Why freelance writers and remote workers make more money during a downturn

A downturn in the economy is a great time to be a freelance writer.

Here’s some proof.

Email From Jason Calacanis: How To Handle Layoffs reports:

“When we ‘peeled back the onion’ of our editorial spending, it became very clear that our most efficient work force was not the group of editors we had in our office, nor the remote workers we have in Manila (doing data entry type work), but rather the $10-12 an hour ‘remote guides’ we have working from home. These editors cost us, all in, less than half of the folks in our office due to things like overhead, benefits, lunch, and equipment. The workers in Manila are half the cost of our ‘remote guides,’ but they are 1/2 to 1/4 as effective (depending on the task).”

(The emphasis in the quote is mine.)

Ten to 12 bucks an hour is paltry pay for a freelance writer, but I’m guessing that these writers are new writers, and not experienced pros.

So bear it in mind — when people get laid off, freelancers pick up more work. Just make sure that you’re not getting a base rate when you’re worth more.

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