I quit today with the intention of going freelance after the new year. It’s what I want, but somehow still feeling a bit down. Any words of encouragement or advice?

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You will never look back. 30+ years freelance. Started unintentionally like most folks when I got laid off. Quickly appreciated the clear cut
Nature of the business relationships. I also like the challenge of keeping fresh. Plus taking time off! And if it isn’t for you and you want to go back on staff I am sure you will be able to make it
Happen.
PS - my main advice is start a pension/retirement plan immediately. It is now up to you 100% to take care of your future. It always was but now there are no illusions

likehelpful

This...

What you're feeling is what I like to call staff syndrome. You're bummed because you just left a sure-fire thing for something you don't quite understand yet. You're not happy about it, even though you want to be, because you've trained yourself to be disappointed after years working as a full time cog in a broken machine. You'll feel a little uneasy for the next few weeks. And then you'll start your first freelance gig. And you'll see that first check hit your bank account with personal loan vibes. And every bit of anything you're feeling right now will be so far gone you'll wonder why you ever doubted that you made the right choice. Take some time to shake off the burnout and abuse from your last job. Don't think about work until you're ready. Then when you are, turn the corner and get after it like a bat out of hell.

likeupliftingsmart

This is hella accurate

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I made 250k last year and took 9 weeks off

Once you make 25k your first month you’ll feel better. Once you get to earn half a week’s worth of pay in the first OT weekend, you’ll wonder how you could ever do yourself the disservice of doing it for free.

Overall, your life will become centered on you, not the company you work for. This will change how you see everything from here on out.

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Sure, it’s all about setting your own terms. I’m up front about getting OT after 8 hours, and they almost always agree. It helps if you’ve been connected because of your reputation and they can trust you’ll deliver in a timely manner.

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I quit my dream agency for freelance. It’s the best decision I’ve made….I have my life back and am making more money.

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It’s literally no different than a full time job. You are doing the same thing, just not as impacted by politics. Look at your calendar now, and it will be almost the same if you had the the title freelance…sometimes you don’t get invited to the town halls and the parties, but that’s it.

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I also left a great place with great people for freelance when I just found myself questioning what I thought should be important in my life. I haven’t always loved every place I’ve been or every moment of freelance, but I’ve never wished I was back full time. I love being able to take off time when I want and have no work waiting for me (in the sense of FT, taking a vacation and coming back to a pile of work) when I get back. You are truly free to relax when you decide to take the time. It all seems much more low stakes than it was before. I would be sure to think about think that make you happy and do them as well. Having a new hobby, a pet, exercise, cooking, family and/friends. I used to get all my self worth from my job which was awful and unpredictable and unfair, now I do so many other things that make me happy that work has little impact on my self esteem (still does a bit…I still care and want to do a great job) but I feel much more balanced.

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I identify with everything you’ve said. My main motivation behind the switch is to reevaluate and accept what’s ACTUALLY important to me. To find a better balance. I think/hope being freelance will help me be a little less emotionally involved in my work and a little bit more emotionally invested in my family and friends. I’m tired of identifying myself by my job and career success. That’s not all I am. At least I hope so. ❤️ again, thank you.

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1) If you are confident enough to quit, you are talented enough to succeed.
2) Listen to the previous advice about setting up a retirement plan. Get a financial advisor. Do not skimp on health insurance or HSAs.
3) Treat your work the same way you would a client’s. Respect it. Keep boundaries.
4) Don’t get comfortable when you’re busy … you should always keep the pipeline filled.
5) Stay connected with peers and clients; don’t run the risk of being behind the scenes or forgotten.

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Thank you for your reassurance. I do have a financial advisor, we’ve worked together for the last month to set things up. Really love and appreciate your other pieces of advice. Thank you. 🙏🏻

This is the beginning of the next chapter in your life. Make the most of it. You now have the freedom to take on the jobs that most interest you, or pay the best, or whatever criteria you might use to judge whether an assignment might be fulfilling. Your days of dealing with office politics are over. You can just put your head down and do the work.

Make no mistake, though, it’s a full-time hustle. Hit up all the friends you have in the business. They might not have anything for you, but maybe they know somebody who does. Use Creative Circle, LinkedIn, and any other job boards you can think of. Check their postings every day.

Don’t get discouraged if it takes a while to get rolling. Most businesses do. Believe in yourself and stick with it, through good times and bad. You’re the CEO, ECD, and AD/Copywriter of your own business now. Be positive, friendly and confident.

Congratulations, I know you’re gonna be great!

likeuplifting

Thanks for the advice!! ❤️

Hi friend, I quit to go freelance in Feb. 2020, happily oblivious of what was to come. It worked out great, and it will for you too. The self-doubt may come and go, but the risk is all so worth the reward.

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I’m a brand strategist and curious about doing the same. Did you start freelancing before you quit to build your client base and have had steady work since? I’ve been nervous to make the jump.

I use a meditation method where I write down the worst outcomes and read them daily so they don't feel scary anymore.

likehelpful

DM as I'm always looking for FL ADs and congrats! Happy to help answer any FL questions you may have.

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Love all of these responses! Honestly freelance has been the best thing I have ever done.

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I’m so happy to hear it. How do you find most of your work?

You are gonna be fine and happier. Wish you the best!

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Moneyyy! And everything else

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It's going to be great.

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Just did the same thing. Nervous as hell, but more excited then I’ve been in years. Good luck to you

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Same to you. We can do this!

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You won’t regret it. One year ago I was let go. I’ve never been happier.

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