Am I too old to start freelancing?
That’s a question I’m often asked by some of the women in the See Jane Write community.
This question makes me so angry! I’m not angry with the women asking the question obviously. I’m angry about the youth-obsessed culture we live in that makes women insecure about their age.
The idea that a woman should be overlooked for writing opportunities just because she’s not in her 20s is ridiculous.
I’m not naïve. I know that ageism – especially against women – is alive and well in almost every industry, including journalism.
But if you’re willing to learn the ropes and willing to do the work, you can succeed in freelance writing – no matter your age.
Yes, you will face rejection – all writers do. Yes, some of that rejection may be because of your age. But don’t let that stop you from going after your goals.
Here’s how to keep moving forward.
Related Reading: Am I Too Old to Blog?
Remember your age is an asset.
Your decades on this earth have given you wisdom and experience. Use that to prove to editors why they should work with you. Turn your life experiences into compelling personal essays and your work experiences into expertise.
If you’ve been a nurse for 15 years, use that knowledge to build a niche in health writing. Maybe you’ve been a social worker for 20 years, let that experience inform opinion pieces on social issues. If you’ve been working in a male-dominated industry, write business articles from that perspective.
Find your people.
If you have no idea what twentysomethings are interested in these days (and no desire to find out) then don’t write for twentysomethings! Pitch to publications for women your age. SistersLetter.com and TheGirlfriend.com are two you should check out.
Stay inspired.
No matter how old you are, the writing life can be tough. You have to stay encouraged. So, fill your workspace, your journal, and your mind with affirmations to keep you going. Here are three to get you started:
“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” — C.S. Lewis
“You are not too old, and it is not too late.” – Rainer Maria Rilke
“Write as well as you can, with as much heart as you can, whenever you can. Artistic success, in all its forms, is not merely the purview of the young. You are not a late bloomer. You are already blooming.” – Roxane Gay
If you want to learn more about freelance writing, sign up for my course See Jane Freelance.