I am in my early thirties with 'A' Level, Journalism and Medical Transcriptionist (MT) qualifications. I spent two years working as a journalist on two major newspapers in my homeland of Trinidad and Tobago.

Recently I quit the second newspaper job because I couldn't stand the put downs, the late hours, the weekend grind and doing my own photographs when there is a photographer who SHOULD be accompanying me; the low pay, the wicked jokes, the long distances I travel to my assignments and more when I don't have a car.....

Although I dream of a writing career I find journalists to be a cruel and unstable brood that will use what is going on in your own house against you.

Previously I worked as an MT - which is very hard to do in this country - and as a librarian which was a total snooze.


In this country it is very hard to find a career you love. Jobs tend to be based on a puritanical view that you work for the money, it does not matter whether or not you love the work. I need a well paying job that will allow me the freedom to have time alone, travel time, family time and be around people who are fair.

I must admit I tend to be a bit tardy at times so a job based on time management will not suit me. I am not interested in shifts, holiday or weekend work.

Now I sell Avon - I like having my own business and think something has to give before I end up a stuck 40-year-old in my mothers house, or worse yet doing a job I absolutely HATE.

And Jesus I am sick of Trinidad and Tobago.

Reply by Peter Fisher

Thank you for your introduction and a heartfelt plea for something better. I agree it can be so hard to do something that you love for your career but most people need money as well.

You say you dream of a writing career so have you thought about aspects of writing other than journalism? There can be many ways of using your word craft skill that do not involve journalism. Have you read my section on this site about writing as a career? It could give you some new ideas about what you could do, maybe alongside your Avon business.

What About Freelance Writing?

Do you know what it takes to be a success as a freelance writer? For the most part, people who are a success and make big money as a freelance writer share 3 common traits:

1. They treat it as a business - This is not a hobby or something to play with. They have the dedication to apply their craft.

2. They write for lucrative markets - they seek out lucrative markets... find out their needs and wants and make it available.

3. They have excellent communication skills - I don't mean their skill to write. I mean their skill with customer communication. Happy customers are profitable customers.

If you've got these three traits going for you, then it should be easy for you to make a decent income as a freelance writer. Of course there are no guarantees, but many people have done just that.

Now, the big questions are...

• Where Do I Find The Lucrative Markets?

• How Do I Get Assignments?

Your answer to those questions could be right here! I've also got some links to sites that use freelance writers, so you might also take a look at this page: writing jobs to see if there is anything you could get started with.