Post: #1

Currently, I work as a freelance writer (marketing copy).

You can probably guess what level of "job security" there is in that (hah).

I think that in the short term, working in advertising either as a freelancer, agency worker, or some sort of startup entrepreneur, is my best option.

However, in the long term, I'm just not sure how viable it would really be to continue down that path. I mean, will ad agencies as we know them even exist in 25 years? how would I save for retirement?

Lately, I've been thinking about all these "compromise options" that would let me get a job with a pension (doing a masters then phd then going in academia, getting a psych degree and becoming a counsellor, etc). But all of them would be soul crushing to one degree or another.

I'm not asking for advice.

What I'm wondering is, is it normal to cycle through these kinds of "holy fuck what am I going to do with myself" type career thoughts in your mid twenties?

All the factors I have to consider... Enjoyability, pay, security, pension...

It's like I can't NOT end up making a compromise I don't want to make SOMEWHERE.

Post: #2

I was in your exact position 3 days ago. Then I got a job offer with the military for 3 years. I had to think about it. My plan was to come back, live in Texas for a year then move to an international city. I accepted 3 years of stability in a new city (Kansas City).

26 no kids, no debt, no attachment to a city. I never really experienced adversity. Always had money coming in. Was looking forward to three years as a student. I didn't really know what I wanted to study.

Hopefully I won't regret coming back to the world/security. My advice would be always look for a position even if you probably won't take it. Network network network. Be prepared if an opportunity presents itself.

Post: #3

Andy,
How long have you been doing copy? It's generally believed that it's the highest paid thing there is online. Specially once you get a good base of clients and get good at it, then all the big projects paying 5 and 6 figures are common.

Are you open to relocating to another country? If yes, then have you thought about going to China, hustle and build something there while working on your copy writing on the side? Within 1-2 years, you can build something profitable and for the long term there. But whatever you do, copy writing is your foundation, whether you do sell your own products/services or working on projects for others.

Post: #4

(11-29-2012 05:24 PM)Vacancier Permanent Wrote:  Are you open to relocating to another country? If yes, then have you thought about going to China, hustle and build something there while working on your copy writing on the side? Within 1-2 years, you can build something profitable and for the long term there. But whatever you do, copy writing is your foundation, whether you do sell your own products/services or working on projects for others.

I'm definitely open to the idea... What kinds of things are Westerners doing in China these days?

Post: #5

It's normal.

Post: #6

Thoughts:

-Academia is a bubble. Many people who did a PhD are finding it a terrible decision, outside of hard sciences. What would you wanna do?

-Psych counselling is great but you've gotta LOVE helping people - it's gotta bring your heart alive. If it'd be "soul crushing" then naw, it's not for you man

-Freelancing is about the best safety net there is! Especially with real skill in a lucrative field like Copywriting. Check out "Antifragile" by Nassem Taleb and also Education of Millionaires for more on this..

-If I were you I'd try and get involved and do work face-to-face with startups and entrepreneurs. Move to a hub where they're at, go to co-working spaces, do copywriting for several, etc. See if you can get in on the ground floor with one that's got potential.

-Benefits and Pensions and whatnot are no more "secure" than just saving regularly. What it boils down to is "we'll do your saving for you, so you don't have to think". The actual security of a job is an illusion, especially given nothing is a career guaranteed for life any more.

-Successful people look back on their 20s as periods of experimentation and basic skill building. It almost doesnt matter what they did, just as long as they took action, got vital experiences and build basic core skills that served them in the future. Marketing, sales, networking, living abroad, people skills, professional skills, budgeting, managing your finances, cold-calling, corporate experience, business experience, particular domain expertise... whatever. It's all deposits in the bank for future. Main thing is you just do SOMETHING that appeals and go at it, and keep an eye on the skills you need to acquire to move forward in your life.

Post: #7

That is why it isn't enough to be a little ship in a big ocean.

Think of your freelancing as the first step into something more encompassing. Just quickly:

Copywriting> Offline Advertising> Video Production > TV Company > $$$

or

Copywriting > Technical Writing > Selh-Help Writing > Speaking Engagements > $$$

Stuff like that. Think of yourself as a business which will eventually expand. Eventually, you can hire other copywriters to do the job you currently do while you take over the reins of your new 'business department' which will be something your clients are also looking for. rinse and repeat.

Note: The above pathways are just off the top of my head, but it's the sort of 'branching out' I'm doing in other areas.