Being a Full-time Copywriter vs Freelance Copywriter

If you're a copywriter, or planning to become one, you've likely wrestled with the biggest career decision: Should I be a full-time employee, or should I go freelance?

As someone who has worked successfully in both full-time roles and as a full-time freelancer, I'm sharing the fundamental differences, along with the pros and cons of each path, to help you determine which option best suits your current goals.

Working Full-Time as a Copywriter

Working full-time as a copywriter follows the structure of any conventional employment role.

What It Means:

• Employee Status: You are formally tied to a company as an employee with an employer.

• Structured Compensation & Benefits: Your salary is paid consistently (usually monthly) by your employer. You are entitled to standard company benefits, including paid leave, sick leave, healthcare, retirement contributions (like EPF/SOCSO in Malaysia or 401k/health insurance in other regions), and other perks.

• Fixed Working Arrangement: You adhere to the company's required working setup—whether that's 100% on-site, a hybrid schedule, or fully remote.

• Task Assignment: Your assignments are typically given to you by your manager or boss. You may not always have a choice regarding the clients, projects, or brands you work on.

The Trade-Off: Stability for Flexibility

The key advantage here is stability and security. You have a reliable income and guaranteed benefits, but you sacrifice the ability to choose your working hours and clients.

Working as a Freelance Copywriter

Working as a freelance copywriter fundamentally changes your relationship with the companies you work for.

What It Means:

• Independent Contractor Status: You are not an employee of any company. You operate as an independent contractor, essentially running your own business.

• Client Selection & Autonomy: You have the power to choose which clients, brands, or companies you work with—whether they are small startups or major corporations.

• Flexible Work Arrangement: You decide where and when you work. This offers maximum flexibility, which is often cited as the top reason copywriters choose this route.

• Part-Time vs. Full-Time Freelancing:

  • Some copywriters do this part-time to supplement their income while keeping their 9-to-5 job (sometimes even in a related field like digital marketing, or a totally different industry).

  • Many, however, transition to full-time freelance copywriting, meaning they have completely left their 9-to-5 job and rely solely on client work.

The Trade-Off: Flexibility for Responsibility

The major advantage is freedom and high earning potential, but this comes with the responsibility of securing your own benefits, managing taxes, finding clients, and handling all administrative tasks.

🤔 Which Path is Best for You?

The "best" choice is entirely dependent on your current situation, personality, and career goals. There is no one-size-fits-all formula.

Consider Your Experience Level

• If you are new to copywriting: Starting with freelance work can be an excellent way to gather experience and quickly build a diverse portfolio before applying for a full-time role. This is exactly what I did early on!

• If you crave stability: A full-time role offers a secure income and the benefits of a company structure.

• If you need maximum flexibility: Freelancing is the clear winner. For example, my circumstances changed later in my career, and I needed a much more flexible work arrangement, which led me to quit my 9-to-5 and pursue full-time freelance copywriting.

The Key Takeaway

Remember, you are not locked into one path forever. You have the freedom to switch between working full-time and freelancing as a copywriter based on what best serves your life and career goals at any given time.

Do you want a deeper dive into the steps needed to transition from a full-time copywriter to a successful full-time freelancer?