On My Own Terms

It’s been about two months since I quit my 9-5 job to take on the role of online marketing freelance professional and full-time Mommy. I can honestly say I am so happy I made this decision for myself and for our family.

I had a lot of fear about what leaving office life would do to my career … mainly worries that it would end it completely. But I’m happy to report that has not been the case at all.

About one week out of the work force I picked up my first client, a food product available in most grocery stores, and things have taken off from there. I’ve completed three projects so far for this and other clients, often as part of a team with other freelancers, and have several large 150+ hour projects about to close.

I usually will work for two hours during the day while Lila naps and then at night after she’s in bed. If I get busier, I will hire a babysitter to watch her for a couple hours 2-3 days a week while I work.

There’s something so amazing about being able to work on your own terms. Freelancing means I’m able to go to a playdate, make a work out class and spend time with Lila all while keeping my career going. And having the flexibility to work from anywhere is priceless. I just booked a two week trip to my parent’s house in Florida and don’t have to worry about PTO.

Financially the set up I have going is perfect because we positioned ourselves up to live comfortably on just Luke’s salary, so whatever I make is just savings. Meaning there is no pressure on my month-to-month income. Right now though it’s looking like I will be matching, if not exceeding, my income from my full-time position.

There are some stressful elements. Now that I’m back into working for clients, I had to brush up on my client service skills. And I also have to be “on the hunt” so to speak so I continually win more business and grow my network. This Thursday for example I am going into a local digital marketing agency to present my capabilities to their team in the hopes that I can become one of their preferred freelancers. Plus if Lila decides not to nap well and I have a deadline, the juggling act gets tricky.

All in all, I have to say I am thrilled with this new working set up. In fact, I wish I had taken the leap into freelancing earlier. I know it’s only been two months, but at this point it’s hard to imagine being back in an office environment. We’ll see how the next year goes, I guess. It could just been a good couple months!

Have you ever thought about going out on your own to freelance or consult? What’s holding you back?