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Best time to go freelance
I currently have a full-time web developer position at a small agency, working 9 until 5:30 - also spending 2 hours a day on a train commuting.
When I get home on the evenings, I am up until midnight doing work every weekday night, and I work for about 6 hours on a Saturday and 6 hours on a Sunday - completing all of my freelance work. My website ranks very well (page 1 usually) in search engine results for terms such as "freelance web developer", "freelance web designer", etc. So this is where most of my work comes from. Some also comes from referrals, but I do not advertising and do not use websites such as freelancer.com to win work either.
I have all required skills in HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, jQuery, PHP, MySQL, SEO, web security, managing servers and so on. Over the past 5 years, I have designed and developed everything from small business sites, to fully functional ecommerce websites, to social networks, to live bidding platforms, to company portals, and so much more - all on a bespoke basis. I also have design skills in Illustrator and Photoshop. I also develop long-term on a multi million pound ecommerce store as a freelance (have been doing so for 2 years).
I earn a lot more from my freelance work (over £4000 in March) than I do in my full time job (£17k salary). I have an accountant to help me with taxes, etc. So as you can imagine, I want to make the transition to go freelance on a full-time basis.
I have all of the tools (a good smartphone, a powerful PC with dual monitors, iPad, etc etc) as well as the business knowledge which I've gained working closely with the director of the agency.
What are your thoughts?
When I get home on the evenings, I am up until midnight doing work every weekday night, and I work for about 6 hours on a Saturday and 6 hours on a Sunday - completing all of my freelance work. My website ranks very well (page 1 usually) in search engine results for terms such as "freelance web developer", "freelance web designer", etc. So this is where most of my work comes from. Some also comes from referrals, but I do not advertising and do not use websites such as freelancer.com to win work either.
I have all required skills in HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, jQuery, PHP, MySQL, SEO, web security, managing servers and so on. Over the past 5 years, I have designed and developed everything from small business sites, to fully functional ecommerce websites, to social networks, to live bidding platforms, to company portals, and so much more - all on a bespoke basis. I also have design skills in Illustrator and Photoshop. I also develop long-term on a multi million pound ecommerce store as a freelance (have been doing so for 2 years).
I earn a lot more from my freelance work (over £4000 in March) than I do in my full time job (£17k salary). I have an accountant to help me with taxes, etc. So as you can imagine, I want to make the transition to go freelance on a full-time basis.
I have all of the tools (a good smartphone, a powerful PC with dual monitors, iPad, etc etc) as well as the business knowledge which I've gained working closely with the director of the agency.
What are your thoughts?
- Contact in PM
SandraGenJobs
Messages count : 12Likes count : 3Registration : 4 March 2015As I like to say: the moment you even consider going freelance is the moment you already made a decision to at least start. I would say go for it. In your case, you already have a great working history and a lot of experience, so I don't see how freelancing could be a drawback in your career.There is no failure, only delayed success. - Contact in PM
Carolyn Cockburn
Messages count : 1Likes count : 0Registration : 25 May 2015Going freelance full time depends on if you can afford to take the plunge or not financially; if you can and you have the backing you need then go for it - Contact in PM
Mark Lyons
Messages count : 21Likes count : 4Registration : 7 January 2016I believe a freelancer should always have some degree of flexibility, you should still spend time outlining a basic plan for your freelancing business. A freelance business plan is immensely helpful for your creativity, brand goals, client acquisition, client retention, budgeting, and marketing goals, among others. - Contact in PM
deepgc
Messages count : 2Likes count : 0Registration : 7 June 2016As a suggestion, try and save up some money to tie you over rainy days. I'm self-employed myself, work can be turbulent from year to year but I always make sure that I can survive for a good six months if the worst happened.
Also, going self-employed will be the best decision you will ever make 🙂 - Contact in PM
Louis Cox
Messages count : 1Likes count : 0Registration : 14 June 2016Sounds like you are in a position to get a better salaried job - £17k per annum - your employer is getting you for a song! get a better salaried position. Freelance is great if your in London, but its hard to get regular work outside on a freelance basis. - Contact in PM
Mark Lyons
Messages count : 21Likes count : 4Registration : 7 January 2016There are some things you have to evaluate before full time freelancing. First thing is you will be working alone, you will need self discipline, you have to deal with client you must learn to negotiate, you must know what’s trending and the most important thing you need your family and friends. These are some little things you have to keep in your mind. If you are prepared to all these things then you can start work as a full time freelancer. - Contact in PM
AlexMorrison
Messages count : 8Likes count : 0Registration : 10 October 2016You say you make more money freelancing then from your full time job. The market tells you what you should do. Invest some of your time in negotiating and being able to present yourself and sell succesfully, and go full time freelancing. - Contact in PM
Dougmorrison
Messages count : 13Likes count : 4Registration : 3 September 2016I think that everyone has covered most things.
1. Get yourself a portfolio + references (But make sure that you are not going to effect your current business.
2. You build a good client base of freelance clients.
3. Make sure you have enough money to cover the quieter periods.
4. Make a plan with your goals.
5. I make sure that you have a dedicated work space free from distracts.
6. Set working hours so that your friends and family are aware and don't bother you!
7. Make sure you have a accountant or good with books. As you will need to deal with tax returns.
I know that this might not be in the right order but its just some ideas off the cuff.
If you like my post please click on the "Like" button.
Regards.
Doug - Contact in PM
Brett Golding
Messages count : 1Likes count : 0Registration : 11 October 2016
I second this, you should do it now.SandraGenJobs, post: 24137, member: 28805 a écrit : As I like to say: the moment you even consider going freelance is the moment you already made a decision to at least start. I would say go for it. In your case, you already have a great working history and a lot of experience, so I don't see how freelancing could be a drawback in your career.