As someone with writing talent and minimal credentials (academic writer, tabloid journalism), I would prefer a steady paycheck with a byline, or even a desultory paycheck without a byline...but the writing game is such that I am finishing two books, pulling in $200 here on a good month, and hoping I don't have to go back to an office. Journalism and journalists are not in a good place. There has always been popularity & glamour & charisma in the journalism game but these days its harder to make a living without being famous or notorious. I think this goes for a lot of freelance professions.