It’s been almost exactly a year since I took the plunge and became a full-time freelance consultant. So looking back on the past year, how do I feel? Honestly, it’s been one of the best decisions I ever made. I love the freedom of being self-employed and the ability to dip my toes into the communication practices of different organizations and industries. But like everything else in life, it hasn’t all been smooth sailing. Here’s some of what I’ve learned during my inaugural year:
Pro: Flexible schedule; Con: Never 100% off
Being an independent freelancer allows you to create your own schedule. While some clients may need you to commit to availability during specific times, typically you can work when you feel most mentally attuned to the task or when it’s most convenient with other priorities in your life. That means if I feel inspiration strike at mid-morning, afternoon, or midnight – it doesn’t matter. I don’t have to worry about taking time off for doctor’s visits or family emergencies. And if I want to pop out during the afternoon to visit a museum or catch a matinee movie, I can do that.
But with that flexible schedule comes an inability to 100% take off your work hat. I travel frequently (working remotely offers you unlimited vacation days), but I never travel without my tablet and Wi-Fi access anymore. Whether I’m currently working on a project or hoping to land a new client, it’s difficult to disconnect completely.
Pro: Learn new business & sales skills; Con: Can’t focus solely on communication
Seeking out prospective clients, creating sales pitches, estimating costs, tracking expenses, and invoicing clients are just a few of the elements of my new role that I didn’t have to concern myself with before. When you’re flying solo and responsible for every aspect of your new business, it’s imperative to learn new skills. It’s been a learning curve, but I feel like it’s helped me grow both as a person and in my career.
On the flip side, because all these additional items need my attention, it takes more of an effort for me to keep up with what’s happening solely in the communication field. There’s no longer an organization providing a training budget and clients aren’t interested in paying you to learn something; they’re paying you to complete a project. This means you need to be more proactive about paying attention to advances in the field and investing in yourself and your continuing education.
Pro: More control over your life and career; Con: Uneven income and crises of confidence
Being a freelancer allows you more options over which clients and projects to work with, as well as your schedule and rates. I really enjoy getting to know new people, organizations, and industries and there’s a lot to be said about having control and flexibility over your work life, but along with that comes unpredictability.
Your income and availability can swing dramatically from week to week or month to month. I’ve found myself having crises of confidence during lulls about whether I can be successful, only to land a new client shortly after. It’s a lifestyle that requires a lot more comfort with ambiguity and a constant hustle to keep a steady flow of clients and income.
Becoming a freelance consultant was the right choice for me, but it was and is a gamble. So far it’s been a successful one, but I work every day to make sure that it continues to be.