Embracing independence: working as a freelance marketing professional

The traditional employment landscape is evolving, with an increasing number of professionals choosing the path of independence, including me! But while the prospect of being your own boss and having flexibility is enticing, it comes with its own set of challenges. Here, I explore the pros and cons of working in the world of freelance marketing. So if you’re thinking of doing the same, you’ll understand the intricacies of this exciting, but often daunting, and sometimes stressful, career choice.

Pros of working as a freelance marketing professional

Flexibility and autonomy: One of the most appealing aspects of working as a freelance marketing professional is freedom and autonomy, and this is one of the main draws for me. I have the flexibility to set my own schedules (most of the time!), choose my projects (my specialties are universities, beauty and wellbeing brands, and charities), and work from any location I choose (from co-working spaces to cafes, I’ve done it all). This level of independence gives me a good work-life balance and I enjoy my job more.
Diverse work opportunities: Freelance marketers have the opportunity to work on a variety of projects for different clients. For me, this diversity is essential for keeping the work interesting (with an ADHD-like brain, I get bored easily). It also allows me to build a diverse portfolio CV, which showcases my skills and expertise across various industries and projects. I use my website to showcase my projects and love having this evidence behind me. It gives me something to feel really proud of and helps me feel secure about my future.
Potential for higher earnings: Freelancing often enables me to set my own rates and negotiate project-based compensation. I usually find myself earning more than my full-time counterparts. And if I don’t, that’s because I’ve chosen to work on a grassroots project for the love, rather than the money.
Continuous skill development: In the fast-paced world of marketing, staying relevant is super important. Through freelancing, I get to work on diverse projects that require me to adapt to new trends, technologies, industries and audiences. This constant exposure to new things keeps my skills up-to-date, keeping me at the forefront of industry innovations. And it keeps my naturally curious mind satiated!

Cons of working as a freelance marketing professional

Income inconsistency: While the potential for higher earnings exists, my income can be inconsistent. The nature of project-based work means there are often periods of feast and famine. I have to carefully manage my finances (not one of my strengths, I must say, because I LOVE shopping!) to navigate through periods of low project availability.
Lack of job security and benefits: Unlike traditional employment, as a marketing freelancer I don’t enjoy the security of a steady paycheck or employer-provided benefits such as health insurance, pension pots, or paid time off. I’m responsible for my own financial planning and must account for periods without projects. But it’s not often I wish it was different…
Client acquisition and administration: I not only have to excel in what I do, but I also take on responsibility for client acquisition, contract negotiations, and administrative tasks. I’m very fortunate in that the majority of my work comes through word-of-mouth, BUT any time spent on these non-marketing activities can impact my overall efficiency and productivity.
Isolation and limited networking: Working independently can be isolating, especially for me, because I thrive on social interaction. But I equally appreciate the freedom I have. I do, however, miss out on the camaraderie and networking opportunities available in traditional office settings, which makes building a professional network a deliberate effort that I must remember to prioritise.

Conclusion

I love working as a freelance marketing professional, but it does offer its own unique blend of freedom and challenges. It’s a path that’s rewarding for me because I value autonomy, diverse work experiences, and continuous skill development. However, I also have to be resilient when it comes to the uncertainties that come with income inconsistency, the absence of job security, and the need for self-driven business management.