Some hard truths about freelancing

 I have had about five years of very succesfully freelance. There was as much work as I wanted, people knew what I could offer and good connections bred better networking. Since stepping out to take on a very different project a few years back, I have struggled to get back to this flow. I now find myself in a less perfect situation, with work being far more of a struggle. For a broader view on freelance life, see Doug Belshaw’s reflections.  Following my post reflecting on why I became a freelancer, someone asked me what the downsides were. So, warts and all –  here they are: full of bitterness, but maybe a few truths that might help someone else

Insecurity sucks

I used to be better at this (maybe this is a function of age?) believing that work will come and holding my nerve. Freelance is all about feasts and famines. When it is good, it is great! But when it is quiet, it will scour your confidence and push you back to the job searching process. You need a minimum of 6 months work ahead that will balance out the tough times.  Have faith but don’t be afraid to step back into a regular job if freelance isn’t working (yet).

It’s lonely

Some people like working more independently – but, without more people to bounce off, get bored with, and have to compromise for, freelance life can be quite isolating. Yes, there are social networks and team messaging services for interaction (and of course friends and family) – but that is not the same as having colleagues who share the same purpose as you.

Domestic Discipline

Can you get the washing up done, pack the kids to school, put the washing out, make dinner and still get a full day of work done? Try it. Getting a cleaner/nanny adds costs to your business… but many people find it essential. Having a study or space to work in will keep you away from distractions – but it won’t be easy to do your share of the housework. Don’t expect others to cover for you.

The Mask

The need to be constantly in a business development mindset means that it can be all too easy to drink from your own Kool-Aid. It’s not all bullshit, but self-promotion is a draining and, too often, unsatisfying activity.

If you have a full time job, you only really need to convince someone to employ you once. As a freelancer, you are always on probation, and your ‘game face’ is always on.  Can you sell yourself in less than 10 words and look like you are worth it? Then rinse and repeat?

Valued added rates

How much are you worth? Can you explain your rates, negotiate and make sure you get paid on time? Did you not get the gig because your rates were too high? Are there plenty of well established consultants mining the same field, charging more?  Do people know you are worth the money – and will they share that story? If you are too neurotic, these questions will weigh you down. Overconfidence will sink you.

The money

Very few clients understand the business model of freelancers, and often baulk at what they see as high daily rates. It is hard to keep explaining that we pay our own NI, income tax through Self Assessment, travel, pensions, etc. It is even harder to get them to realise that, like a snake, a freelancer might only get one ‘meal’ every few weeks – so each one has to last.

The Network

As a freelancer, you are dependent on the people you know and who know you. Be honest, generous and open – but don’t do it because you expect this to come back you you. Chances are that it will – but there is never a guarantee. Do it because it is right, not because you think a RT will lead to a contract! Remember that reputations are easily lost if details are taken out of context. Be careful and be kind.
If you still want to make a go of freelance life, I wish you luck. There are thousands of resources and blog posts to encourage you. My cynical view is not intended to put you off. I wrote this to reflect on my own situation and to answer the question of someone hovering at the brink of quitting a good job to go freelance. I felt it was the right thing to do to be honest.