Is Freelancing for You?

How to Decide If It’s the Right Career Move

You’ve seen the TikToks. The laptop on the beach Instagram shots. The “I just made £5k in a week” success stories.

Freelancing sounds like the ultimate dream job – working when you want, where you want, doing something you actually enjoy. And yes, that can be true. But here’s what those perfectly filtered posts don’t tell you… freelancing is also work. Real, sometimes messy, sometimes stressful work.

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Is freelancing for me?” you’re in the right place. This guide will walk you through what freelancing really involves, the benefits, the challenges, and how to figure out if it’s your perfect career match.

What Does Freelancing Actually Mean?

In the simplest terms, freelancing means you’re self-employed. Instead of having one employer, you offer your skills or services to multiple clients. You might work on short-term projects, long-term contracts, or one-off jobs.

It’s flexible, it’s varied, and you’re the boss of your own business. But that also means you wear all the hats; marketer, accountant, project manager, customer service rep… and yes, the person who makes the coffee.

Popular freelance careers include:

• Graphic design

• Virtual assistance

• Copywriting and content creation

• Web design and development

• Social media management

• Photography and video editing

• Marketing strategy

The truth? If you have a skill people will pay for, you can probably freelance it.

The Signs Freelancing Might Be Perfect for You

Not everyone thrives in a freelance lifestyle. But if you recognise yourself in these traits, it could be exactly what you’ve been looking for.

You Value Flexibility Over Routine

If the thought of sitting at the same desk from 9–5 makes you restless, freelancing offers an alternative. You can work in a co-working space one day, from your kitchen table the next, and fit your schedule around your life instead of the other way around.

You’re Self-Motivated (Even Without a Boss)

There’s no manager looking over your shoulder when you freelance. If you can set goals, meet deadlines, and keep yourself accountable without someone else telling you what to do, you’re already halfway there.

You’re Willing to Learn (And Keep Learning)

Successful freelancers don’t just do the work – they learn how to market themselves, network, price their services, and manage their finances. If you love picking up new skills, freelancing will never feel boring.

You Want More Control Over Your Income

Instead of waiting for an annual pay review, you decide your rates, how much work you take on, and what services you offer. That means you can scale your income much faster than in a traditional job.

The Challenges You Need to Be Ready For

Before you hand in your notice and set up a home office, let’s be honest about the downsides.

• Inconsistent income. Some months will be amazing, others quieter. You’ll need to budget and save for slower periods.

• Finding clients. In the beginning, a lot of your time will be spent marketing yourself and building a portfolio.

• Wearing multiple hats. You’ll be your own HR, finance, and marketing department – especially at first.

• Self-discipline. You’ll have to balance freedom with focus, especially if you’re working from home with distractions.

These aren’t dealbreakers but you should go in with your eyes open.

How to Test the Waters Before You Go All In

You don’t have to jump into freelancing full-time from day one. Here’s how to try it out first.

• Start freelancing alongside your job. This gives you stability while you learn how to find clients and deliver projects.

• Take on one or two small projects. Use platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or LinkedIn to get your first gigs and see how you enjoy client work.

• Learn the business side early. Understand contracts, pricing, invoicing, and marketing so you’re not caught off guard later.

The Big Question: Is Freelancing for You?

Freelancing is amazing for people who want freedom, variety, and control over their work. It’s not so great if you hate uncertainty, struggle with self-motivation, or don’t enjoy juggling multiple responsibilities.

But here’s the thing, most skills needed for freelancing can be learned. If you’re willing to put in the effort, build your network, and market yourself consistently, you can absolutely succeed.

Why Now Is the Perfect Time to Start Freelancing

We’re living in a world where remote work, flexible hours, and online collaboration are more normal than ever. Businesses are hiring freelancers because it saves them money, gives them access to a wider talent pool, and helps them scale quickly.

That means there’s never been a better time to start building your freelance career – especially if you have skills in digital marketing, tech, design, writing, or admin support.

Ready to Build Your Freelance Career the Smart Way?

If you’ve read this and thought, “Yes, I’m ready to make freelancing work for me,” you don’t have to do it alone.

Inside my Freelance Growth Hub membership, you’ll find everything you need to build and scale your freelance career.

You’ll get step-by-step guides that walk you through setting up your business the right way, proven marketing strategies that work in 2025, and practical training on how to attract high-paying clients.

You’ll also discover how to boost your productivity, work smarter (not harder), and finally create the freedom and flexibility you’ve been chasing.