If you are thinking about becoming a freelance writer, you may be focusing on all of the benefits and advantages associated with the job. For example, if you choose to pursue a career in freelance writing, you will enjoy the ability to set your own work hours, choose which types of writing assignments you want to work on and even work in your pajamas, in a coffee shop or in any other way that makes you feel comfortable and relaxed. While these are just a few of the benefits associated with freelance writing, experienced freelance writers also have some gripes about their job. Before you make the decision to start a career as a freelance writer, you may want to learn more about these common complaints.

Demanding Clients

While there are many great clients that you can work with, there is always a sour grape in the bunch. One negative, demanding client can easily ruin your day, and if you are working on a long-term project with this client, the client can be a nightmare to work with for weeks on end. Of course, experienced freelance writers have learned how to identify these clients before they even accept an assignment from them. They have also learned that accept smaller projects initially to test the waters with a new client can prevent them from being locked into a long-term assignment with a demanding client.

Poor Compensation

The pay scale for freelance writing assignments can truly run the gamut. Some assignments pay less than the equivalent of minimum wage while the compensation on other assignments may be more similar to that of a school teacher or even a nurse in some cases. Many freelance writers struggle to find enough higher paying assignments to make their efforts worthwhile. However, over time, most skilled freelance writers will find enough quality work with good compensation to make their time worthwhile.

Misunderstanding From Friends and Family

Perhaps one of the biggest complaints that freelance writers share relates to comments from their own friends and family. Whether it is because you are doing something as ordinary and “unskilled” as writing for a living or because you are working from home and don’t have anyone to report to (at least in their eyes), friends and family members often comment about how your days must be so relaxed, and they may inquire what you do with all of your free time. If you complain to them about the high cost of your kids’ braces or the need to make a major home repair, they may tell you that it may be time for you to go back to work at a “real job” so that you can make more money. When you work full-time hours with your fingers glued to the keyboard, this can seem like a major insult. While their hearts may be in the right place, the general misunderstanding about how you spend your days can grate on your nerves and be altogether frustrating.

The fact is that some freelance writers ultimately grow tired of the job because of one or more of these factors, but many others find a way to overcome these challenges and will continue to work in the field for years or even decades.