When to go Freelance?
Monday May 26, 2008
Many graphic designers set the goal of one day leaving the cubicle behind and going out on their own, freelancing, being their own boss. While exciting, and enticing, this is certainly nothing to rush into. There are many factors to take into account when considering this move, including:
- Savings: Have you saved up money for the "dry spells."
- Steady work: Aside from the out-of-the-blue freelance gig, do you have steady clients providing consistent work?
- Benefits: Do you have a plan to get health benefits? Think of the things left behind when you leave a corporation.
- Change in Lifestyle: Working for yourself may be great, but it may also mean working alone in your living room. Think about how you will handle the change in lifestyle and lack of interaction.
- A team: Handling all of the aspects of a business alone can be daunting... lawyers and accountants can help prepare you for the legal and financial sides of working on your own.
When do you think the right time to go freelance is? Share your stories...
Comments
I think these are valid things to remember before telling your boss “I Quit!,” but they should not deter you from doing what you really want to do. Chances are, if you’ve been thinking about doing freelance, you probably aren’t 100% happy with your current job and would be a lot happier doing what you really want to do, on your own time. Also, if you’re good at what you do and people appreciate your work, going freelance coulld pay off substantially.
The internet has allowed many people (and stay-at-home moms and dads) to start making a great living from their own homes!
I’m a self taught freelance graphic designer.
There are a lot to consider before JUMPING into the great big ocean. Passion is key to be able to persevere in your solo pursuit. The first very important question you have to ask yourself is do you have enough money in the bank to sustain your lifestyle and business for the next 6 mths.
Being your own boss is liberating but if not managed properly you can easily burn out. Freelancing is a business, you’re not just a designer but a whole lot of other roles i.e. manager, accountant, traffic controller, IT, administrator…
If you can identify it is your passion and not your ego that’s the driving force of your decision to jump… welcome to the warriors’ club!
The great thing about freelance graphic design is that it can be done part-time. Designers thinking about making the move should use part-time freelancing as training-wheels.
About diving into it full-time, I think some people are made for it and some people aren’t. Those who are entrepreneurial (I hate spelling that word!), highly organized, and can sell will do great. But if a person hates the sell, and hates to worry about accounting and legal stuff like writing contracts, being an employee is probably the better choice.
My thoughts
Graphic Designer
Q: When should you start freelancing?
A: Start today!
Even if you have full-time job, why not moonlight after hours? That way you earn more money, you see if you like freelancing and you can build up a client base in preparation for leaving your job.
It’s easy to do online. You can find heaps of freelance design jobs and contests at marketplaces like ours (DesignBay.com) or others (like Elance or Guru).
Freelancing, like entrepreneurship, requires being proactive and taking action. Start today, test the water.
Alec
Director
DesignBay