The idea of having a multi-hyphen career as a science writer might seem like an exhausting millennial/Gen Z approach to work; if you’re already frazzled as a writer, then styling yourself as a writer-editor-podcaster might seem too immersed in hustle culture to be appealing.
But being a multi-hyphenate - i.e. someone who does several connected but different jobs - is where it's at now, and if you pay attention to what you really love to do, it can boost your work life and make you a more successful freelancer.
The bottom line is that publications are increasingly folding, cutting staff or shifting their priorities, or offer rates that have stayed static for years while your cost of living soars. Although I don’t think ChatGPT is going to take over any time soon, AI is an ever-looming threat.
It's time to diversify if you haven't already.
If this idea makes you nervous, don't worry - the skills you've developed as a writer, in terms of research, translating complex material, situating scientific findings into societal and cultural contexts, and so on, can be applied to many other jobs.
Here's some of the work I've done lately as a freelance science writer that's taught me valuable skills to see me through an AI apocalypse.
💻 1. Writing content for science & health apps
🔬 2. Developing scripts for science videos
🎤 3. Researching for science and health podcasts
📚 4. Reviewing science books, exhibitions and films
💊 5. Writing briefing documents and reports for health NGOs
📢 6. Speaking gigs at conferences
Maybe these specific jobs don't appeal to you but I guarantee you there is more to being a freelance science writer than endless pitching of articles to editors who may not even reply if they are too busy. Even when you do get commissioned often, working to rates that have barely increased for years can mean you are on a constant hamster wheel of producing articles just to make a living.
If you can add to this list, or are not sure how to get going, please drop your thoughts in the comments 👇
I'm all about the multi-hyphenate life! It offers so many learning opportunities and it's a definite confidence boost to be able to take on a variety of different tasks.
Definitely! Fellow freelance writer here (for 10+ years) and I love the freedom, variety and sense of possibility.