Jess Focht is a writer and content strategist with 6+ years of experience in media, publishing, and brand storytelling. She has contributed to Insider, Grammarly, and The Creative Independent.
1 min read • Originally published November 4, 2022 / Updated March 19, 2026
Jess Focht is a writer and content strategist with 6+ years of experience in media, publishing, and brand storytelling. She has contributed to Insider, Grammarly, and The Creative Independent.
1 min read • Originally published November 4, 2022 / Updated March 19, 2026
New month, new Mediabistro roles.
Mediabistro is the #1 job board, community, and career destination for media and content professionals. Once a week, we’ll be updating this list with different types of creative jobs featured. Take a look below:
Jess Focht is a writer and content strategist with 6+ years of experience in media, publishing, and brand storytelling. She has contributed to Insider, Grammarly, and The Creative Independent.
2 min read • Originally published November 10, 2022 / Updated March 19, 2026
Jess Focht is a writer and content strategist with 6+ years of experience in media, publishing, and brand storytelling. She has contributed to Insider, Grammarly, and The Creative Independent.
2 min read • Originally published November 10, 2022 / Updated March 19, 2026
Recession: a word most American workers don’t like to hear. However, the topic of a recession has been covered in recent months, leaving many confused about the state of the U.S. economy. Many C.E.O.s and corporate leaders have taken note of this recently—and 98% of them are preparing for a recession in the next 12 to 18 months. At the same time, the U.S. economy gained 261,000 jobs in October which Jane Oates, president of WorkingNation called an ‘’even keel.”
As companies and employees grow wary of a recession, here’s what freelancers need to know about what it could mean for them.
A recession may create more opportunities for freelancers
Although the word “recession” usually triggers a state of panic, it’s not always an entirely bad thing for freelancers. In fact, it’s common that a recession can create more jobs for freelancers. As full-time positions are cut at companies, the work that full-time employees were doing may end up in the hands of freelancers and those in contract roles.
According to a recent survey in Fiverr, 85% of business owners say they plan to freeze hiring because of rising operating costs, inflation, and a potential recession, and 43% say they plan to hire freelancers. So while the work may be less stable due to the current status of companies, there will be more of it.
A recession may lead to an overall loss of income for freelancers
While more opportunities may open for freelancers, rates may be harder to negotiate due to companies cutting their overall spending. To prevent an overall loss of income, freelancers can still make sure they’re negotiating a fair rate, diversifying income sources, and taking deposits for larger projects.
A recession may start a freelance revolution
We’re in a historic time right now, and not only because the COVID-19 pandemic changed the working world forever, but also because a looming recession has a chance of speeding up a freelance revolution—meaning more full-time workers could choose to be freelancers in the face of layoffs or job instability.
“The more the organization, or the more the ecosystem for working independently is embraced, the more the freelancers will evolve,” said Omayma Rashwan, co-founder of tod-Z, a talent on-demand marketplace.
While the next several months feel uncertain, it’s important to note that a changing economy comes with a perk that one may not have previously considered: more opportunities. If you haven’t thought about freelancing yet, now could be the time to start working for yourself.
Jess Focht is a writer and content strategist with 6+ years of experience in media, publishing, and brand storytelling. She has contributed to Insider, Grammarly, and The Creative Independent.
1 min read • Originally published November 10, 2022 / Updated March 19, 2026
Jess Focht is a writer and content strategist with 6+ years of experience in media, publishing, and brand storytelling. She has contributed to Insider, Grammarly, and The Creative Independent.
1 min read • Originally published November 10, 2022 / Updated March 19, 2026
New month, new Mediabistro roles.
Mediabistro is the #1 job board, community, and career destination for media and content professionals. Once a week, we’ll be updating this list with different types of creative jobs featured. Take a look below:
Frankie Wallace is a freelance content writer covering technology, sustainability, and business trends, with a background in journalism from the University of Montana.
4 min read • Originally published November 16, 2022 / Updated March 19, 2026
Frankie Wallace is a freelance content writer covering technology, sustainability, and business trends, with a background in journalism from the University of Montana.
4 min read • Originally published November 16, 2022 / Updated March 19, 2026
As someone in the creative industry, you know the importance of self-discipline and mental well-being. That’s especially true if you work independently. There are so many benefits to being an independent contractor, especially when you get to let your creativity shine. However, there are plenty of things that can put a damper on your mental state. Not only do those things impact the quality of your work, but they can have a negative effect on your personal life, too. With the holidays just around the corner, the struggles of seasonal depression and changing routines can take a toll on your mental health. Now is the time to focus on what you can do to mitigate and manage those holiday challenges.
With that in mind, let’s cover a few tips you can use to maintain your mental health this winter, so you can manage a heavier workload, avoid burnout, and reduce the negative impact of issues like seasonal depression.
