6 ways being a veteran freelancer can work in your favour

by John Burfitt
09 January 2015

2014 was a watershed year for my career in journalism. It marked my 30th year as a journalist. It was also the first time – in 20 years as a freelancer – I’d gone for months without work. Most sobering of all, late last year marked the suicide of a former colleague who lost his job in a redundancy two years before, and despite his best efforts, was unable to land another gig. He was told, repeatedly, as a man in his late 40s, he had become one of the old guys and there was no place for him. I had those exact same words quoted to me when I applied for a job on a magazine during my own quiet patch.

The difference was, I refused to believe it when it was said to me. What it did was make me look at all the ways I could use my skills. By the end of 2014, I had emerged from the year more inspired than ever about what I had to offer. And busier. Being a journo is great, but being a busy media professional is even better. So, here are six reasons why I believe the experience of a veteran journo can place you in hot demand.

1. You have a killer contact book

When editors need someone who has all the right contacts to snare that big story, they call on the journo who knows how. It’s amazing how establishing good relationships with the young actors who were starting out at the same time I was works for you years later when they become stars in Hollywood, and say yes to every request.

2. You know how to deal with PR people

Reputation counts for plenty when you have built a long list of good relationships, rather than left a pile of bodies in your wake. PR people take your requests for interviews more seriously than a young journo who is still learning how to spell the name of that star athlete or rising politician.

3. You know the history

When you have lived a particular experience from many angles, editors consider you the go-to guy. At award season every year, my phone gets busy as editors want the journo who has previously been backstage, onstage, at the red carpet, in the winners’ room etc. many times and knows not only the history but how to find the best new angle.

4. You know your value

I have heard editors repeatedly express why they like dealing with journos of my experience is our work is clean, tight and ready to run. They do not need to spend three hours pulling it into shape. We offer a good service and that means the work has value. As a result, I am never afraid to negotiate as I know what I am worth. Good editors get that.

5. You have greater skills to offer

Ask me years ago what I did, I would say, ‘I am a journalist’. Ask me the same question today and I will reply, I am a journalist … and an editor, sub-editor, lecturer, teacher, tutor, trainer, copywriter, scriptwriter and speechwriter’. My skills have parlayed themselves into all those related fields, and the rewards have been enormous.

6. You know what you can do, and do well

Having lasted this long in the media marketplace, there is every chance that along the line you have already tested your skills in a different field, be it writing a media kit for a network or a speech for a corporate executive. So when you start exploring those areas at this point in a more concerted way, you know this time you are not bluffing it. You know you can do it, and do it well.

What’s been your experience as a veteran in the industry? We’d love to hear from you in the comments.

13 responses on "6 ways being a veteran freelancer can work in your favour"

  1. Leo Wiles says:

    Terrific read John.
    Being an analogue journo myself I can truly relate to the cons but most of all the pros.
    Thank you so much for sharing your very personal insights into what is a rewarding and challenging vocation. Leo

  2. JB says:

    Hi Leo, thanks kindly.
    At this time of the evolution of our industry, I really now believe you have to learn to evolve with it and consider the ways you can bring your mass of great talents to the table, and what rewards that brings.
    At heart, I still consider myself a journo, but challenging myself by exploring into related areas or casting a line into new fields made 2014 a really, really interesting year and one in which I learned so much. And at this point after 30 years, I want to keep learning and in the process, remain relevant in our industry.

  3. Leigh says:

    It’s always inspiring and motivating to share in your wisdom JB. Thanks for the insights on the important things to keep in mind as our careers progress. No doubt 2015 will be your best yet.

    1. jburfitt says:

      Leigh, seeing what talents like you have achieved in the past few years is where I have got so much of my inspiration from. Just know this for the future – you must continue to upskill, no matter what. Am currently in LA and last night was at a party with a room full of journos – and they are all having the same conversations we are having in Oz. I am more convinced than ever it is all about what you are doing to make your talents valuable in a changing marketplace.
      Trust you are enjoying the new turns in your career – are you editor of that mag yet???? JB

  4. Andrea says:

    Good advice from the best in the business!

    1. jburfitt says:

      Thanks Andrea. It is editors like you, who give people a chance to step beyond the boundaries they are traditionally best known for, who make all the difference in allowing journos to expand their talents and add to their skills. More of that in 2015, please!

  5. William Verity says:

    Hi John, back at Wollongong this semester?

    1. jburfitt says:

      Hey William. Hope all is going great with you.
      I plan to do more teaching this year as it continues to be a real passion of mine.
      And you? Hope to see you in the hallways between classes.

  6. Lliane Clarke says:

    Way to go John! I’m a busy media and content professional too! Sad to hear about your friend.

    1. jburfitt says:

      Thanks Lliane – great to get your reply.
      I know Content is booming at a rate of knots – trust it is all working out with you. And most of all, you are having a good time with it. JB

  7. Rachel Smith says:

    I love this too, JB. Great to have a positive spin on being an industry veteran.

    1. jburfitt says:

      Rachel, I met a great journo in LA last night who has now branched out to also working with importing fair-trade textiles.
      She said work had got so tight she could no longer just make a living as a journo. So she now combines her two passions – writing and textiles. And she said both are taking good care of her as a combined career.
      Another journo I met was telling of a conversation with a senior corporate exec who said to her, “But you had seen the warning signs for years. Why did you and your friends do nothing to prepare for the changes, and refocus your skills?”
      Interesting take on it.

  8. Louise says:

    So sad to hear that your experience (and others’) hasn’t been valued. What a loss to the industry.

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