r/uxwriting

I’ve spent the last few months trying to build the "perfect" digital system to manage my freelance work, daily schedules, and project tracking. I've tried Notion templates, complex Excel spreadsheets, and color-coded digital calendars.

​But honestly? It feels like I'm spending more time managing the tools than actually getting my work done. I keep getting this overwhelming urge to throw it all out the window, buy a simple, high-quality physical notebook, and write my daily to-do list with a pen.

​There’s something about physically crossing an item off a piece of paper that a digital checkmark just can't replicate. But at the same time, I worry I'll miss the searchability and automation of digital tools if I make the switch.

​For those of you working from home or managing a heavy workload: Are you 100% digital, completely old-school paper, or some kind of hybrid? What actually keeps you organized without causing tool fatigue?

I’ve done 5 years of content writing. Clients are slower, so I’m adding Customer Service/freelance support roles too.

Question for you: Do clients prefer “I only write” specialists, or does “I can write + handle your inbox/chat” actually get more hires?

Anyone landing gigs with this combo?

Hi, all! I’m curious if anyone here who’s switched from full-time roles to contract would be willing to share their experience. I was laid off from my role at a large tech org in February, and finding a new full-time role in this dismal job market has been difficult. I’m beginning to seriously consider taking on a long-term contract as a bridge to bring in money and continue to do the work I love until I land something more “permanent.” In the past, I’ve been skittish about contract work because it feels less stable and the idea of paying out of pocket for decent health insurance is unsettling. (I’m a dad to a toddler in daycare, and my wife’s nonprofit job offers atrocious health insurance. We’ve always depended on mine to carry our family of three.) But at this point, nothing is stable, and I’m wondering if contract opportunities offer a level of flexibility and even psychological safety that I haven’t experienced in my years working full time in toxic corporate environments. I’d love to hear about your experiences. What do you like and dislike? What works for you? What doesn’t?

Has anyone else been in the same boat? I’m a content designer with 12 years’ experience across government and financial services. Being a contractor means I’ve dabbled with all sorts and it’s helped me identify recurring patterns and risks.

I’m really good at my job. But, like a lot of content designers, I’m good at knowing a service or journey inside and out and connecting dots that other people overlook.

I’m getting invited to more and more meetings for my views and opinions, even in calls that don’t touch on content design. I love the thinking side of my job so I don’t mind this at all.

But I’m also thinking of moving away from content design and into something that leans into these thinky qualities.

Has anyone done something similar that worked for them? I’m hesitant to do service design, product management and BA roles as they’re far too technical and boring. I’m thinking something along the lines of UX Lead or Customer Experience management?