Asked by andycharrington

2 years ago

in lifestyle

QUESTION:

Is it sensible to go from full time employment in to freelancing?

In the current climate is it a good idea to start work as a freelance web designer?

I am currently employed by a company that pays very little and I am sure I can make as much money freelancing from my own site jealousdesigns.co.uk full time.

Has anyone else made this move?

Pro's?

Con's?

Nice one

Click to vote and we'll show you the results.

YES

This question was: Great Confusing Inappropriate

188 votes

Comments (8)

andycharrington

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2 years ago

Most importantly I have a wife and 1 yr old with another due in Nov. How do people guarantee an income when freelancing (any type or work, not just web design!)?

(0)

stergeron

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2 years ago

Why not just do both? I'd do the full time job until the freelancing overtakes the steady money. Sure you'll be working mad hours, but leaving your current employer without that money being replaced outright would be too much for me to stomach (just my opinion).

In terms of guaranteeing an income, maybe try to set up your working relationships with your clients so that they pay you a monthly retainer and not just on a per project basis. Seek out clients who have money and viable businesses. If you can bring on 10-20 of these clients, you'll be on your way.

Good luck. I admire your hustle.

(2)

showshine88

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2 years ago

It's risky. You have to hope that someone will use your services and not go to a big company.

(0)

crimson

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2 years ago

If you go for small clients, I think it's a much easier sell since you can do the job with much less red tape from big companies.

(0)

andycharrington

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2 years ago

Hi Stergeron,

I agree. Leaving work without money coming in is a killer. I actually have been doing the freelance on the side as well as working. Its long hours and I hardly get to see my family but i keep telling myself it'll be worth it one day! I guess its just deciding when that day is!

A monthly retainer is a great idea. Currently I charge a minimal support fee to all my clients but that is not enough to live off.

I think you are right, I need to bring in a few decent clients on retainers.

Thanks.

Shoshine88 - Thanks for that. You're right, there is always the risk of that but luckily i think there a number of bonuses going with a freelancer and not a big company - The client gets the whole business's attention. Freelancing is usually considerably cheaper than a larger company.

(0)

crimson

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2 years ago

Freelancing over the years has been hyped up. It will be years until you actually get anything close to true job freedom. You are always at the mercy of your clients when freelancing.

According to this article
online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703709804575202781030091748.html
A good portion of your freelancing time will be spent nagging your clients to pay you.

(0)

andycharrington

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2 years ago

Hi Crimson,

Yes you're right. It is all about the clients!

Interesting article. Thanks.

(0)

andycharrington

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2 years ago

I'm currently thinking that if i can get enough small retainers i will have a baseline to kick off from.

Its funny because right now freelance work is great! I've got 2 months of work. But at the same time after that I might have nothing for a month!

Difficult

(0)

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