Wendy
(Choosing Flexible Work)

When Wendy was heading toward retirement, she was looking for a way to keep doing work she genuinely enjoyed. Writing had always been part of her life, so freelance proofreading and editing felt like a good fit.

We first spoke to Wendy in 2021 just after she graduated from our Becoming A Proofreader course. This time, we’re catching up to hear how things have evolved – and what her day-to-day looks like now.

Hi, Wendy! Thank you for agreeing to catch up with us again. Before we talk about how things have evolved, let’s rewind a little – what made you consider a career as a proofreader or editor?

I had always enjoyed writing about my life, work experiences, and yachting travels. As I started to head into retirement, proofreading and editing gave me an opportunity to keep doing freelance work that I enjoyed.

How long have you been working at Proofed and in what role?

I have been working for Proofed full time since 2021. I’m an editor on several business teams and a reviewer for most of them, so I check the work of other editors and provide feedback.

What does a typical working week look like for you?

I work for Proofed, sometimes seven days a week. I dictate my hours and love the variety of work Proofed offers. I find it addictive!

Where do you usually work from? What’s your setup like?

I usually work from my home office; I have a laptop and a second monitor, which I wouldn’t do without! Sometimes I travel with my husband and work wherever we are, which is fantastic.

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

It’s satisfying correcting documents. I’ve learned so much over the years as well, and I work with some amazing and inspirational people at Proofed.

“It’s satisfying correcting documents. I’ve learned so much over the years as well, and I work with some amazing and inspirational people at Proofed.“

What’s your favorite type of document or project to work on and why?

There is not one type of document in particular. Proofed works with businesses worldwide, and there’s always something new to learn about.

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

There’s been nothing surprising. We all have our ups and downs, but the support and encouragement from team members and staff have been amazing.

Are there any tools, processes, or habits you rely on daily?

I make sure I have lots of time to complete the work assigned to me. I have designed shortcut sheets with basic style preferences for each client I do work for, which helps cut down on time when I’m uncertain of something. The first thing I do in the morning is check my notifications to see whether work has been assigned or if there are messages I need to attend to. I plan my day from there!

What are you most proud of since starting your proofreading and editing career?

I am very proud of my growth with Proofed. My confidence has also grown tremendously.

Where do you see your career heading next, or what would you like to develop further?

For now, I’m taking one day at a time. I’m enjoying the freedom that being a freelancer for Proofed affords me.

What’s it like working at Proofed? How does it compare to other jobs you’ve held?

Proofed promotes growth and confidence. There is always support if you need it.

Compared to now, how confident did you feel when you started out?

I am a hundred times more confident now than when I first started.

Would you recommend working with Proofed to other aspiring proofreaders and editors? 

Yes, and I have.

In what ways did your Knowadays course help prepare you for your proofreading or editing career?

I couldn’t have done this without the Knowadays course. I referred to my course notes for about a year after starting work with Proofed.

Is there anything you’ve learned since starting work that you wish you’d known earlier?

Be kind to yourself. Make sure you have somewhere quiet to work without distractions.

Based on your experience, what advice would you give someone considering a Knowadays course?

Even if you don’t end up working for Proofed, you’ll use the skills you learned from the Knowadays course in any other place of work and everyday life.

“Even if you don’t end up working for Proofed, you’ll use the skills you learned from the Knowadays course in any other place of work and everyday life.“

What do you enjoy most about working freelance or working remotely?

The flexibility is great.

Is there anything you’ve found surprising or challenging about freelance life?

I’ve gotten busier as I’ve grown with Proofed, so I have to make sure I allocate time for myself.

What do you like to do when you aren’t working?

I do volunteer work and spend time with my granddaughters if my husband and I aren’t out exploring.

Is there anything else you’d like to share about your journey, your work, or your experience with Knowadays or Proofed?

You won’t regret taking the leap to do a Knowadays course.

Becoming A Proofreader and Becoming An Editor

Wendy now works with Proofed full time as an editor and reviewer. She enjoys the simple satisfaction of making a document better and the flexibility that comes with doing it on her own schedule. 

Ready to explore this kind of work for yourself? Becoming A Proofreader and Becoming An Editor will help you take the next step. Get distinction scores of 80% or above in both, and you’ll qualify for guaranteed work with our partner company, Proofed.