Ava
(Retirement Income)

Working as a freelance proofreader allows you to decide your own hours and workload, fitting your work around your hobbies and passions. It’s also a great way to keep your mind engaged and supplement other income (such as a pension). All this makes proofreading the perfect retirement job! To see how this works, we caught up with Ava, a soon-to-be retiree and recent graduate of our Becoming A Proofreader course.

Hey, Ava! What made you consider the Knowadays course?

When I started planning for retirement, I wanted to find a source of income that was portable but would also provide some intellectual stimulation. And after reading about the course, proofreading seemed to be a great fit as a retirement job!

“When I started planning for retirement, I wanted to find a source of income that was portable but would also provide some intellectual stimulation.“

What were you doing before you started the course?

I was working full time as a professional biologist.

Was there anything in the course you found surprising?

I had proofread informally before as part of my work, but I was surprised by just how much more there was to learn! I still access the course material regularly when I do my proofreading. The information is excellent, relevant, and easy to find.

How has life changed for you as a freelance proofreader?

I love having access to interesting, portable work. Freelance proofreading for Proofed has given me the confidence to retire, knowing that I will have another source of income.

“Freelance proofreading for Proofed has given me the confidence to retire, knowing that I will have another source of income.“

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

I’ve never been self-employed, but I’m really excited about having made the transition. There is a lot more freedom to plan work around life rather than the other way around.

What is your day-to-day work like? And where do you work?

Since I’m still working at my regular job for now, I only take on proofreading work in the evenings and on some weekends at the moment. I’m also working in my home office right now, but come August it will be in my RV while on the road!

What do you enjoy most about proofreading?

The interesting variety of documents I get to read. I particularly enjoy helping people perfect personal statements, as well as checking scientific articles.

What do you do when you aren’t proofreading?

Rock climbing, hiking, and mountain biking with my dog and husband.

Was the course good value for money?

Yes! I paid it off in six weeks.

Becoming A Proofreader

If you like the idea of having a retirement job where you can work on your own terms for an extra source of income, Knowadays can help. Sign up to our free Becoming A Proofreader trial today to see what our course can offer.