Pros/cons of freelance account management vs. working exclusively for one company?

like
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

I didn't even know this existed. How is this possible... Haha

like

It does! You have to dig a little bit more! A lot of companies are moving into contract work.

As someone that spent most of my career in account management and fell into freelancing i will say its possible, roles are not as readily available as creative freelance roles but they are out there. I will say you get more freedom, you need to versatile and flexible because you may need to pick up work that is not sexy but can pay the bills (Ex: I am acting as an Experiential PM at my current gig), its not as common to find true account roles, I find that often companies need help with pieces, like writing client decks or project management. And you have to hustle, network to find the gigs and network once you have them within the company. Happy to chat with you if you would like.

like

Thanks! That is what I heard. In the beginning, it might be challenging, but later it gets easier once you develop a relationship with the clients.

One of the key benefits of freelancing is that you get to choose your own workload. With no boss hovering over you, you can choose to work as much or as little as you want.

Unrealistic expectations at work and the lack of boundaries have seen many a full-time worker burn out. However, as freelancers, we have much more control over workloads and can create a work-life balance that best suits our needs.

like

Thanks! I keep hearing that! I would like to know the path I can follow, so I'm not struggling midway.

The pros of freelance account management include the opportunity to work with different clients, the flexibility to set your own schedule, and the potential to earn more money. However, the cons are the need to find your own work, an unstable income, and a lack of benefits. On the other hand, working for one company offers security and benefits but may limit your professional growth and creativity.

like

Thanks so much for sharing! Are you happy with your choice to freelance?

While freelance account management allows you to work with a variety of clients and be in control of your schedule, it can also be challenging to secure a steady stream of work and benefits. In comparison, working for one company provides a stable income and benefits but can be less flexible and limit your exposure to different industries and clients.

like

I did a bit of both - loved the flexibility of freelance and being able to pick and choose. Toughest thing is drumming up business + keeping up a steady pipeline of work. That's when I miss the 9-5 - it's soul-crushing but at least it's stable money

like

I get that! I feel like it's my greatest hesitation when I consider venturing into freelance waters.

You don’t usually get to choose your boss or your teammates at a traditional job. So if you dislike working with them, you can’t really do much about the work environment apart from changing jobs. One of the major pros of freelancing is that you get to choose who you work with.

Thanks! I'm looking forward to giving it a try!

I think one of the biggest pros in freelancing is time flexibility. Freelancing allows you to set your own flexible schedule. Whether you want to work 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. or 2 pm to 10 pm—it’s up to you.

I'm preparing myself to be more discipline! Sometimes I lack motivation. Please send any tips this way.

One of the cons is when you’re a freelancer, you work for yourself so you forgo these benefits. You will need to organize and pay for your own health insurance. However, the flexibility of freelancing means that you have more control over your own time off (make sure you take it!), and you can pursue the professional development opportunities that will benefit your business at your own pace.

Thanks! I have been doing some numbers to see how feasible it is to go as a freelancer!

In addition to the list above, another con is that your earnings may fluctuate. Your workload may be inconsistent in the early days of building your freelance business. Sometimes when it rains, it pours and you may have multiple projects on your plate. At other times, you may not have much work at all. This fluctuation in cash flow can feel like a huge negative for newbie freelancers.

That is something I'm scared of! I don't know how much I would need to save to pass those initial tough times.

You could feel isolated at work as a freelancer. Working from home and working with clients from around the world is undoubtedly one of the best perks of freelancing. However, the downside of this is that working from home can sometimes make you feel isolated, as well.

I don't think I will have that problem! I didn't like my coworkers in my previous jobs.

Related Posts

hi ,

any one joining accenture on may 16th? please let me know

like
like

I am contemplating a new offer for Validation Lead role (non- managerial) at a Big pharma, with 4 years experience -post masters degree. Suggestions on what the compensation should look like ?

like

Partners, what's been the impact to ongoing sales conversations? Do you think we're all screwed for the year?

like

Big4 Advisory Partners/Principals - how much do you make in your 1st - 4th year as a partner/principal?
Trying to make a decision whether its worth continuing.

likehelpful

Best thrift store in DC area? Please don't mention the one in Falls Church. It's horrible.

like

I'm working on a Fintech startup related to commercial banking pricing. We would like to do some "expert interviews" with current RMs (we would compensate your time.) We want to better understand the friction points when it comes to price C&I or CRE loans. Please DM me if you are interested.

