Magela
New member
- Joined
- Feb 20, 2026
- Messages
- 4
This might sound weird, but freelance writing has been the best thing for my PhD progress.
I'm in year five of my History PhD, and let's be real: dissertations are lonely. It's just me, my primary sources, and the crushing weight of expectations. I was getting so burned out that I could barely write 100 words a day.
Then a friend suggested I try some freelance writing on the side. Nothing intense, just a few blog posts a week for a local history museum. And somehow? It woke up my brain again.
Writing for actual humans who would actually read my words reminded me why I love writing in the first place. The immediate feedback, the clear deadlines, the variety of topics—it broke me out of my academic funk. Plus, getting paid actual money for words felt amazing after years of writing for free.
Now I do a mix: academic writing for my dissertation, and freelance writing for museums, historical societies, and educational websites. They actually complement each other. The research skills from my PhD make my freelance work better, and the clarity from freelance writing makes my dissertation more readable.
If you're a grad student feeling stuck, consider dipping your toe into freelance writing. It doesn't have to be a big commitment. Just a few hours a week might remind you why you love words.
Anyone else here balancing academia and freelance writing? Would love to hear your stories!
I'm in year five of my History PhD, and let's be real: dissertations are lonely. It's just me, my primary sources, and the crushing weight of expectations. I was getting so burned out that I could barely write 100 words a day.
Then a friend suggested I try some freelance writing on the side. Nothing intense, just a few blog posts a week for a local history museum. And somehow? It woke up my brain again.
Writing for actual humans who would actually read my words reminded me why I love writing in the first place. The immediate feedback, the clear deadlines, the variety of topics—it broke me out of my academic funk. Plus, getting paid actual money for words felt amazing after years of writing for free.
Now I do a mix: academic writing for my dissertation, and freelance writing for museums, historical societies, and educational websites. They actually complement each other. The research skills from my PhD make my freelance work better, and the clarity from freelance writing makes my dissertation more readable.
If you're a grad student feeling stuck, consider dipping your toe into freelance writing. It doesn't have to be a big commitment. Just a few hours a week might remind you why you love words.
Anyone else here balancing academia and freelance writing? Would love to hear your stories!