More and more marketers are choosing to go it alone – including me! Being your own boss and setting your own hours is a big draw, but freelancing comes with its own set of challenges too. Here’s an honest look at the pros and cons, so if you’re thinking of making the move, you know what this exciting (and sometimes daunting) career choice really involves.
The pros
1. Flexibility and freedom
This is the biggest draw for me. I set my own schedule (most of the time!), choose the projects I take on, and work wherever suits me – from co-working spaces to cafés, I’ve done it all. That independence gives me a better work–life balance, and I enjoy my job more because of it.
It also means I can focus on the sectors I love most: universities, beauty and wellbeing brands, and charities.
2. Variety
As a freelancer, I work on lots of different projects for lots of different clients. For me, that variety is essential. I have an ADHD-like brain and get bored easily, so having plenty of different things on the go keeps me motivated and doing my best work.
It also means I’ve built up a broad portfolio across industries and channels. Having that evidence behind me is something I’m really proud of, and it helps me feel secure about the future.
3. Earning potential
Freelancing lets me set my own rates and agree fees project by project. I usually earn more than I would in an equivalent full-time role. And when I don’t, it’s because I’ve chosen to support a grassroots project for the love of it, rather than the money.
4. Always learning
Marketing moves fast, and staying relevant matters. Working across different clients means I’m constantly adapting to new trends, technologies, industries and audiences. That keeps my skills sharp – and keeps my naturally curious mind happy!
The cons
It isn’t all upside. These are the things I have to manage:
- Inconsistent income: project-based work often means feast and famine. I have to manage my money carefully through the quieter spells – not my strongest skill, because I LOVE shopping!
- No employee benefits: there’s no steady pay cheque, sick pay, pension contributions or paid holiday. Planning for all of that is down to me – though it’s rare I wish things were different.
- Running the business: as well as doing the marketing, I handle finding clients, agreeing contracts and all the admin. I’m lucky that most of my work comes through word of mouth, but every hour on admin is an hour not spent on client work.
- Working alone: I thrive on being around people, so freelancing can feel isolating. I miss the camaraderie of an office, and building a network takes deliberate effort.
What helps me
Over time, I’ve found a few habits that make the most of the freedom and keep the challenges in check:
- Build a buffer: putting money aside in the busy months makes the quiet ones far less stressful.
- Plan for the extras: I budget for holidays, sick days and my pension as if they were regular bills.
- Keep in touch with past clients: most of my work comes from people I’ve worked with before or their recommendations, so I make time to stay connected.
- Batch the admin: I set aside regular time for invoices, proposals and paperwork, so it doesn’t creep into creative time.
- Make networking a habit: co-working days, events and coffee catch-ups keep me connected and give me the social side I miss.
Freelancing isn’t the easy option – but for me, the freedom and variety are worth every challenge.
Bringing it together
I love working as a freelance marketer. It gives me freedom, variety and the chance to keep learning – things that matter hugely to me. But it also asks me to be resilient about irregular income, the lack of job security, and the business side of running my own show. If you value independence and can plan for the ups and downs, it can be a hugely rewarding way to work.
Looking for an experienced freelance marketer to support your team? Find out more about me or get in touch.