Featured Freelance Writers — Rachel Lewis Curry

One of the main reasons I started No Hustle Freelancer is to create a community. I am excited to start a Featured Freelance Writer series. :) Today, I want to introduce you to Rachel, a freelance writer and journalist specializing in finance and investing. Rachel talks about how freelance writing allows her to navigate a chronic health issue and a successful career. We touch on many other topics. There is so much to learn from Rachel’s journey. I hope you enjoy this conversation just as much as I did.

Tell us about yourself. What kind of freelance writing do you do/what's your niche?

Rachel Lewis Curry: I'm a content writer and journalist specializing in finance and investing.

Where do you write? On your couch? A nice home office? Cafes? Coworking spaces?

A mix of a nice home office and a local non-profit co-working space in York, Pennsylvania

When and why did you decide to start freelancing? How long have you been freelancing?

I quit my Vermont-based staff writing job in 2018 to go on a long-term backpacking trip across Southeast Asia. I started freelancing during that time to keep my travels going and ended up sticking with it for the long haul--even as I adopted, trained, and eventually took home two Thai street dogs.

How did you find your first clients? How do you find your clients now?

I started on Fiverr for low pay but it helped me get to where I am today. Now, most of my clients are inbound due to my presence on LinkedIn as well as numerous bylines in my industry.

What is your favorite thing about freelancing? Anything you don't like?

I have PMDD and the flexibility of self-employment is an absolute must. It can be difficult to be a full-on business owner at times and I've taken measures to keep myself sane. However, I think I'm really finding a balance these days. One thing I take credence in is keeping my work email and notifications OFF of my phone, and having a separate browser for all things work so I can easily avoid it on off days.

What is the most valuable lesson you've learned so far?

There will always be more work. Enjoy the moment.

Let's keep it real, there is always something to work on. Is there anything you are currently struggling with or working to improve on as a freelance writer?

I would love to streamline the contract and invoicing process, or completely outsource it because it's really not my thing. And to be honest, I could do with less Zoom calls but I'm a 'yes' person at times.

A lot of freelance writers choose this path because of chronic illness, chronic pain, mental health issues, or a disability. If you are dealing with any of the following, can you tell us about it a bit and how do you navigate freelance writing and physical and/or mental health challenges. 

Yes, I have PMDD. April is pre-menstrual disorder awareness month and PMDD is a chronic disability under the ADA. Personally, my symptoms range from extreme fatigue to extreme depression and sometimes suicidality. It is very similar to bipolar disorder and is often misdiagnosed as such. As a freelance writing business owner, I feel empowered to find solutions that work for me and take the time I need to get by at certain times of the month.

What advice would you give freelance writers that are just starting out?

Don't be afraid to learn about topics or niches that seem intimidating. I did not start researching finance and investing until I was already a freelancer, to help manage fluctuating income months, but now I am highly knowledgeable about the topics and a client go-to for anything in the industry!

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I would be happy to expand on these topics in an interview if you wish to feature me. You can use any picture from my specified social media. I tried to upload a couple but it had trouble with the file sizes.

Where can we find you? Feel free to share your website, portfolio, Linkedin, other social media.

www.writingsofrachel.com

linkedin.com/in/rachelcurry95

twitter.com/writingsofrach

tiktok.com/@impactcafe

Are you interested in creating a sustainable freelance writing business without the hustle? Check out my freelance writing course with a step-by-step process of exactly what you need.