Much advice has been written about how to prepare for freelance, primarily focused on the mechanics. But what about the often-overlooked element, strategic consideration as to how freelance will advance your career? It certainly can if you have a clear perspective on your growth. Key:

Know thyself – Be honest with yourself about your strengths/weaknesses. Freelance work does not have the built-in support structures often available with full-time work.

Your Personality – If you are self-confident, go-getting, happy fronting up, like new business/chasing, that’s good, as you will spend relatively more time hunting compared to full-time.

Preferred Working Style – Freelancers often work on discrete projects, are often kept at arms’ length and don’t see completed work.

Support Networks – If you prefer working solo, perfect. If you don’t, work well without support networks you may struggle.

Tolerance for Uncertainty – The recent freelance landscape has seen an abundance of work but the business landscape is changing. If you have a low tolerance for uncertainty/a real need for steady regular income, freelance might not be optimal.

Work Flexibility – One of the biggest reasons for freelance. But, unless you have a range of clients, you may well end up being beholden and have little more flexibility than when you worked full-time.

Positive Psychology – Unless your life is primarily focused on non-work goals, whether full-time or freelance, a lack of genuine career plan will in time make for real pressure. Alternatively, knowing where you want freelance to take you, will enhance your mental state.

If you feel you are getting the learning/experience you sought when starting to work for yourself, great, what are your next growth areas? If you aren’t learning new things, it might be time to reassess either the work you are taking on or working as a freelancer.

As ever, happy to talk with any of you about the potential career building opportunity that under the right conditions, freelance can deliver.

Job Opportunities 07/22

If you know of anyone looking for full-time or part-time work, some of the below opportunities are full-time and some temp to perm.

1. Director Strategy – NY-based creative agency – 190K
2. VP Strategy – NY-based healthcare agency – 180-200K
3. Freelance – Director level – London creative agency
4. SVP Strategic Growth – NJ-based healthcare agency – 250K

 

You’ve decided to leave your current job

Growth – On some level you’ve stopped growing so you need to move but, you’re unsure where to work next

Work (and so your life) is out of control – Freelance is the preferred path where you chose what, where and when you will work – This feels like the break and transition you need.

Prepare for Freelance Realities

You don’t always get the work you seek although by definition, if you’re running your own business, this will make you grow! And in terms of control, whilst you chose what you work on, when you do freelance work, this can become all-consuming.

Key Freelance Challenges 

Getting Work –  In Spring 2022 getting freelance work is not a big challenge/there is plenty of demand. But, with the war in Ukraine, rapidly rising inflation, pandemic uncertainties etcetera, all of these things are bad for business confidence, and with it, there’s the threat that the torrent of freelance now could become a trickle by summer. Before you leave your current job for freelance, consider the following:

Cashflow – Take the pressure off yourself by ensuring you have six months salary in the bank so you have cash flow, so you can enter the freelance world not feeling like you have to have work immediately/be forced to accept work you’d rather not do.

Connections – Getting your first freelance work can feel scary without the safety blanket of existing income. Work your connections/networks so that ideally there is a specific need/freelance to work on already lined up.

Reputation – Those that become long-term freelancers do so for one of two reasons and often both. First, they have a reputation for great work and being straightforward to work with (I can talk at length about this!). Second, those that love the hustle of new opportunities and better, working on pitches, exponentially increase their marketability.

Feeling Excluded – If you haven’t worked for yourself before, this is a common reason why strategists don’t remain freelancing for very long. As a consultant, you are empowered to choose what you work on and are often better paid/per hour. On the flip side, your work is often in isolation, the type of work is often discrete projects which see no obvious output; And be prepared to be treated at arms-length by in-house teams. Key to consider – Know why you’re freelancing! Have a clear sense of what you gain by working for yourself (too often this isn’t thought through) and this will empower you for the inevitable trade-offs that freelancing requires. I’m happy to talk through.

What one piece of advice would you give to those considering freelance?

All the best,

Stuart

Job Opportunities 04/22

If you know of anyone looking for full-time or part-time work, some of the below opportunities are full-time and some temp to perm.

1. Director Strategy – SF-based creative agency, Salary >190K

2. VP Strategy – NY-based healthcare agency, 180-200K

3. .Freelance – Director level – London creative agency

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