◉ Expert Analysis
Should I go freelance?
Analyzed by 4 domain experts
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
“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.
“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.
“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.
“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.
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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.
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