When people get excited about a new career, they often want to jump in with both feet. However, there are big benefits to starting that new career while you’re in your old one. Here’s how to do it right…
Today’s question comes from Simon G., who asks, “I think, financially, I need to stay in my current job as I get started in copywriting. Is that possible? And, if so, what’s the best way to do it?”
I can certainly appreciate the excitement of going all in…but I’m definitely not a “jump and build a net on the way down” kind of person. It makes a lot of sense to build up your copywriting career while your full-time job is still something else.
When you have a full-time job to rely on, you can take things at your own pace. The financial security is great on its own, of course, but it also means that you don’t panic when you get a “no” as you’re prospecting. (And you’ll get a lot of nos—it’s just how it works.)
So, how do you do it? Well, once you’ve learned the fundamentals of how to write copy, you’ll want to start prospecting for small business clients. Once you have some samples in your portfolio from your small biz clients, you can move on to solopreneurs.
The great thing about starting out with these groups is that their hours tend to be more flexible—just the way you’ll need them to be. They won’t mind having meetings or taking phone calls on nights and weekends.
You’ll also need to be sure to set aside some time on your nights and weekends for prospecting to get you those clients. The only downside about transitioning to a new career while you’re working at an old one is that you’ll have to put in some extra hours. If you plan ahead for it and just know you’ll be available for fewer happy hours or brunches, it won’t sting so much.
Be prepared, too, to make or take some calls over your lunch hour at work. You probably can’t do this at your desk, so map out your strategy. Is there a small conference room or nook you can duck into in the office? Can you make calls from your car? Or is there even a hallway in the building next door that will be quiet at noon?
Above all, remember that while you’re at your day job, that day job needs to be your priority. No boss is going to have much patience for an employee who’s sacrificing their work for their next venture, no matter how exciting that venture may be. Professionalism in your current job is just good karma (not to mention good for references!) in your next one.
Your turn! Are you getting into copywriting while working a full-time job? What has your experience been like? Let us know in the comments below!
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Mark says
March 14, 2016 at 3:11 pmLooking for a new career. I’m at an age where in this country people are talking about retirement. Well I am not ready to retire. So a 2nd. career is what I’m looking for. And to be honest I hate taking orders from others. And tired of punching the clock. How do I know if copywriting is right move for me. I don’t have a lot if money for an expensive course. Thanks. Nicki.
Nicki Krawczyk says
March 18, 2016 at 3:50 pmHi Mark,
The good news is that copywriting is an entirely merit-based career—no one cares how old you are, what you look like, etc. as long as you write great copy. That said, though, transitioning into a new career—any career—is never easy. You’ll need to learn how to write copy, then also learn how to find clients and build your portfolio. That can be hard to do on your own (though not impossible). Remember, too, that you’ll still be “taking orders” from your clients, though they won’t generally sound like orders. 🙂 If you haven’t yet, I’d recommend you sign up for our newsletter to get our free ebook, “How to Know if Copywriting is Right for You” and also take a look through our articles; we have 200+ on the site and they’re all packed with useful and actionable information.
Thanks for commenting!
Nicki
Ross A. Schweitzer says
March 14, 2016 at 10:05 pmI am working full-time w/ lots of overtime (50-70 hrs a week). I am married w/ a family & working to achieve a copywriting career. I’m being patient even though i want out a lot sooner. I believe it can be done, you just need lots of discipline if it’s what you really want. Thanks Nicki for all you do!
Nicki Krawczyk says
March 18, 2016 at 2:31 pmHi Ross,
Yes – both patience and effort are key. Transitioning to any new career is never going to be quick! That said, though, it’s completely possible to break into copywriting and be successful at it. People do it every day. Stick with it! 🙂
Thanks for commenting!
Nicki
Tanya E. says
March 15, 2016 at 12:31 amI am currently working full-time as a welfare caseworker. While my son was growing up the regular paycheck and flexible time off was exactly what I needed. Now that my son is grown and out of the house my priorities have changed. I have been taking steps to move into copywriting as career. My plan is exactly what your article outlined. I hope to be able to quit my current position in one and a half to two years but I don’t know if that is too long or not long enough. Time will tell.
I live in a town where small business owners struggle to survive. Pervasive poverty, drugs and crime tend to keep the area depressed, but this doesn’t stop a few optimists from hanging out a sign and selling their wares. I have started offering my services for free to these owners in an attempt to build a portfolio. It has been slow going but I think it has promise.
Thank you for your inspiring articles.
Nicki Krawczyk says
March 18, 2016 at 2:30 pmHi Tanya,
Good for you for getting out there. You may find, though, that you don’t have to offer your services for free—many small businesses will find value in your services even if you’re relatively new to copywriting. And if they find value it it, there’s no reason they shouldn’t pay for it. You might find this article helpful: https://filthyrichwriter.com/copywriting-qa-cardinal-sin-new-copywriters/ That said, though, it’s your business and your career, so go with your gut. 🙂
Thanks for commenting!
Nicki