We are not looking for any private information, but more anecdotal evidence of issues that can be improved.

like

Curious to know how much your student loans were when you graduated from your program, how much you’ve paid off so far, and your age. If you have any varying factors too, like kids, income range, etc. Just trying to see if I’m on track or slacking in life. I am 34 yo, i graduated with 95k in student loans, i currently have 85k left and i make 85k in come. I’m also a single mom with two kids. Just praying for 100% student loans forgiveness. Wishful thinking???

like

I’m looking for some new things to read or listen to — doesn’t need to be ad-related. Books, podcasts, whaddya got?
I’m not really into fiction, but open to anything. Last books I enjoyed were Junior and Moonwalking with Einstein, last podcast I binged was Startup (Gimlet).

like

Anyone here who is working on Experian powercurve tool??

like

Hi All
Which platform is best to connect with Palo Cortex XSOAR professionals in India

Sharks Plz suggest which to go for better growth and experience.
KPMG In. vs Aujus vs Paytm vs Upstox vs Eaton vs LRN vs Honeywell

Cyber Security and 1yr experience

like

How much time do u need to prepare for ccsk?

Could someone please refer me at JPMC for Java developer with 3.1 YOE, if you can. LWD Oct 26

39M in West LA, looking to meet someone for drinks and see where things go! (Never married, no kids)

like

Calling my Jersey City heights area people for meetups/friends. Single male here.

likeuplifting

I'm looking for new ideas on winter cardio. This season is already getting colder than other years. I usually do outdoor jogs.

like

DM me for referral to Mitre. Great pay and benefits and really smart coworkers. Engineering background preferred

like

Additional Posts in Account Management

No one wants to be “that account guy”. What’s that phrase mean to you? How do you avoid that label?

I’m pretty passive when I’m disrespected by creative but I think it sets a bad example for my team. If any of my reports were spoken to the way I was I’d raise hell...how set example?

Who else started with small businesses and moved up to medium and large at agencies structured to handle it? I handle 40 clients and some 60 Content managers, ad managers, designers, developers, and a smattering of other positions.

Which was better? I have almost complete autonomy over what happens with small biz, but getting to focus on projects for more than an hour/month sounds nice.

like

Success smiles on those who do things with passion, not with reason!

Post Photo
like

What are some brands with an in-house agency? Looking to make a move to client side.

When you sell a dedicated website for a special deal, do you give the CRM for free? Is vTiger CRM your advice? Otherwise, what are your most common recommendations about CRM?

like

What vendor do you use for cold direct mail lists?

like

How easy is it to work in account management in a foreign country? which countries are the easiest to go to? what agencies are likely to transfer you abroad?

How long were you an SAE before promoting to AS?

like

What matters more early in your career, agency name recognition or project experience?

For those of you in healthcare related account management, what is your healthcare background? I am clinical and getting ready to hire a higher level account manager. I am really biased toward people with clinical/in hospital experience because, quite frankly, healthcare is a different beast - lots of hand holding and change management. I don’t want to miss the right person because of my bias, so im wondering how many healthcare related AMs have healthcare/clinical experience… thanks in advance!

like

Sometimes it feels half my day is spent jumping through hoops to schedule and then reschedule meetings around senior managements’ calendars...only for them to be so late they miss the meeting anyways🙄

likefunny

Does anyone work/has worked as an AM in the field of Architecture or in store planning? I’m currently in eCommerce/advertising but am speaking with a recruiter for an architecture which would be totally new for me.

Overall I’d like to know how you like the field, the pros and cons etc.

like

I am not in account but would love to have a more comprehensive take away from meetings particularly client feedback verbalized. How do you account folks do it? Tips and tricks? Thank you!

like

Any fishies in MPLS and willing to share AE salary expectations?

Hi Account friends! It’s the start of a new year and I was hoping you all could share any book / newsletter / blog / course recommendations that help keep you up to snuff. Feeling a bit stale and like the last year has been a tactical grind. I want to brush up on modern thinking for our industry - the latest and greatest marketing books, strategy perspectives, creative self help, etc. to feel more alive as we start 2022.

Comment your favs and THANK YOU in advance!

like

Right so here’s a bit of a dilemma I work to a much higher standard at home and it’s this high standard that means I’m in line for a promotion. I’ve grown so much and I feel really strong in my role I’m also busier than ever. The problem is we’re going back into the office and I don’t want to go in if it’s just going to be senior management in asking me to get them lunches for client meetings or fetch a glass of water and cutlery for meeting rooms. Definitely not ready to go back to that….

like

Hi everyone,

I'm going for a role for Account Director and have gone through the interviews with the head of accounts, BD as well as the ECD's. I received the following email at the end of the day:

"You are one of two candidates in the final round.

One thing we haven’t spoken about are your salary expectations. Could you have a think and let me know early next week as well as your employment status (residency permit)."

What would be the best way to answer this response? Appreciate the help

like

How much are my fellow VP Account Directors out there making? Just trying to gauge if I am being paid fairly. Don’t forget to state market and YOE. I am making $135k, 10 years of experience and in Chicago.

like

To the clients scheduling meetings over the inauguration: get over yourself.

like

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal