We surveyed 5,632 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.

Info

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.