There’s a general conception that when you go freelance you’re going to be making more money. I haven’t found that to be the case and still struggle to line up clients. Anyone else?

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You don’t really make more. I pretty much break even but I have a lot more time off and don’t have to deal with politics so it’s all worth it

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Freelance used to be 🔥. Now that everyone is freelancing due to layoffs, the market is terrible

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Is it that your rate is below market rate (have you asked around to find out what you should be charging)? Or is your rate high and good but just struggling to land jobs? Freelancing absolutely allows for you to make an insane amount more than a staff job so here are my suggestions-

Find out if your rate isn’t accurate for your skill level. This could be hindering you from getting jobs. Also maybe your rate is too low and you’re working but just not making enough

I found that after landing my first solid freelance gig the rest just came flowing after it via connections/word of mouth, and telling people I was available. Say the EP (EPs are the ones who hire editors but replace that with what your equivalent would be) was happy and their friend at X agency needed help so they recommended me. Also if I didn’t have anything lined up I would tell the EP to let anyone know I’m available and ready to help out on any project.

You can also post on LinkedIn that you just finished a gig and are available for the next thing. If your network is good then that should be helpful too

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I make a bit less than I would, but have infinitely more free time which is far more valuable.

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I’m pretty sure my rate is good. I’ve never not landed a gig based on rate. I just very rarely even get to that point of the conversation. I send out quite a few cold emails a week, just don’t hear back. Sadly don’t really have professional contacts in my new city. All I get are the odd creative circle gigs that keep half my rate 😢

Sounds like it's not a rate thing then, it's a network thing. Almost all of my jobs I've gotten through word of mouth, NOT by applying or hitting up recruiters.

Not sure what advice to tell you since I've never had to start my professional network from scratch in a new city. What market are you in? If it's NYC I'm happy to help.

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I make a lotttt more per hour freelancing, especially calculating working overtime hours on salary. But, I work less hours. It’s super nice having the freedom, flexibility, and extra time, but you have to use some of that time hustling to get new gigs. Like any good thing, it takes time to build, so just be resourceful and explore every option, even if it seems unlikely. Even jobs through recruiters.. you never know who you’ll meet or what that opportunity will lead to.

The key as a freelance designer is to do all kinds of work, even work you consider beneath you. Unless your a well known rockstar your not getting cool work/clients consistently. Be open to working on decks, powerpoint, banners, whatever. Eventually you’ll work on something portfolio worthy. Might be more difficult for creatives and writers.

Overall I make more, even factoring in paying for healthcare and lack of paid vacations.

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