How I Did It: Worked as a freelance writer around my fibromyalgia

Welcome to the first post in hopefully a series of ‘how I did it’ articles. The aim: interview freelancers, bloggers and entrepreneurs with chronic conditions about how they manage running a business with health issues-with hopefully plenty of practical useful tips for you all! First up is Anna Whitehouse; a freelance copywriter based in Birmingham UK. She loves
poetry, music and keeping fit with her dog. Anna went freelance after a battle with fibromyalgia and more info on her can be found at www.visitthewritehouse.com, which also includes a blog that covers copywriting and healthy work habits.

Q:Hi Anna, please tell us a little more about your journey with fibro?

I developed fibro when I had just turned thirty and was thinking about starting a family. It hit me out of nowhere. I was out shopping when I suddenly experienced shooting pains in both legs, then the pain spread to my arms and I began to feel weak. By the end of the day, I could hardly walk to the end of the garden path.

While it began with chronic fatigue, after a few weeks the pain intensified and it felt like my skull was on fire. I was able
to walk more in the house but I couldn’t sleep, so with my doctor’s help, I managed to find a combination of really strong painkillers that made things more bearable.

I couldn’t wear shoes much so couldn’t go out a lot, as every
step on the hard floor hurt my head. We even had to change the car as I felt every bump. And I had to stop working. That was 15 years ago and I am feeling much better now thanks to a combination of medication and a less stressful work life. I try to take every day as it comes though, as I have had a few flare ups.

Q:What was your career/employer status when diagnosed and when did you decide to go freelance?

I was working part-time as an English tutor for my local adult education service. I was feeling really excited about developing my career, although looking back it was quite stressful. A few months after I left work I met a lovely lady whose fibromyalgia was much worse than mine and she convinced me that I could manage to be a parent despite my illness, so a year later my daughter was born!

When my daughter turned one I began to write and had a few articles published in magazines. Realising that this was my real passion, I kept an eye out for opportunities and found a regular gig writing remotely for a parenting website. Then I spotted an advert posted by a digital agency that was looking for freelance writers. I wrote a sample piece (which they paid me for!) and they phoned me up to invite me on board. I haven’t stopped writing since!

Q: Amazing! How do you find freelancing helps you manage your health issues?

I love being able to work at my pace. If I’m having a good day I’ll write from nine until four thirty, so that I can afford a little flexibility on bad days. I also feel incredibly relaxed at home, as there are no office politics to worry about and I don’t have to worry about trying to attend work socials.

 Q:What top tips would you offer for those with chronic illnesses who are considering going freelance like yourself?

I would say value your skills/experience and don’t take on too much at the start. Be realistic. You’ll soon know how much work you can cope with. Also, try to work with people who respect you and don’t let anyone mess you around, as that can be really stressful. I’ve learned this the hard way!

If it’s possible, try to do your work in a room that you can close the door on, as this will help you to switch off and relax properly when you stop!

Q:Lots of our bloggers have experience in writing-any tips on how they might find places that pay for freelance content writers? Or general advice for carving out a career as a freelance writer?

I’ve found quite a few writing gigs on job sites like Indeed, so it’s always worth a look, as remote jobs appear daily. This is where I saw the advert for my first copywriting gig, which led to working with some big brands.

I also found work blogging for an expensive changing bag brand on Indeed. Avoid accepting ridiculously low pay even when you don’t have much experience, as it’s hard to put your prices up once you’ve set a low rate. Visit the Procopywriters website for average copywriting rates and lots of tips from super experienced writers.

If you fancy exploring copywriting as a career, check out your local digital agencies, as they are often open to receiving samples from freelancers. You could use Google to find a few local agencies and visit their careers pages to find out if they outsource any work.

Networking with other freelancers is also great way to learn and pick up work, so I’m a member of Freelance Heroes which is a fantastic community on Facebook. I would definitely recommend joining groups like this, as you can ask for advice, share your blog posts and find writing gigs. Make sure you connect with other writers/editors on LinkedIn too.

Q:Any tips for organising your day and pacing when being self-employed with a chronic illness?

Make time to relax properly. Switch off the computer at the end of the day and always take a lunch break. I always allow myself ten minutes to check Facebook and twitter at the start and end of the day, as I can then resist looking when I’m struggling to write!

Q:What problems/pitfalls should freelancers with chronic illness be prepared for?

I’ve only encountered problems when I’ve taken on too much work. When this happens I get tired and stressed, which can lead to a flare-up. I’ve now reached the point where’ve learned to say no. For example, a marketing manager rang me up last week. She worked for a digital agency and wanted me to “dash off” a few key website pages for various dental websites.

In the past, I might have accepted the work, but I knew that I only really had time to meet the deadlines I already had. Also, the rate I was offered was ridiculously low and I now value my skills. So I said no but agreed to connect on LinkedIn. If she calls me again I’ll only accept work if the pay is better.

Although it’s hard to turn down work when you’re starting out as a writer, I would say only accept deadlines you can manage and rates that are fair. There are plenty of people out there who are wonderful to work with, so it’s worth the wait.