1. Refresh Your Best Practices
If you’ve been working in the creative space for a while, either as a contractor or for a company, you already know the importance of keeping things in place that allow you to stay productive while maintaining your mental health.
During the holidays, it’s easy to forgo some of those practices. Routines get disrupted and the days can often feel shorter as it gets darker earlier. If you start to notice that your habits are slipping and it’s causing you to feel unmotivated, stressed, or even depressed, take the time to refresh your best practices and determine the things that help you feel your best. That could include things like:
Maintaining a daily routine;
Staying physically active;
Keeping up your social life;
Focusing on one project at a time;
Taking frequent breaks.
Some of the simplest self-care habits can make a big difference in how you feel. Things like exercising, eating a healthy diet, and spending time outside can improve your mood, boost your energy levels, and make it easier to enjoy the season rather than drudging through it. If you struggle with seasonal depression or you just tend to feel “down” this time of year, keeping a solid routine and practicing self-care won’t just help you with your work life but will also make you stronger and healthier, overall.
2. Declutter Your Space
Many people wait until the new year to give themselves a “fresh start.” However, you can get a head start on that now and alleviate some stress from your holiday season by cleaning and organizing your work area.
It’s essential to stay mentally healthy and have a sense of clarity as you work throughout the holiday season. Having a decluttered office space can make a big difference. Not only will it lead to fewer distractions, but it will also reduce the risk of human error as you get your work done.
You’re less likely to feel overwhelmed and bogged down, and you can feel good about entering the new year knowing you already have a decluttered workspace that allows you to be safe and productive. Organizing your space the way you want can also help to boost creativity and inspire you to come up with new ideas.
3. Set Boundaries
The holidays are arguably the busiest time of year for many people. Your clients might be asking more of you as they’re rolling out holiday specials or “end of the year” promotions. You might feel pressured to create more content so you can get a head start on the new year. On top of that, you have to deal with the stress from your personal life, whether it’s buying presents, attending parties and events, or preparing your home for the season.
Pause and take a deep breath.
Keep in mind that even remote workers have to set boundaries when it comes to how much they take on. When it comes to your work schedule, you can implement those boundaries by:
Switching “off” at the end of the day and not doing work outside of your normal hours;
Having a dedicated workspace at home;
Maintaining consistent work hours;
Turning off notifications when you’re done for the day.
It’s just as important to set boundaries in your personal life, especially during this season. Working from home doesn’t mean you should allow others unrestricted access to your time. You don’t have to accept every party invitation or offer to make your famous casserole for the next family get-together. Learning how to say “no” can be a huge asset to your mental health. Focus on a few things you want to do over the season, and let yourself decline the things that will wear down your energy and leave you feeling overwhelmed.
The holiday season should be a time of enjoyment and relaxation. While it can often feel extremely busy, stressful, and even gloomy, taking care of yourself, setting boundaries, and finding ways to experience comfort and peace during the season can combat those issues and make it easier to maintain your mental health.
Jess Focht is a writer and content strategist with 6+ years of experience in media, publishing, and brand storytelling. She has contributed to Insider, Grammarly, and The Creative Independent.
1 min read • Originally published November 18, 2022 / Updated March 19, 2026
Jess Focht is a writer and content strategist with 6+ years of experience in media, publishing, and brand storytelling. She has contributed to Insider, Grammarly, and The Creative Independent.
1 min read • Originally published November 18, 2022 / Updated March 19, 2026
New month, new Mediabistro roles.
Mediabistro is the #1 job board, community, and career destination for media and content professionals. Once a week, we’ll be updating this list with different types of creative jobs featured. Take a look below:
How to Leverage Social Media to Land Your Next Media or Creative Job
By
Mike Monroe
Mike Monroe is the digital strategy manager at Vector Marketing, the domestic sales arm of Cutco Corp., an Olean, New York-based cutlery manufacturer.
4 min read • Originally published November 18, 2022 / Updated March 19, 2026
By
Mike Monroe
Mike Monroe is the digital strategy manager at Vector Marketing, the domestic sales arm of Cutco Corp., an Olean, New York-based cutlery manufacturer.
4 min read • Originally published November 18, 2022 / Updated March 19, 2026
Employers rely on a modern-day tool to evaluate job candidates: social media accounts. Over 90 percent of businesses say that social media plays a part in their hiring strategies. You can be sure that every time you submit an application, someone’s going to check out your Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and other public accounts.
This shouldn’t make you feel uncomfortable. Rather, it can be a good thing if you use your social media accounts to your advantage. Social media can become a critical asset in your desire to land a different job. As long as you understand how to use your accounts, you can accelerate your success and build your professional network.
What are some best practices to ensure the outcome of your next social media background check leans in your favor? Follow these steps to create an appealing profile that’s easy for recruiters and hiring managers to find.
1. Conduct a digital footprint audit
Now is the time to get rid of all the stuff on your social accounts that might seem unprofessional. Untag yourself from questionable pictures, and take down anything that could affect your reputation. Remember that the people looking at your social pages might have a different sense of humor than you.
You’ll be glad you self-scrutinized your digital footprint. Even leaders like the Finnish prime minister can get skewered for uploading the wrong things. When video of Prime Minister Sanna Marin partying hit the social stage, people were quick to criticize.
You don’t have to remove everything that showcases your personality. Just clean up your presence as a means of optimizing it for viewers who want to see whether you’re a good fit for their company.
2. Add keywords to your LinkedIn
It’s undeniable that you need a LinkedIn profile. LinkedIn’s research shows that 87 percent of recruitment professionals depend on the site to find candidates. Because LinkedIn profiles are so content-heavy, you have the opportunity to pepper them with keywords to increase your visibility and chances of getting hired.
How does this keyword optimization work? Let’s say you hold an entry-level position and you want to move into middle management. There are certain terms that people in senior roles use on LinkedIn to describe themselves, their responsibilities, etc. You want to figure out what those keywords are and use them — without keyword stuffing, of course. Your LinkedIn profile shouldn’t sound like an Amazon product description!
Where’s the best place to find keywords? Think about the position you want. Then, go on a job listing hunt. Write down all the keywords used in those job postings. Once you have a list, rewrite your LinkedIn profile to include them. Good writing is key here, so be selective about the words you use to define yourself.
3. Keep your social announcements professional
We’ve all encountered someone on social media who parted ways with their employer on a bad note and wanted to share their frustrations with the world. While these feelings are understandable, you can’t make this mistake. If you’re trying to show a potential employer that you are professional, you must be gracious even if things ended poorly. Wish your previous colleagues well and be done with it.
It speaks volumes about you if you can move past poor job experiences. Rather than talk about your former employer, talk about what you’re looking for in your next role. It’s OK to declare that you’re job hunting as long as you spin it with a positive note. This way, employers and recruiters will see you as someone who’s mature and level-headed.
4. Know what will impress the company you want to work for
If you have a target company in mind, find out who works there. Check out their social media pages and the business’s corporate page. Read what everyone else is posting and take notes. The more you find out, the more you can adjust the tone of your social media profiles.
For example, you might discover that your target employer seems to appreciate initiative. Consequently, you might want to write some posts indicating that you have a lot of initiative, work autonomously, and enjoy breaking the mold.
Just be certain not to change your profiles every day. Once your social media accounts are clean, optimized, and targeted, leave old copy and images alone. Just move forward and use what you’ve learned to inform your future posts.
Right now, the job market favors candidates. However, nothing will happen if you sit back and expect the offers to roll in. Employers might be eager to hire, but they still want to make sure they’re hiring the most qualified candidates. So use your social media profiles to demonstrate that you’re the perfect fit.
A Junior Freelancer’s Guide to Managing Finances Like a Pro
By
James Ritter
James has a degree in writing and is a freelance writer with a particular interest in employee welfare, and has created content for established companies based all around the world.
3 min read • Originally published December 1, 2022 / Updated March 19, 2026
By
James Ritter
James has a degree in writing and is a freelance writer with a particular interest in employee welfare, and has created content for established companies based all around the world.
3 min read • Originally published December 1, 2022 / Updated March 19, 2026
Entering the world of work as a junior freelancer brings with it many different challenges and responsibilities. Not only will you need to adjust to going solo and being responsible for your own workload, but you also have to manage your personal responsibilities, particularly when it comes to your finances. There are some financial challenges that freelancers face compared to those working in permanent roles, not least that your income will be less predictable, particularly when work is hard to come by.
But going freelance also gives you the opportunity to potentially earn more, as you can largely often dictate how much work you complete. The freedom that comes with earning your own income is an exciting prospect, but it also requires a certain level of responsibility and maturity to manage it properly. Failing to look after your financial wellbeing won’t only affect you in the short-term, it could impact upon the type of lifestyle you lead further down the line.
As a result, it can be useful to be aware of the best ways to manage your finances when working in a junior freelancer role, to help set you up for success as you progress through your career.
1. Create a budget and track your expenses
Particularly if you went to college, you will already have some knowledge about the importance of budgeting your income. However, whilst at college you’re likely to have had a short-term view of your finances, and just do enough to get by. But when starting in the world of work, it’s important to take a more holistic approach.
As a freelancer, you will hopefully know roughly how much money you can expect to come in every month, allowing you to plan your budget accordingly. Be sure to divide your income between the essentials, the non-essentials and savings, and find a split that works for you.
