An economic slowdown is upon us and while everyone is complaining of the dearth of opportunities can we writers be far behind? Not really, I’m sure.
In reality opportunities for writing abound even in this seemingly dismal scenario. Here’s a quick look at how and where you could find opportunities to write during a recession.
- Recession itself has thrown up so many issues that writers have a lot more to write about. Job losses, financial planning, cost of living, real estate, consumer goods and home loans – the economic slowdown is impacting every sector of the economy. As such the event in itself together with its various facets provides plenty of writing opportunities. For instance if finance is your forte then penning a column for your local newspaper on investing in these bleak times isn’t too farfetched. If you write human interest articles, then a piece on people who have been laid off and how they are coping may be good. If you are an avid marketer then share tips on how to get hired and sell your skills in a recession. The opportunities are endless!
- Professional networks like Chillibreeze are useful in looking for opportunities too. Write Match is an excellent resource for writers looking for work to bid for projects. Write Job and similar job boards for writers can help you find out about companies that are still hiring full-timers. Besides networking with your peers lets you see what they are doing to tide over these difficult times. Recently I came across the story of one writer who said recession made her realize that she was better of working for herself. She had since set up her own home based writing service. A role model for writers wanting to strike out on their own I guess.
- In troubled times people look for help, advice and support, not necessarily in that order. What recession has done is that it has opened up avenues for books and articles on career reinvention, self-help, relationships, financial advice and what not. So all you writers out there who have advice to offer or experiences to share, get ready to pen your thoughts individually or collaborate with others to join the bandwagon of self-help gurus.
- Environmental concerns and energy conservation have become a major cause for concern. Global warming, alternative energy resources and related issues are interesting topics to write on. You could write a book or a series of articles on “green” living, recycling and reuse and contribute towards a better way of life for the entire planet.
- As business dips and cash counters across malls and stores ring a little less than usual, you could try writing reviews for stores and restaurants. Begin by offering such a service to stores and malls in your neighborhood and before you know it opportunities across the city will come knocking.
- With more and more people spending time online, web content development is now becoming a lucrative area in writing. If you can’t do it all by yourself join hands with some writers in your network to set up a consultancy service in the field.
- A spate of terror attacks, vandalism and regional politics has made public safety the cynosure of all eyes. Writing to help people live and travel safely is the need of the hour and is a niche that’s just waiting to be targeted.
- Entrepreneurs are the heroes of difficult times and chronicling their stories can help inspire many more people to turn in to job creators rather than job seekers, especially now when jobs are becoming scarce.
A recent event in your life, health tips, relaxation techniques, consultancy or book ideas that have been on the back burner for a while, there’s no lack of opportunities for those of us who want to write. So recession or no recession, a creative approach and optimism is sure to see us writers tide over tough times with élan.
- Mariam Noronha
Please Note: Chillibreeze does not endorse techniques or views mentioned in the articles here. The articles listed here are provided as reference material for writers as a support service.
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