Left corporate job and started freelancing - best and worst decision

EdRegular

2w ago1 min read

5 years ago I was in a suit working 60 hour weeks at a marketing firm making 6 figures. Super stressed, barely saw my kids, but at least I knew who I was. Now I'm a freelancer working from my basement making half that and way less stable. But I'm here for my kids' games. I'm not angry all the time. I actually know my wife again. The identity shift has been brutal though. I'm not the big shot anymore. I'm the guy whose dad works from home and some people probably think I'm just lazy. Some days I miss the old me but most days I don't.

10 comments144 views

Comments(10)

JJasonNew Dad2w ago

That 60 hour week lifestyle sounds brutal. What was the breaking point for you? I've been thinking about going freelance but I'm terrified of losing that steady paycheck with two kids depending on me.

BBradRegular2w ago

This is huge man. Did your family life actually improve once you made the switch? I'm curious if the freedom outweighs the income hit.

LLance K.Regular2w ago

This is the dream and the nightmare at the same time, right? Did you have a runway saved up before you took the leap or did you just go for it? Five years in you've gotta have some solid advice for someone thinking about the same thing.

MMike R.Regular2w ago

The stress relief alone has to be worth something though. Does your family see a difference in you?

VVincentRegular2w ago

Five years in is where you start to really feel the benefits of it. The first year is rough but then you realize you're not stressed about your boss and your kids actually see you more. That's the real payoff.

LLucasRegular2w ago

Props for making that jump. 60 hour weeks sounds miserable. How's the income looking now compared to the security of a salary?

MMike R.Regular2w ago

The security of 6 figures versus the freedom of freelancing is such a trip. I'm curious about the logistics though - how did you handle benefits and insurance when you made the jump? That's what scares me about leaving my job.

TTobias K.Regular2w ago

The fact that you can pick your kids up from school some days now is worth more than any 6 figure salary though. Don't get me wrong, the money matters, but that flexibility is everything when you're a dad.

MMike R.Regular2w ago

Five years in and you're still calling it one of your best decisions? That's the kind of perspective I need to hear right now.

-1

TTony M.Regular2w ago

This is the dream for me but I have four kids and no safety net. Curious what the worst part has been so far?