2. Stay disciplined with your spending
Following on from the previous point, it’s important to be disciplined with your spending – just because you have the money doesn’t mean you should spend it. It’s easy to get caught up in the moment and impulse buy things, particularly with the rise of influencers and social media advertising, but irresponsible spending can lead to financial problems down the road.
If you stick to only buying what you need, you’ll be in a much better financial position – there’s no shame in being mindful of your finances and living within your means. Failing to do so could mean you start to rack up hefty debts, which can ultimately harm your future financial health if they get out of control. Particularly if you have a credit card, it’s crucial to avoid overspending and falling into debt that you can’t pay back each month, as this will affect your credit score and your credibility as a responsible borrower.
3. Investigate financial perks
Going freelance can feel a little overwhelming, especially if you’ve previously worked for a company who offered you health insurance, a pension and a comfort budget for setting up your home office. When you’re starting out, make sure to do some research to see if you’re eligible for any local or national discount schemes. People under 30 may find that they can get discounted subscriptions or transport, and there are health insurance schemes that reward you for being active with money off vouchers.
It’s also important to be aware of any expenses you can claim from the companies you’re completing work for. Whether that’s money spent on additional utilities when working from home, or travel costs for going into an office space, find out what you can reasonably expect to claim back and make sure to keep on top of it.
Jess Focht is a writer and content strategist with 6+ years of experience in media, publishing, and brand storytelling. She has contributed to Insider, Grammarly, and The Creative Independent.
1 min read • Originally published December 5, 2022 / Updated March 19, 2026
Jess Focht is a writer and content strategist with 6+ years of experience in media, publishing, and brand storytelling. She has contributed to Insider, Grammarly, and The Creative Independent.
1 min read • Originally published December 5, 2022 / Updated March 19, 2026
New month, new Mediabistro roles.
Mediabistro is the #1 job board, community, and career destination for media and content professionals. Once a week, we’ll be updating this list with different types of creative jobs featured. Take a look below:
Jess Focht is a writer and content strategist with 6+ years of experience in media, publishing, and brand storytelling. She has contributed to Insider, Grammarly, and The Creative Independent.
2 min read • Originally published December 9, 2022 / Updated March 19, 2026
Jess Focht is a writer and content strategist with 6+ years of experience in media, publishing, and brand storytelling. She has contributed to Insider, Grammarly, and The Creative Independent.
2 min read • Originally published December 9, 2022 / Updated March 19, 2026
The holidays—December specifically—are notoriously known for being the worst time of year for candidates to find new jobs. It’s usually crunch time for many companies as they close out Q4 and prepare for the calendar year ahead. This leads jobseekers to wait until the new year to even start to edit their resume and apply for new opportunities. And while this may be your train of thought, there are actually ample opportunities in the job market in December. Here are some reasons to job search over the holidays.
There’s less competition
Since the end of the year is known as a quiet time for hiring, you can use this to your advantage. A large portion of jobs are still being posted in December. Although most people are typically busy shopping for loved ones and getting ready for the holidays, you’ll find that there are less people applying for jobs. If you choose this route, you’ll be able to apply for more jobs with less competition.
You may be able to negotiate your start date
Use the fact that employers are winding down and gearing up for the new year to your advantage. If you start your job search during the holidays and end up receiving an offer before the end of the year, there’s a good chance you’ll be able to negotiate your start date—and have more time to rest and recharge before it.
There are networking opportunities
Believe it or not, there are plenty of networking opportunities in December due to end-of-the-year parties and events. It’s a time when people are socializing and connecting. Even if you choose not to network in person, there are virtual events and virtual ways to connect. Think about sending that LinkedIn introduction at least.
You can maintain your momentum
If you’re on the job hunt, why stop applying when it comes to December? You’ve spent time building momentum and you have the opportunity to maintain that momentum by applying to jobs and networking.
While applying to jobs at the end of the year can feel like a taboo, it’s actually a great time to focus on your job search. If you decide to apply during this time of year, you’ll find that there’s less competition, you may be able to negotiate your start date and network. If you maintain your momentum through the end of the year, odds are that you’ll be recharged and ready to go by January.
Jess Focht is a writer and content strategist with 6+ years of experience in media, publishing, and brand storytelling. She has contributed to Insider, Grammarly, and The Creative Independent.
1 min read • Originally published December 9, 2022 / Updated March 19, 2026
Jess Focht is a writer and content strategist with 6+ years of experience in media, publishing, and brand storytelling. She has contributed to Insider, Grammarly, and The Creative Independent.
1 min read • Originally published December 9, 2022 / Updated March 19, 2026
New month, new Mediabistro roles.
Mediabistro is the #1 job board, community, and career destination for media and content professionals. Once a week, we’ll be updating this list with different types of creative jobs featured. Take a look below:
