← All QuestionsCareer

◉ Expert Analysis

Should I go freelance?

Analyzed by 4 domain experts

Verdict: Proceed with caution

Start freelancing on the side before you go full-time.

Freelancing is 30% doing the work and 70% finding, selling, and managing the work. Most people only prepare for the 30%.

◉ Expert Perspectives

Freelance Consultant (10 years)Go for it

Freedom is worth more than a 401K match.

The best thing about freelancing is controlling your time. The worst thing is that you never stop working mentally. If you can handle the ambiguity and have a high tolerance for income variability, it is the best career path that exists.

Accountant for FreelancersProceed with caution

Set aside 30-35% for taxes from day one.

Self-employment tax catches every new freelancer off guard. You also lose employer health insurance subsidies, 401K matching, and paid time off. Your hourly rate needs to be 40-50% higher than your salaried equivalent to break even.

Sales CoachProceed with caution

If you hate selling, you will hate freelancing.

Freelancing is a sales job that happens to involve your skill. You need to prospect, pitch, negotiate, and follow up constantly. The best freelancers spend 20-30% of their time on business development even when busy.

Former Freelancer (now employed)Proceed with caution

I went back to a salaried role and do not regret it.

The isolation, income unpredictability, and constant hustle wore me down after 4 years. Freelancing is amazing for some personalities and soul-crushing for others. Try it for 6 months on the side before going all-in.

◉ Your turn

Get a personalized verdict for your situation

This analysis covers the general case. Your specific circumstances matter. Run your own simulation with 8 AI experts who consider your unique details.

Run your own simulation →

◉ People Also Ask

What does a freelance consultant (10 years) think about “should i go freelance?”?+

Freedom is worth more than a 401K match. The best thing about freelancing is controlling your time. The worst thing is that you never stop working mentally. If you can handle the ambiguity and have a high tolerance for income variability, it is the best career path that exists.

What does a accountant for freelancers think about “should i go freelance?”?+

Set aside 30-35% for taxes from day one. Self-employment tax catches every new freelancer off guard. You also lose employer health insurance subsidies, 401K matching, and paid time off. Your hourly rate needs to be 40-50% higher than your salaried equivalent to break even.

What does a sales coach think about “should i go freelance?”?+

If you hate selling, you will hate freelancing. Freelancing is a sales job that happens to involve your skill. You need to prospect, pitch, negotiate, and follow up constantly. The best freelancers spend 20-30% of their time on business development even when busy.

What does a former freelancer (now employed) think about “should i go freelance?”?+

I went back to a salaried role and do not regret it. The isolation, income unpredictability, and constant hustle wore me down after 4 years. Freelancing is amazing for some personalities and soul-crushing for others. Try it for 6 months on the side before going all-in.

◉ Related Questions