There comes a time in every freelancer's career when the need for stepping back and doing some re-evaluation is in order. This is challenging because there's comfort zones to consider, as well as limitations writers tend to place on themselves. There's nothing wrong with getting into comfort zones, nor is there anything wrong with placing realistic expectations.

However, if these comfort zones and limitations are causing problems, then it is necessary to examine what is being worked on, how long it's taking to complete assignments, what obstacles are in the way, and what the income is in the end. For example, if a job that pays $10.00 for a 500 word blog post sounds good in the ad and the job is secured . . . only to later discover it takes three hours to research and write the piece, then it is time to rethink what it is that you're doing.

This is less of an issue for hobby writers. Hobby writers are those who enjoy writing for themselves, and income is not part of the equation. This is not the case for freelance writers, though. Freelancers have to think of the whole picture:

• The work secured
• How long it takes to complete assignments
• The pay once the assignment is completed
• How long it takes to secure more work

It's tough to step back and think, "this isn't working, I have to come up with another plan," when the fear of not finding more work is present. This is a very real scenario freelancers face on a daily basis. Not because his or her work is poor quality, but because every writer is not qualified to work every decent writing job that's out there. (Nor does every writer have the interest to cover every topic that's out there.) So, finding where the right fit is weighs heavily on this challenge as well.

The bottom line is to be honest with yourself about the choices you are making in regard to your freelance writing career. If you are content with what you are doing and where you are at in your career, then there is no need to restructure your plan. However, if you are unhappy with the way things are going . . . take a step back and don't let fear get in the way.