.​

Some foreigners are illegally doing platform work in Singapore

Platform workers have recently voiced their concerns and unhappiness about foreigners taking on delivery jobs and providing ride services.

Only Singapore citizens and Permanent Residents can do these jobs. But because foreigners also vie for them, there are fewer jobs to go around—leaving local platform workers worried about their financial security.

In response, the Platform Workers Trilateral Group (consisting of the Ministry of Manpower, the Ministry of Transport and Grab Singapore) and the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) are looking into this matter. The group aims to submit, by the end of this year, recommendations for addressing it.