Went From Desk Job to Freelance - Been a Year

Apr 261 min read

Took the plunge after 15 years working 9-5 in the same office. Wanted flexibility for the kids. Some days I make way more money, some days I make nothing. The anxiety of not knowing if work will come in is real. But I can be there for school pickup now. I can take my son to his soccer games. I'm still figuring out my identity though because so much of who I thought I was came from that one job. Learning that I'm more than that role but the adjustment is harder than I expected.

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Comments(9)

MMarcusNew DadApr 27

I went the freelance route too and it's been solid for being there for the kids. Some months are feast or famine though. What kind of freelance work are you doing?

PPedroRegularApr 27

How are you handling the income hit? I've thought about going freelance a bunch of times but the financial uncertainty keeps pulling me back. What's made it work for you?

DDanny K.RegularApr 27

I respect the move man. Leaving that security after 15 years takes guts. Do you find you're actually getting more time with your kids or just more available time?

DDaniel R.RegularApr 27

15 years at one desk though, that takes guts to walk away from. How's the flexibility actually working out? Are you making decent money freelancing or is it more about the schedule?

MMarcusNew DadApr 28

A year in, have you looked back even once? Asking because I work crazy shifts and keep thinking about doing something like this but the income loss scares me.

EEric V.RegularApr 26

That's a huge move after 15 years, man. The ups and downs must be stressful but at least you're around for the kids now. How are they adjusting to having you more flexible?

DDannyRegularApr 26

A year in is solid. Those days with zero income would stress me out but sounds like you're still making it work for your family. What kind of freelance work are you doing?

SSam P.RegularApr 26

Respect for making that leap. The income swings would drive me crazy but I get why flexibility with one kid matters so much. Are you finding the work-life balance actually better even with the financial rollercoaster?

JJosh M.RegularApr 27

A year in and you're still sticking with it. That's awesome. The flexibility for the kids has to make those slower months worth it.