ANT Forum

Hey everyone, I’ve been curious about something that doesn’t get talked about enough. What’s the career path like for someone who writes essays professionally? I mean, is this a legitimate long-term career or more of a gig you do while figuring out life? I’ve read a bit about freelance writing, some people even work for websites like EssayPay, but I wonder if there’s room to grow, make a steady income, or eventually move into something bigger like publishing, academia, or consulting. Anyone here actually tried it? How did it go in terms of skill-building, stability, and respect from peers?      

I’ve been in the essay writing world for about 7 years, mostly freelancing for students online, including platforms like https://essaywritersrank.com/reviews/essaypay/. Honestly, it’s a strange mix of freedom and unpredictability. At first, I treated it as a side hustle, taking small gigs just to pay rent in New York, but over time I realized you could turn it into something bigger. I’ve developed skills that textbooks never teach: tight deadlines, persuasive argumentation, niche research. Some writers even move into content strategy, tutoring, or ghostwriting books. Personally, I’ve had moments where clients asked me to “write a book for me” or “do my assignment” entirely from scratch. You learn to market yourself, negotiate rates, and honestly, your reputation online matters as much as your writing. The grind can feel endless—weeks of 2 a.m. essays—but if you’re strategic, it’s a legit path. The tricky part is explaining this career to friends; most still think you’re “just writing papers,” but the skills translate to editing, publishing, and even launching your own consultancy. So yes, it’s chaotic, sometimes undervalued, but for me, it’s been a masterclass in writing, client management, and survival.