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IT4nextgen > How To > How to Quit Your Day Job and Focus on Video Editing Career

How to Quit Your Day Job and Focus on Video Editing Career

Last Updated December 11, 2022 By Subhash D Leave a Comment

You can now pursue a freelance video editing career without attending film school or a broadcasting course. Thanks to online video maker software, you can pursue an editing career and earn money. Before, professional editing systems required huge capital investments. But thanks to technology, online video editing tools, like Promo.com, opens up huge opportunities. Hence, newbies who are passionate about the craft without any film foundation can make this a career.

Today, you can make a decent living by editing videos using your home computer or tablet. After all, you can download your video maker app. If you want to save on space, you can choose to work online using a cloud. You can also get hired by a large facility with many editing bays. Right now, you have numerous options because video production is everywhere, thanks to social media. If you’re thinking of quitting your day job to go into this full-time, you need preparation. Let’ get started on what you need to know to cultivate a successful video editing career.

Practice Makes Perfect and Yields Results

Before you consider leaving your day job, make sure you practice your craft. Honing your skills with daily practice is a surefire way to become proficient. Play with your video maker software every day to master all the tools on its dashboard. Learn how to manipulate different embellishment features like:

  • Pre-designed templates
  • Typography
  • Images or photos
  • Clip arts
  • Footage
  • Music
  • Sound effects
  • Voice over narration
  • Animation

Additionally, educate yourself on the different tricks of the trade. Read books or blogs, watch webinars, and listen to podcasts on successful video editing. Ask questions from the developers of your video maker if you have issues. After all, mastery is the only way to develop confidence and get high-paying jobs. When you feel confident in your skills, clients will feel comfortable working with you.

Map Out a Rock-Solid Plan to Make Things Happen

It is now possible to break into the field of editing thanks to video maker apps. However, don’t make the mistake of thinking it is easy. This process is challenging, so plan accordingly. As the saying goes: “plan your dive then dive your plan” to ensure success.

Ask yourself if you want to focus on documentaries, wedding videos, or editing games? Your steps will depend on what you want. Most of all, don’t be afraid to follow the plan and commit mistakes. Though missteps set you back, they offer a learning experience. After all, any experience is valuable because it will lead you where you want to be.

Know the Different Editing Paths to Pursue

Furthermore, don’t forget that an editing career can either be freelance work or a staff job. Freelancing means you have full control of your time, offering freedom and flexibility. However, your paycheck is not assured as it depends on the gigs you book. Meanwhile, staff gigs will have the following perks:

  • Work with predictable hours.
  • Secure a position with bigger companies.
  • Receive a steady paycheck.
  • Enjoy benefits and retirement plans.

Thus, you must figure out what you really want out of this career and follow the necessary steps to achieve it. Adjust your focus based on your goals.

Build a Strong Portfolio of Work to Show Off Your Skills

When you are just starting off in this field, clients want to see proof of your work. Since they will pay you, they need assurance that you can deliver quality work. Hence, you need a portfolio to show off your skills. In the beginning, you may have to do some free work or very minimal paying jobs to get experience. For example, you can use your video maker to create the following:

  • Wedding videos for family
  • Document school talent shows
  • Shoot an actor friend’s demo reels
  • Create low budget music videos
  • Do short films for college students’ projects

All these projects, though seemingly simple, will help build your portfolio. Follow what the clients want and execute this seamlessly to get good reviews. Showcase what they say on your social media page. Remember, every gig is a chance for you to grow.

Grow Your Network to Find Potential Clients

Finally, you must be willing to do the leg work if you want to let go of your day job. Making video editing a full-time career requires establishing a network. When you know people, and these people know what you can do, they can recommend jobs.


Consider hanging out on set as an assistant for local production houses, shooting ads, MTVs, or indie films. When you meet producers, tell them you also offer editing work. You will be surprised that some of them may end up hiring you for specific projects. In this way, you can get your first huge break that will build your confidence. More importantly, you can get equally high-paying referrals to solidify your reputation as a video editing professional.

Filed Under: How To

About Subhash D

A tech-enthusiast, Subhash is a Graduate Engineer and Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer. Founder of it4nextgen, he has spent more than 20 years in the IT industry.

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