With six years experience in media, Yahoo7 senior entertainment producer and WHO online producer Jody Phan is making the brave move to go freelance. As well as being available for gigs with brands and publishing titles, the journalist will also be focusing on her lifestyle blog Girl Next Page.
To find out more about the move, BEAUTYDIRECTORY chats to Phan about going freelance, working on her blog, and the trend of journalists switching things up to go freelance.
Why did you decide to go freelance?
I’d realised the regularity of my work had led to a lack of passion and something needed to change. Around the same time, a dear friend came to me with a freelance project in digital marketing for her jewellery label and I didn’t want to pass up such an incredible opportunity all because I was tied to a full-time job. That started the ball rolling on my desire to make my freelancing daydream a reality.
What are the main appeals of going freelance?
The main thing that attracts me to freelancing is the fact I can control the type of work that I do and the brands and titles I work for. It’s also about being able to put my name to work that I know I’m genuinely passionate about.
Does going freelance mean you will be able to focus more on your blog?
Yes! My passion for writing lies in beauty and travel, and my blog is a space where I can share all my obsessions from skincare products to Sydney’s best burger joints or a holiday to Vietnam. I’ve always found it difficult to regularly update my blog while working full-time, so freelancing will allow me time to give more attention to my online “home". It was definitely a big part of my decision to freelance!
Is it hard to juggle blogging while working full-time?
I think anyone who has a blog would be able to relate to the struggle to find time to dedicate to sourcing and producing amazing content that they feel proud to present to their readers. My job was also not a regular 9-5; working irregular hours made it a challenge to switch from work mode to blog mode.
We've seen a lot of media opt to become freelancers recently. Why do you think we are seeing this trend happen?
The media industry is so vast and varied that I think it’d be a shame not to explore all your options and see what you’re capable of. Freelancing gives you the flexibility to work across different types of media, whether it be print or digital.
What will you be looking to do in a freelance capacity?
I’m hoping to extend my passion for beauty, lifestyle and travel and work with a range of brands and titles on creating engaging content. Whether it be editorial or writing press releases, I’m happy to explore different areas of writing as long as it pertains to those three areas.
