Alexandra
(Proofreading for a Flexible Schedule)

Working as a freelance proofreader gives you the freedom to decide when, where, and how much you work. We love this aspect of freelancing and are always keen to catch up with our graduates about how they’re finding freelance life. We recently caught up with Alexandra, who told us how freelance proofreading has given her the flexible schedule she’s always wanted.

Hi, Alexandra! What made you consider the Knowadays course?

I wanted a work-at-home job and thought that proofreading would be suitable for me.

I enjoyed grammar lessons at school and have always found myself subconsciously looking for errors when I read books, publications, messages, or blog posts.

How has life changed for you as a freelance proofreader?

My flexible schedule means that I can work as much or as little as I like. I take comfort in knowing that I can set personal days off when I need them.

“My flexible schedule means that I can work as much or as little as I like. I take comfort in knowing that I can set personal days off when I need them.“

I love that I can work from anywhere with a WiFi connection and can even take vacations without notifying whoever is in charge first.

Finally, no two days are the same. For example, I can work on an academic document (or two) one day, several video transcripts and a course outline the next day, and finally have a half-day with a light workload in the morning and an afternoon of hobbies or relaxation.

Have you been self-employed before? How are you finding it?

Yes. Prior to joining Proofed, I was a freelance social media evaluator. It was fun at first, but after a while the work became mind-numbing and there were no opportunities to advance.

I like freelancing because I have a flexible schedule and don’t have to deal with a boss.

“I love that I can work from anywhere with a WiFi connection and can even take vacations without notifying whoever is in charge first.“

What do you enjoy most about proofreading?

I love that I can read about a variety of topics while I correct grammar and writing mechanics. (I’ve had a habit of correcting grammar ever since I was in school.)

I’ve enjoyed proofreading documents from prestigious academic institutions, such as MIT and Imperial. When I edit, I feel like I am paid to learn!

At home, I can listen to any kind of music I want while proofreading. I usually listen to opera (especially Puccini, Verdi, and French composers) or other classical music, such as Chopin, Beethoven, Mozart, and Dvorak.

Occasionally, I have international music on so I feel like I am proofreading at a French café with Edith Piaf’s chansons or accordion music (and a café au lait and croissant during my break), or at a Spanish tapas bar with guitar music in the background.

What do you do when you aren’t proofreading?

Besides proofreading, I love to read books, periodicals, and lifestyle blogs. My favorite genres are historical fiction, history, biographies, self-improvement, classics, multicultural literature, and arts and culture.

Otherwise, I love to exercise (my favorite workouts are Pilates, yoga, barre, and Latin-style dance), practice piano and handbells, watch YouTube videos (particularly concerts, operas, and self-improvement videos) and classic films, practice foreign languages, and attend concerts and cultural events.

I am also passionate about traveling. Some of my favorite places are New York City, London, Paris, Rome, Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, Hong Kong, and the Great Wall of China. I would love to go to Spain, Scotland, Australia, Russia, Scandinavia, Singapore, and, yes, Antarctica.

“I did not just get a proofreading job; I also gained skills in editing and copywriting as well as increased self-confidence and a supportive community.“

Is there anything else you want to share?

I have been happy with Knowadays and Proofed. The staff and representatives have been kind and encouraging and care about my work. I am marveling at the progress I have made so far from the time I passed the exam to now.

My experience with the two companies has exceeded my expectations. In addition to proofreading, they gave me access to a free copywriting class. I was touched by their generosity and belief in me, so I took the class and completed it in a few weeks.

After I passed the copywriting test, I started writing product descriptions for one of Proofed’s business clients. I feel privileged to be part of such an encouraging and helpful copywriting team.

Thank you for everything! I will recommend Proofed to any friend who is interested. I did not just get a proofreading job; I also gained skills in editing and copywriting as well as increased self-confidence and a supportive community.

Do you have a website or LinkedIn profile?

Yes, I have LinkedIn! Here is my profile.

Become a Proofreader

From digital nomads to busy students and working parents, having a flexible schedule can be useful to people from all walks of life. Our Becoming A Proofreader course gives you all the skills you need to work as a freelance proofreader. Take advantage of our free trial so you can see if freelance proofreading might be for you.