Colin Morley, is a journalist and long-standing Helium writer, who has found new excitement and opportunities with professional recognition and Marketplace assignments targeted to professional journalists. Here’s his Helium success story:
I came to writing through an accident which took me off my feet and out of work for a year. I needed something to fill the time to recovery – and longer term, a way to earn without the physical work. I had always enjoyed writing, but had never seriously considered writing for a living.
I discovered I needed qualifications; my school certificates were inadequate. I enrolled in a part-time writing course, but wanted more. Once I was able to walk and drive again, I got myself some part-time work to help pay the bills and embarked on some serious education. Over the next two years I obtained a journalism certificate.
Disappointment followed. There was a recession and editors would only entertain university graduates. Despite hundreds of applications, I secured no job. I took stock and enrolled in a university course.
Happenstance took over once I graduated. I took on a temporary job in a Human Resources department, still applying for journalism opportunities. The company liked me, offered me a long-term contract and allowed me to master some intricacies of information technology and learn how recruitment worked. After eighteen months, a rival company offered me a better position. I wrote for some papers and magazines periodically.
I spent five years in Human Resources, rising to the lofty position of manager and enjoying a salary higher than I could have achieved in journalism until circumstances dealt me another blow. The company was in telecommunications. The market collapsed, along with my position. Enter Helium!
I discovered Helium soon after its launch while surfing for opportunities and spending my redundancy money. I wrote several articles and started to watch the earnings trickle in. I discovered if I wrote for competitions I could earn more. I won first prize on one happy occasion. I even managed to sell a couple of articles via marketplace.
When I took another job in England, I never completely left Helium behind, but spent less time there. Now, living and working in France, I have re-discovered a new and improved Helium, where professionals are recognized and rewarded.
As an accredited professional I recently sold two pieces in Marketplace while earning residual income from my older articles. Helium pays accurately and promptly; and though I don’t envisage giving up my day job tomorrow, it is probable that I will secure more paid writing work through my presence on Helium, thanks to the opportunities it offers professionals.
Thanks Colin, for sharing your Helium success story, and for providing a longer glimpse of Helium and your own evolution as a writer!
If anyone wants information about writing for Helium and getting your professional credentials recognized, write to Barbara Whitlock, New Member Outreach Manager and Credentialed Professional Program Coordinator, at bwhitlock@helium.com.