That's when I finally became a full time writer.

All I can say is that it took me 18 years to do it, but it was worth the wait. But is it all I thought it would be?

It's different, I must admit, but it's all the more exciting for that. I think the fact that I had to wait for so long to achieve my dream made it so much sweeter when I finally got there. My days still start early - partly through choice and partly because that's the only way I can get all my work done - but they are much more pleasant now.

I roll out of bed at 7am, put my dressing gown and slippers on, switch my computer on, go and make some tea and I'm at my computer by 7.10am. After a quick check of my emails to answer anything urgent (okay, and a quick check on my latest published hub, to see how it's doing!), I start work.

I've found the biggest strength in being a freelance writer is in being organised. You have to be constantly organised. You can have a well thought out plan of action for the next day that has to be rearranged halfway through because something more urgent has come in. Constantly juggling deadlines can be hard at times but it keeps me on my toes, and if I'm honest I think I actually work better to a tight deadline. It keeps me focused.

Some people who work from home find they are distracted by other things and they don't work as hard as they should. I'm the opposite - but maybe that's because I am busy enough that I know I'll lose clients if I don't keep on top of things.

I am now eight months into my full time writing career, so I am gradually learning how to balance my writing life with my personal life. Time gets sucked away from you when you're furiously typing eighty odd articles on conservatories over the course of three weeks (yes, that was an actual job), and even with the best intentions of having an evening off you can glance at the clock to find it's 10pm and the evening is all but gone.

But hey, this is supposed to be about the benefits of being a full time writer, so here they are:

1 - Being able to set your own hours. Priceless.

2 - Being able to choose what jobs you want to apply for and accept. Also priceless.

3 - Flexibility. If something comes up you can generally work your hours around it.

4 - Learning about new subjects and increasing your expertise and skills as a result.

There are plenty more and I will add more as and when they come to mind. But those are definitely the main four. It's a great feeling not to have to work for anyone else any more. If you get an awkward client you can always fire them!

If you are a writer, full time or otherwise, share your experiences by leaving a comment below. And check out my page on Squidoo, as it is packed with more advice and information about writing for a living, especially online.

Good luck!

This hub was written by Allison Whitehead, a full time freelance writer living in the UK. She works for a wide variety of clients all over the world.  You can visit her website at www.allisonwhitehead.co.uk.