Why Freelance? 11 Freelancers Share Their Motivations
Freelancers: Why did you start freelancing? I started freelancing to create a career I love. I wanted flexibility in how, when, and where I worked. I wanted to take time off without asking for permission. I also wanted to receive a salary that reflected the value of my skills and sweat equity.
Many freelancers start freelancing for similar reasons. But I knew there were more great answers out there, so I asked 11 freelancers why they took the leap of faith. Here’s what they shared:
Jump to:
I Gained Flexibility as a New Mom
I started freelancing as a proofreader and editor because I'd just become a mom. Having some extra income without needing to commit to fixed hours worked really well for me. Having started out in proofreading and editing, I expanded into content writing and from there learned about SEO. In the end, the skills I picked up while freelancing have empowered me to create my own business built on the principles I've learned.
Amanda Napitu, Founder, Improving Your English
I Got the Most Out of My Skills
I started freelancing because I wanted to be my own boss and be free to work on my own schedule. I specialize in SEO consulting, and I've found that freelancing is a great way to get the most out of my skills. It allows me to work with clients from all over the world and helps me keep up with the latest trends in the industry.
Freelancing has allowed me to take on projects I otherwise wouldn't have the time for, and it's helped me grow my own company. I can work with clients who need my help, and I enjoy the flexibility that freelancing provides. Plus, it's a great way to earn extra income.
Lukasz Zelezny, SEO Consultant, SEO Consultant London
I Became the Boss I Was Always Looking For
I started freelancing as I'd worked in-house and at agencies for almost 15 years without a break and had maxed out. Then, after I worked for two companies back-to-back where I'd had bosses who didn't help, I took a chance to try out freelancing and had three clients before I had a chance to even quit. I now help companies with SEO consultation, working with a lot of SAAS and tech companies.
I'm on the technical side as a previous front-end developer, so I help clients with their developer teams or sit in the marketing channels in their internal channels to help guide strategy, answer questions and implement changes. Freelancing is working well for me as being my own boss has given me the push I needed to fuel my own goals. I wake up happy to help out and contribute to the companies I get to work with, and as a precious bonus, I have time to spend with my daughter.
Jess Joyce, SEO Consultant
It Was Born Out of a Need to Make Ends Meet
I didn't plan to become a freelancer. The opportunity came along when I was studying in university, and I snatched it. I needed to pay bills and freelance writing did just that. I started out as a creative writer, slaved away my time in content mills for peanuts, but I struck gold when I left those platforms and started creating content on LinkedIn. This move helped me discover B2B SaaS companies, and I've had the pleasure of working with popular companies like HubSpot, CoSchedule, Nutshell, EngageBay, and more.
Precious Oboidhe, Content Marketer, Content Estate
I Experienced Two Layoffs Within Five Years
I started freelancing by accident after I experienced two layoffs within the span of five years, but it eventually became a choice once I realized the flexibility and unlimited earning potential freelancing offered. I’ve been a full-time freelancer for 8 years now and truly love it. It’s given me the chance to work on diverse projects, vary my skill set, collaborate and learn from some really interesting people and—most importantly—control my own financial destiny.
Satta Hightower, Principal, Freelance Content Marketer, Talented Tenth Media, LLC
I Chose to Do What I Love
As I continued to work my way up in the workplace, I realized that I reached a fork in the road. I could either continue to work my way up and focus on the business side of things, or go a different direction and focus on my craft. It felt like I was asking myself—what do I value more? More money, or doing what I love?
I knew a freelance life didn't mean complete stability, but it did mean I could continue to follow my passions. So I gave up the idea of becoming some big-time executive, quit my job, and took the leap to focus on my writing.
Kiersten Hickman, Founder & President, Kiersten Hickman Media LLC
I Left a Toxic Work Environment
I began freelancing as a way to increase my income and build my design portfolio in 2020, not expecting that two years later, I would be pursuing it full-time! After leaving a toxic work environment, I worked alongside a friend in her new business venture until October 2022, when I decided to pursue freelancing full-time.
As a Brand Manager and Content Designer, I have acted as a jack of all trades for my clients. From social media management, copywriting (long and short form), website development and design, and graphic design—you name it, I have done it. Freelancing has given me a flexible schedule, the ability to work from home, and the ability to take on projects that I am passionate about and which are fulfilling to me.
Megan Patterson, Freelance Brand Manager and Content Designer
I Wanted New Possibilities for My Future
Providing writing services as a freelancer allows me to get paid for doing something I love, while not getting bogged down with the other parts of traditional "jobs" that are less enjoyable. It gives me the flexibility to choose with whom and when I want to work. As I approach retirement from my corporate job, freelancing opens up new possibilities for me to continue working on my own terms.
Rob Croll, Freelance Writer
I Chose Travel, Freedom, and the Ability to Make a Better Salary
I am a former journalist and writer who started freelancing while I was covering politics. Journalism has a terrible salary ceiling and, wanting to do what I love (writing) while still making a great income, I started my own business.
Now I ghostwrite books and do brand work for some pretty amazing women. I have a full-time job, but freelancing allows for more income and to pursue truly fascinating work. It's also allowed me to live overseas for five years, which I love.
Ivy Hughes, Owner, Syntax Consulting
I Made Close Connections with Local Businesses
When I began my freelancing/entrepreneur journey, it was important to be closely aligned with the type of clients and work I accepted. Working for agencies, you’re at their discretion of the type of communications campaigns they want to create. With an agency, there can be a trickle-down of information like a game of telephone. As a freelancer, I insist on connecting with executives to hear their vision for success to ensure a mutually beneficial campaign.
I currently provide marketing and communications support in a variety of industries. I partner with all levels of business, from locally owned to franchises, and with agencies as a contractor in my area of expertise. Freelancing is the best decision I could've made for my career; not only do I get to connect with business owners who are passionate about their work, but I can also take my time in learning client needs to provide essential support.
Kiana Montgomery, Owner and Head Publicist, Ki Takeaways Communications
I've Lived Outside the US for Almost 10 Years
As a military spouse for over 10 years, I’ve lived overseas most of this time. Maintaining employment in the creative field had been difficult being out of the states until I took a closer look at social media. Applying my video editing skills, creative writing, and hosting abilities, I decided to offer these services to organizations lacking a space on social handles.
I supported the Joint Base Lewis McChord Transition Assistance Program—JBLM TAP—with video promotion for their in-person events. This helped me practice my skill set all while networking with and supporting the military community.
Liliana Wright, Broadcaster & Freelancer