Ateeb
(Turning a Hobby Into Income)

Ateeb had always enjoyed proofreading. He was even part of a few proofreading and editing groups on Reddit, where he helped others with their writing just for fun. But it wasn’t until someone recommended Knowadays that he realised it could be more than a hobby – it could actually be a viable career path.

Our courses helped Ateeb build on what he already knew, giving him the confidence to take on formal work. These days, he fits freelance proofreading and editing around his full-time job, working whenever it suits him.

Keep reading to find out how Ateeb is turning his long-time interest into a flexible, rewarding side hustle. 

Hi, Ateeb! Can you tell us a bit about yourself and what made you consider a career as a proofreader and editor?

I have a postgraduate degree, and I work for Google from Delhi, India.

I had done some informal proofreading, and I was part of a few proofreading and editing groups on Reddit and really enjoyed helping others. It was there that someone first introduced me to Knowadays.

I’ve always loved proofreading, but I never really saw it as a realistic career option – until I discovered Knowadays and their partnership with Proofed. Seeing all the positive testimonials on Trustpilot and other platforms really sparked my interest and gave me the push to explore it further.

What made you decide to sign up to Knowadays?

I had taken a few courses on Udemy and read some books on the subject, but they were mostly theoretical and lacked practical application. I found Knowadays through social media, and what initially convinced me was the positive testimonials and strong reputation. Then, after completing the trial, I felt confident that I was finally heading in the right direction.

When I was thinking about buying the course, I had a few doubts and reached out with my questions. The tutors were incredibly helpful and responded quickly with detailed answers – which really reassured me and encouraged me to go ahead with the course.

Can you tell us a bit about your process with completing the courses? Did you enjoy the experience? 

Everyone has their own way of approaching these courses – and that’s the beauty of something that isn’t time-bound. For me, it felt like an addictive web series. I actually binged it! I was working full time (still am), but I remember finishing the entire proofreading course over a long weekend. It was genuinely fun – I loved the conversational tone, really enjoyed the exercises, and even looked forward to the quizzes.

I loved the course and really enjoyed the content – it all felt relevant and practical. What made it even better was getting to apply what I learned through the exercises included in almost every lesson.

Did you find anything surprising or particularly tricky during the courses?

Although I had some experience with proofreading, I had very little exposure to referencing styles, and they were quite challenging for me to learn. I remember going over the referencing module again and again just to get a proper handle on the different styles.

Was your course experience what you hoped for? Do you feel it was good value for money?

To be honest, I never imagined this journey would turn out to be even half as rewarding as it has been. Working with Proofed has genuinely changed a lot for me – and all in the best ways. I’d say it’s been incredible value for money.

How was your experience of getting started with Proofed?

I started my work trial in September 2024 and took less than a month to complete it.

At Proofed, I felt at home from day one. During the trial period, I really enjoyed working on short documents and learning something new every day. The feedback I received was detailed and encouraging, which really motivated me to keep going.

As I was getting used to the work, my pace was fairly average. But as I kept going and started encountering similar – if not the same – errors repeatedly, my speed improved significantly. And over the following months, I learned how to work more efficiently – something that only comes with experience.

Did you seek out proofreading work elsewhere, in addition to that at Proofed? If so, can you tell us a bit about it?

To be honest, between my full-time job, my love for reading books, and my obsession with video games, I only have so much time left – and I choose to spend it working with Proofed. 

How did you find the transition to freelance proofreading and editing?

I think it really pulls you out of a mundane routine. Proofreading all types of work lets you learn something new from so many different fields, which I find really interesting. It gives my mind a kind of break that I just don’t get from doing the same thing every day.

What is your home working setup like?

I really tried to upgrade my home office setup to make work as comfortable as possible – a good chair, a couple of screens, and some eye-pleasing lighting.

What does your daily work routine look like?

My full-time job rarely requires office visits, which gives me the luxury of working from home – and that really helps me fit in proofreading whenever I get the chance. 

I take work at Proofed five or more days a week. The deadlines are usually generous, and once you find your rhythm, it becomes much easier to balance a job and proofreading side by side.

What do you enjoy most about working as a proofreader and editor?

Just one thing: learning. I’ve learned so much from proofreading different research articles and papers, more than I ever could have imagined.

Do you have a favorite type of document to work on?

I love editing academic documents because they give me the chance to learn something new every time.

Is there anything you’ve found challenging about the job?

Adhering to an extensive style guide and ensuring every point is followed can be quite challenging at times.

What do you enjoy most about working freelance?

One of the things I value most is the flexibility to work when and where it suits me.

A couple of months ago, I went on a week-long vacation, and I really loved how I could still work remotely during my free time. It ended up covering all my expenses.

And what do you like to do when you aren’t working?

I love reading books and playing video games.

How has life changed for you since becoming a freelance proofreader and editor?

The most positive change is that I’ve stopped wasting time on social media. Now, I’m either working or doing something I enjoy – I just don’t have time for social media anymore.

What has been the biggest benefit of completing the Knowadays courses?

The amount of knowledge I’ve gained through Knowadays’ courses is amazing. It’s really given me an edge over others.

What advice would you give someone who’s thinking about taking a Knowadays course?

I’d say it’s rare to find such detailed, student-focused courses online. They offer immense knowledge and come with a strong reputation – something that can really benefit you in the long run. For me, it opened up a new source of income, and it could do the same for you.

Becoming A Proofreader and Becoming An Editor 

Like Ateeb, you might already have an interest in proofreading without realising it could lead to real, flexible work. Our courses can help you turn that interest into an income-generating skill – whether you’re starting from scratch or building on existing knowledge.

Proofreading and editing could be your new full-time career, or a flexible side hustle that fits around your existing schedule. Our Becoming A Proofreader and Becoming An Editor courses will give you the confidence and know-how to get started. Pass both with a distinction (80% or above), and you’ll be eligible for our guaranteed work offer with our partner company, Proofed. Buy both courses as a bundle and save 15%. Or try a sample for free today!