4 Different Decades of the Verb “To Freelance”

Since I first started writing for hire in the late 1980s, I’ve seen almost constant change in the perceptions of self-employment. Today I’m taking a look back at how the word “freelance” has evolved—as well as what remains constant—through the admittedly biased lens of my own memories.

1980s: “A Dirty Word”

My original business cards proclaimed me to be a “freelance writer.” When I proudly handed one to a seemingly wise expert, she told me not to include that evil word on a business card, ever again; “You’ll never make any money if you call yourself a freelancer.” 

I dutifully removed the word from my next round of cards—an example of how willingly I lapped up advice in those early days. And, for better or worse, I’ve never used it since. 

If that seemingly wise woman was as memorable as this piece of advice, I’d track her down and tell her that business cards themselves are almost extinct—along with printed letters and SASEs and resumés. I’d also pass along the lesson I’ve since learned: the only words that really matter lie within the stories themselves. 

1990s: “Everyone Should”

As the corporate security blanket developed more holes than a shroud adjuster, a school of thought developed: former employees could find their joy as freelancers! (We were still distrusted as a species, at least outside of journalism.) I thought it was a great plan, until one laid-off friend told me that she LIKED and NEEDED the structure of going into an office every day. Lesson: What’s best for me doesn’t necessarily work for everyone else. 

2000s: “Content Creator”

The milennium brought on an onslaught of new and exciting tools. Even after I ditched first the dedicated fax and then the primary phone line, I held onto acres of phone cable—because it seemed impossible that this key member of my business team wouldn’t ever be needed again. It was around this time that I first heard the term “content creator,” and realized it fit my skills perfectly.

2010s: “ISO Health Insurance”

In 2012, I signed on as an employee—mostly to cover what had ballooned into my largest single-line business expense. It was only after returning to freelancing in 2015 that I truly appreciated the best rewards of those years: working with other marine industry freelancers, and learning about specialties beyond sailing. Biggest lesson: how to write on a weekly schedule—the very discipline needed for this blog.

2020s: “Most Nimble”

Even before Work From Home became WFH, companies began to appreciate freelancers; we only expect to be paid after we complete a job, and we can quickly adapt as needs change. These days, we’re accepted as valued members of the work force—at least within the marine industry. 

(Just in case you’re wondering, I did finally part with all that phone cable.)

What Remains the Same

Over four decades, even as the word “freelance” has morphed and shifted, several writerly “truths” remain exactly the same. First, we all need a way to fill and then refill the idea well. Second, we must deliver clean copy, on time, about a relevant and relatable topic. 

Last but certainly not least, freelance writers like me would not have the jobs we love without an audience. As one long-time consumer of my words told me recently; “As long as you keep writing, I’ll keep reading.” So whether you prefer this blog, my magazine stories, or my books, Thank YOU for following me on this incredible word journey!  

Got a memory from the past four decades that highlights how much the world has changed? Share it in the comments below, or send me an email. And even if you don’t have anything to add, I’m so grateful you’re here.

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