57: How to Work a 9-5 and Write on the Side

57: How to Work a 9-5 and Write on the Side

Author: Michael Leonard: Copywriter & Freelance Writing Coach February 17, 2020 Duration: 19:04

In this episode, I talk about a strategy to work your 9 – 5 job while building your freelance writing business. Whether you want to freelance so you can earn extra money or scale your writing business to leave your 9 – 5, this episode is full of tips to help you accomplish your goals. 

One of the most important parts to becoming a successful freelance writer is to plan. Setting goals and then following through with a plan of action to meet those goals is something every freelancer should be doing on a quarterly basis. Here are some actionable tips to help you plan:

  • Make a quarterly plan, then break that down into monthly and weekly goals
  • Take time on Sunday to plan your week
  • Use time blocking during the week so you know when and where you will be working on your freelance writing business
  • Put actions to the plan: when will you be pitching clients? editing drafts? writing? or creating samples for your website? 
  • Plan to work on your writing business on the weekend or holidays when you have extra time to commit
  • Review your plan for the next day the night before so you can wake up knowing what needs to get done
 

How I Set Myself Up for Success

Planning in advance will help you succeed at your freelance writing business. Here is an example of my own routine, I hope it inspires you to think about how you will establish your own routine so you can find success at writing!

  • Each Sunday I set goals for the week
  • Each night, I prep for the day before, so when I wake up I can hit the ground running with my to-do list already planned
  • I plan to write in the morning when I am feeling at my creative best 
  • I plan the remainder of my day around client outreach and editing
Freelance writing is the best online job because you can choose to control your own destiny and the amount of money you want to make based upon your availability.
 
Successfully making money online starts with a plan, it has worked for not only me but also for every entrepreneur I have interviewed on the podcast! Remember 'if you fail to plan, you plan to fail'. 

Michael Leonard was a professional copywriter earning a solid salary before he walked away from that career in 2017. With no safety net, he built a thriving online writing business from the ground up. In his Inspire Your Success podcast, he gets into the real work behind that transition, moving beyond simple inspiration to offer a practical roadmap. Each conversation is grounded in his experience as a freelance writing coach, focusing on the actionable steps needed to build a sustainable independent career. You’ll hear honest discussions about the mental shifts required to leave a traditional job, the systems that actually generate income, and how to navigate the common pitfalls of entrepreneurship. This isn't about vague motivational talk; it's a detailed look at creating a business that affords more freedom, whether that means paying off debt, traveling, or simply designing a life with more flexibility. Tune in for a blend of strategic business advice and personal development insights, all drawn from Michael’s own journey from a structured 9-5 to successful self-employment. The podcast serves as a direct mentorship for anyone feeling stuck, providing the tangible tools and mindset needed to turn professional aspirations into a working reality.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Inspire Your Success
Podcast Episodes
REPLAY: How to Beat Overwhelm As a Freelancer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:03
Use these freelancing tips to beat overwhelm and get more done so you can have more free time! >> Scale Your Freelance Writing Business Learn my exact system to make $1,000-$5,000+ per month as a freelance writer inside…
127: How to Get Paid as a Freelance Writer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:08
Multiple income streams and making up your own rates is one of the reasons why so many people get into freelance writing. But how do you get paid? How do you invoice clients? What are the best practices to getting paid p…
126: Finding the Perfect Client Mix for Consistent Income [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:03
What's great about freelance writing is you can have a ton of different income streams... unlike a 9-5. Most months I have between 4-6 (sometimes up to 9) clients at a time. But dedicating the time and energy isn't easy…
125: How to Nail Test Pieces so Clients Say YES [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:52
Most clients will want to "test" your services out before hiring your for a long term gig. Sometimes they won't but it depends... needless to say this is your audition to getting the gig. This short episode will help you…
124: Why You Need a Pricing Guide to Land Clients [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:47
Learn why you need a simple pricing guide to start landing clients. This simple (and cheap) tool will help you change clients perspective from... "Should I work with this writer" to "Which package should I hire them for?…
123: You Only Need ONE Client to Change Your Life [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:36
After a two-year hiatus of this podcast I'm back and want to help you start and scale your writing business in 2023. In this episode we'll cover: The new content schedule Discuss the ups/downs of freelancing How freelanc…
122: Why You Should NOT Write Every Day [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:09
"Write everyday" said every writer ever... except me. After writing millions of words online and earning more than $250,000 writing I want to discuss why this is bad writing advice and what to do instead. >> Scale Your F…
121: Will AI Destroy Freelance Writing Careers? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:16
Will AI destroy freelance writing as we know it? Short answer: NO. Longer answer explained in this podcast where we'll cover: Why Google hates AI How to use AI to make writing easier Why my clients told me to ignore some…
120: Freelancing Helped Me Launch a New Business (Where I've Been) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:46
After a two-year hiatus of this podcast I'm back and want to help you start and scale your writing business in 2023. In this episode we'll cover: The new content schedule Discuss the ups/downs of freelancing How freelanc…
119: How Delaney Quit Her Job With Freelance Writing [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:22
Learn how one of my students used freelance writing to quit her 9-5 in less than 6 months (while working full-time). Delaney went from: Not having a niche --> a niche to writing about topics she loves. Being scared to pi…