We surveyed 6,317 writers to better understand the work environment and required skills of a typical writer. Here are the results.
How much intelligence is required as a writer?
Low
High
Working as a writer typically doesn’t require the use of high levels of intelligence in daily tasks.
Can I learn to become a writer?
Intrinsic Talent
Acquired Talent
A career as a writer typically depends predominantly on qualities you can gain through experience, with a small aspect of skills you are born with.
Is it easy to get a job as a writer?
Easy
Hard
It’s typically quite difficult to find a job as a writer. If you’re curious about the numbers, check out the job market for writers.
Do writers work full-time or part-time?
27% of writers work in full-time roles while 73% work part-time.
Is being a writer stressful?
Low
High
Writers tend not to find their jobs stressful, which likely contributes positively to career satisfaction.
Is being organized important as a writer?
Low
High
Some level of organization is generally required to be a writer.
How competitive is the workplace for writers?
Low
High
Writers tend to see lots of competition in the workplace, with desire to get ahead of co-workers being common.
Does being a writer require frequent time pressure to complete tasks?
Low
High
Time pressure tends not to be a major contributor of stress for writers.
Are writers allowed to express themselves creatively?
Low
High
Creativity is intrinsic to being a writer, and a highly valuable part of the career.
Do writers have control over the direction of their work?
Low
High
Writers have high flexibility in the direction of their work, allowing them a lot of freedom in how they accomplish their goals.
Is being a writer physically demanding?
Low
High
Work as a writers is not the most physically demanding of careers, falling in the bottom half of all careers.
Are writers exposed to a wide variety of work?
Low
High
Writers tend to have a monotonous work routine, with little variety in their day-to-day tasks.
Does being a writer require attention to detail?
Low
High
As in many careers, attention to detail is quite helpful for writers.
Does being a good writer require compassion and empathy?
Low
High
Being compassionate and empathetic is considered helpful to those looking to pursue careers as writers.