Freelancing thoughts

I’ve recently explored the concept of freelance journalism. Before then, I didn’t know much about it. What I learned is that it is a form of entrepreneurship. Essentially, the writer is working for himself or herself. While speaking with UNH alum Eliza Mackintosh, who now free-lances in London, she tells me “it could be the best job ever or come crashing down.” After a yearlong contract with the Washington Post ended, Mackintosh is set on staying in London, so this month she is attempting to freelance for the first time. I wonder how long this has been an option for journalists. No longer tied down to newsrooms, there is more freedom than ever. Though there is a definite risk in pitching stories to a publication, the opportunity to write for many different organizations is inspiring. Mackintosh told me that while at UNH, her goal was to always to work at Rolling Stone magazine. “You can’t really be a writer for one magazine anymore, it’s all freelance work.” It gave me something to think about, as I’ll be looking for full time work after graduation in May.