In a rapidly changing economy and job market, the transition from traditional employment to independent consulting is becoming increasingly appealing and common. This transition holds particular promise for individuals in specialized writing fields like grant writing, where conventional roles offer limited potential for growth and less than a living wage. 

However, the shift to independent work isn’t merely an economic decision; it’s a profound opportunity to resist exploitative practices, challenge patriarchal structures, foster diversity, and contribute to a fairer and more equitable society. Let’s delve into how this change, driven both by economic benefits and social motivations, can revolutionize your professional and personal life.

Economic Freedom in the Growing Gig Economy 

The gig economy, once a small segment of the job market, is burgeoning at a remarkable pace. Estimates suggest that by the end of 2023, 52% of workers will have spent part of their careers as independent contractors. The global gig economy is anticipated to generate an impressive $204 billion in gross volume, and it is expanding three times faster than the US workforce overall.

Choosing independent work is no longer a fallback plan but a conscious, empowering decision for many. Approximately 36% of freelancers are embracing it as their full-time job, while 86% believe that the best days of freelancing are yet to come. Gig workers are reporting higher satisfaction rates, with 82% feeling happier working independently and 76% expressing high satisfaction with their professional choices.

In the grant writing field, the shift to independent work is becoming increasingly appealing. As an independent consultant, rates for experienced grant writers range from $150 to $400 per hour, depending on the type of service and client. This substantially outpaces the average salary of a full-time grant writer, offering improved financial prospects and a significant economic motivation for the shift.

Disrupting Traditional Employment and its Shortcomings 

While the gig economy flourishes, the traditional employment model is revealing its cracks. The constant threat of layoffs, inflation without corresponding wage increases, and limited wage growth overall have left many seeking more stable, rewarding alternatives. The median salary for grant writers in the U.S. is $49,044, an average hourly rate that falls short of the calculated living wage for a family of four.

Further exacerbating the situation is the inherent rigidity of salary ranges in the nonprofit world. The income ceiling, irrespective of experience and success, stands stubbornly around $70,000, posing a bleak financial outlook for grant writers stuck in conventional roles.

Autonomy to Resist Exploitation and Unjust Capitalist Practices 

More than just an escape from the economic constraints of traditional roles, the gig economy provides an unprecedented opportunity to resist harmful capitalist practices. Independent contracting allows grant writers to break free from top-down hierarchies, negotiate their own rates, choose their clients, and work at their own pace.

Embracing the gig economy is also a potent means of resisting worker exploitation. By becoming your own boss, you establish work conditions that align with your values and resist practices that maximize profits at the expense of employee welfare.

Becoming an Independent Contractor: A Stand Against Patriarchy and for Diversity 

Choosing independent contracting is also a powerful political decision. It provides an avenue to reject patriarchy, foster diversity, and establish a more equitable and inclusive work culture. 

Capitalism and most workplaces are built on patriarchal structures, which create challenging environments specifically for women and marginalized groups. As independent contractors, grant writers gain the power to negotiate their terms, assert their worth, and resist practices that reinforce gender and other inequalities.

Moreover, as an independent grant writing consultant, you have the freedom to choose projects that align with your values and support organizations committed to equality and justice. By using your skills to uplift diverse voices and causes, you contribute to a more inclusive and equitable society.

The Grant Writing Boss: A Pioneer of Change

Becoming a Grant Writing Boss allows you to establish your own equitable work culture, promoting principles of fairness, transparency, and respect. You can resist unhealthy work practices like overwork, promote work-life balance, and actively champion diversity and inclusion.

The shift to becoming an independent grant writing consultant is not just a smart economic decision—it’s a commitment to creating a more equitable, diverse, and inclusive professional life. As the traditional job market continues to show its weaknesses, the new gig economy shines with potential. It’s time for grant writers to seize this opportunity, become their own bosses, and lead the way towards a fairer, more inclusive professional future.

Ready to Become a Grant Writing Boss?

Inside Grant Writing Boss Club, I’ll show you the exact steps I used to build a multiple six-figure grant writing business so that you can do more good in the world and create a life you love.

Grant Writing Boss Club is for you if:

• You need additional income, want to replace your full-time job, or want to grow your existing freelance business;
• You want to create a business that actually builds wealth for you, your family, your clients, and any employees or contractors you hire;
• You love serving the greater good, working with a wide variety of people and organizations, and learning;
• You want the option of working from home and meeting with clients virtually;
• You want to set your own schedule, whether that’s because you have kids or parents to care for, or just want to do you;
• You’re business-minded—you love working with clients, planning, marketing, designing business processes, and getting *ish* done; and
• You are a skilled writer (not necessarily with grant writing experience).

If any of that sounds like you, I invite you to join the club.

Registration is now open.

Here are the live trainings we have coming up in August and September:

August 15, 1-2 PM CT: How to Grow on Social Media like a Boss with Krista and Arielle Isedenu

September 12, 1-2 PM CT: How to Relate to Money like a Boss with Brittany Tam

https://www.grantwritingmadeeasy.com/grant-writing-boss-club-2023/