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While I'm not generating enough freelance income to live yet, I'm confident that if I was focusing full-time I could. What exactly would you do differently wor

While I'm not generating enough freelance income to live yet, I'm confident that if I was focusing full-time I could. What exactly would you do differently working full-time that you can't do now while still at your job? I ask because I thought the same thing when I first considered quitting my full-time engineering job to freelance. But then I came to the conclusion that it was just a justification that would allow me to immediately do what I wanted (quit) while putting off the tedious part (find more freelance work). In the end, I chose to be a bit more prudent, and actually line up enough work to comfortable quit without worrying too much. So I went out and found enough work that would allow me to make as much as I was making at my full-time job for at least 3 months (noting that my rate was significantly higher, so it only amounted to finding about 25hr/wk of work for 12 weeks). Even then, I was still nervous as hell when it came time to give my 2-weeks notice. By far the easiest way I found to line up a solid 3-months of freelance work before I was actually doing things full-time, was to find a full-time development firm and work out a subcontracting agreement with them.

precise 16y ago
I've had steady work for the past few months and I'm working with other design firms/agencies that seem to have a steady flow of work. They're impressed with what I do and I'm having to turn down work because I don't have time to complete it. I realize that I need to put away a nice amount to be ready for dry periods, but I have that. To answer your question, I could spend more time freelancing than I can while still at my current job.
- midnightmonster 16y ago
  If you're having to turn down work at a comfortably livable pay rate (considering additional taxes, health insurance, etc.) for lack of time, and this is an ongoing situation, not a one time fluke, then I agree it's likely you'll be able to do just fine going freelance full time. And if your current job is approaching the end of the line, it's probably a good time to make that jump. Not worth all the energy you'd have to invest in finding another job and getting up to speed only to quit N months later.
  - precise 16y ago
    I suppose I should have mentioned I'm already paying my health insurance (current employer doesn't offer it). Thanks for your help!

precise 16y ago

I've had steady work for the past few months and I'm working with other design firms/agencies that seem to have a steady flow of work. They're impressed with what I do and I'm having to turn down work because I don't have time to complete it. I realize that I need to put away a nice amount to be ready for dry periods, but I have that. To answer your question, I could spend more time freelancing than I can while still at my current job.

midnightmonster 16y ago
If you're having to turn down work at a comfortably livable pay rate (considering additional taxes, health insurance, etc.) for lack of time, and this is an ongoing situation, not a one time fluke, then I agree it's likely you'll be able to do just fine going freelance full time. And if your current job is approaching the end of the line, it's probably a good time to make that jump. Not worth all the energy you'd have to invest in finding another job and getting up to speed only to quit N months later.
- precise 16y ago
  I suppose I should have mentioned I'm already paying my health insurance (current employer doesn't offer it). Thanks for your help!