The Difference Between Remote and Freelance Writing Opportunities

For years, I spent countless hours searching for the best work-from-home writing jobs, focusing strictly on full-time, remote employment positions because I was most familiar with this work structure. Like most people, I was afraid to explore the unknown — freelance writing opportunities.

I have since discovered that as long as you keep an open mind and consider both remote and freelance opportunities, you’ll find a lot of fitting and fulfilling positions right at your fingertips. But what sets a freelance job apart from a remote position?

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What’s the Difference Between Remote and Freelance Writing Opportunities?

Working from home is a luxury many people want but few obtain. However, more companies are offering this form of employment, resulting in a more desirable work-life balance.

Before applying for and accepting a new work-from-home job, you need to understand what you’re getting into, as remote and freelance work are not the same. Here are the main differences between the two.

Employment Type

The amount of workplace freedom you have differs when you’re a freelance writer vs. a remote employee.

Freelance Writer

Freelance writers are self-employed, which means they choose their work, create their own hours, and work from any location. While this work type gives individuals entrepreneurial freedoms, there are some downfalls to consider with freelance writing opportunities.

Because freelancers are typically paid by assignment, they need to ensure they have plenty of projects on the horizon. Otherwise, they may struggle to pay bills or meet other monetary commitments. To keep a steady income, freelancers should actively search for more jobs, even as they’re working on projects. It’s in a freelance writer’s best interest to excel at money management, as they’ll need to set cash aside to pay for taxes and insurance.

Remote Worker

Alternatively, a remote worker is generally employed by a company. The workday is similar to a traditional office job minus the in-office setting since employees can complete their work anywhere. Unlike jobs that provide freelance writing opportunities, some companies with remote workers prefer that their employees reside in a specific location. Remote workers usually have set hours and an hourly wage, which means less flexibility overall.

If remote workers are full-time employees, they may also reap benefits from the company, such as health coverage, paid vacation days, and bonuses. They don’t have to worry about paying taxes, as these expenses are automatically taken out of their paychecks.

Additionally, most companies prefer to stay in touch with their employees daily or weekly. As opposed to those who have chosen freelance writing opportunities, remote workers may need to regularly participate in virtual or phone meetings to meet this communication requirement.

Work Guidelines

Both remote and freelance jobs have their own pros and cons when it comes to navigating work guidelines.

Freelance Writer

Freelance writers can accept or refuse any project for any reason. However, if they choose to reject work from regular clients without providing a good explanation, they may lose customers.

Once writers finish their freelance writing opportunities, the contracts are complete, which means they will need to find another project. This option works well for people who have the initiative and desire to look for work continuously. However, it can be challenging for someone who finds this constant search disheartening or stressful.

If writers struggle to find jobs on their own but love freelance writing, they might consider contracting with content creation sites such as BKA Content. These sites allow writers to choose from various topics and prompts to create specific content for clients. Because clients often have large orders, writers can find more freelance writing opportunities directly from the site.

Remote Worker

On the other hand, a remote worker receives tasks directly from an employer. The company generally provides them with guidelines about each project they must follow, and once one assignment is complete, the employer is responsible for supplying the next. Many prefer this employment type because they don’t have to struggle to find work, which means they can expect a timely, consistent paycheck.

Assignment Diversity

Depending on where you work, your assignments may become monotonous. On the other hand, they may be so varied that you never become a specialist in what you do.

Freelance Writer

By taking advantage of freelance writing opportunities, writers can create content on nearly any topic, which may help keep them excited and enthusiastic about every article. They often take on several assignments at once, ranging from blogs to copywriting tasks and everything in between.

Remote Worker

Remote writers are typically expected to follow their employers’ guidelines and are limited to writing company-driven assignments. For example, if the company specializes in home improvement, remote writers may be restricted to a specific subject range. Fortunately, these employees may be able to discuss possible topics with the employer to broaden their writing spectrum.

Which Is Better: Remote Work Prospects or Freelance Writing Opportunities?

If you don’t know whether you should pursue freelance work or a remote position, weigh the pros and cons to ensure you make the best choice. Consider which option fits your lifestyle. Remote work might be the answer if you want consistent employment and a weekly schedule. However, if you’d rather manage your work schedule and pick up assignments at leisure, write for BKA Content or seek another freelance opportunity.

If you’d like to share another distinction between remote and freelance writing opportunities, please leave us a comment below.