Elizabeth Openshaw 
Here's what to know if you're considering going freelance
Fancy a crack at being your own boss? Choosing your work hours, taking a break when you want, and having the shortest commute ever, from the kitchen to your office, studio, or study? Sounds dreamy, doesn't it? It doesn't have to be a pipe dream though. It could be your reality, so if you want to learn how to go freelance, read on.
Should I go self-employed?
It's a big step, there's no doubt about that. But self-employment isn't the anomaly it once was.
According to a 2024 survey from Statista, as of Aug 2024, there were 4.23 million self-employed workers in the UK. That equates to roughly 15% of the overall workforce. So you're certainly not alone! Thanks to technological leaps and changes in the way businesses operate (hello, remote work!), it's so much easier to work from home as a freelancer.
If you've ever toyed with the notion of how to go freelance, there are a few things you should know before taking the leap.
Going freelance ‒ your essential checklist
To help you decide if freelancing is right for you, take a look at the key tasks, habits, and mindset you need to consider to thrive as a freelance worker:
1. Register as self-employed
“Nothing is certain except death and taxes,” so the saying goes. Yes, if you become self-employed, you'll still have to pay taxes to HMRC. For that reason, registering with HMRC as self-employed is a must. Whilst you can do this at any point before the end of the financial year, which is 5th April, it's preferable to do it sooner rather than later.
You can set up as a sole trader on the government website quickly and easily. You simply need to provide basic details about yourself, the type of work you do, and when you started trading as a self-employed worker or switched from full time work to freelance. The system is user-friendly, so you should have no problem navigating it from the start.
2. Manage your money well
As we've already covered, when you go self-employed, you'll be responsible for paying your own taxes each year. That means you need to be organised when it comes to money management. The way you pay your taxes will change, so it's essential to know what to expect. When you work for an employer and get your salary, your taxes are automatically deducted ‒ you never see that money so you never miss it.
As a freelancer, you need to put aside money from your earnings to pay your taxes once a year by completing a self-assessment form online. When you complete your self-assessment, you'll need to have enough money to pay your income tax, national insurance contribution, and any student loan payments.
If you're concerned that you won't be able to manage your finances, at least not until you get the hang of it, one of the smartest things you can do is find an accountant to help you navigate these waters. Check out this list of accountants in your area from the Local Directory. Be sure to specify that you're a sole trader, and need advice on managing your money earned through this career structure. Whilst you'll have to pay a fee for the accountant's time and work, they can take the stress out of this side of being freelance.
Top tip: As a general rule, it's prudent to save between 20% and 25% of your income. If you've saved in advance, you should have no problem covering all of the above.
3. Find clients
Now that you've dealt with the financial side of things, you'll need to get out there and find your clients. Your work and income depend entirely on your ability to source clients and maintain relationships, so don't overlook the importance of networking and putting yourself out there. How you get new leads will depend on the type of work you do and the business sector that you're in.
LinkedIn is a good place to start when looking for clients. Create a LinkedIn profile if you don't already have one. Within your profile headline, be sure to write that you're a freelancer and currently looking for new opportunities. For example, your headline may read, “Freelance designer currently seeking new projects.” Populate your profile with your work and education history. You should also include a link to your portfolio or previous work for potential clients to browse.
It goes without saying that you shouldn't rely entirely on the internet to get clients. Face-to-face networking should also play a role in finding work.
Similarly, speak to your professional network and ask for project recommendations.
Top tip: Attend networking sessions in your area. Whilst this approach might not mean that you bag clients immediately, it will help get your name out there.
4. Prioritise your work-life balance
Once you've got the ball rolling, and start landing projects, it will be a real rush! You're finally going it alone, having achieved the target of how to go freelance successfully!
However, you should be aware of the dreaded self-employed burnout. It's hard to overstate the impact that a hectic job can have on a person's life. What's more, when you work for yourself, you may find it harder to switch off at the end of the working day. Since you're responsible for every aspect of your business, it's hard to detach yourself from your working life, and not to worry where the next paycheck is coming from.
To combat this, create a healthy work-life balance by prioritising your health and well-being.
Luckily, there are a few things you can do that will help you along the way:
Set regular working hours
You may not like to work nine-to-five, but the good news is that now that you're the boss, you get to choose your own working hours. Whilst you don't have to go with the traditional hours, you should pick times that work for you, and stick to them. Dedicating a confined slot of time to work each day will help you manage your time more efficiently.
Consider getting an office
If you struggle to switch off when the working day is done, you may want to consider renting an office space. Having somewhere specific to go means that you have that separation between your work life and your home life.
Top tip: Set up a home office in a spare room or even a corner of your home, if you have the space and don't want to splash out on renting an office.
Avoid looking at emails after work
Delete the email app on your smartphone. Really! If you're guilty of looking at emails after working hours, you need to change your ways, as this habit can have a negative impact on your well-being. Maintaining a work-life balance means not being on call to your clients 24/7. Getting back to them within a day is perfectly acceptable.
Top tip: Check out our blog on using your phone more mindfully to increase productivity to get more information.
Start some new hobbies
All work and no play makes for a burnt-out freelancer, but it's certainly possible to avoid. When the working day is over, you need to relax by doing something fun that will take your mind off work. In addition to a new career path, now could be the perfect time to start a new hobby.
Top tip: Ideally, pick something that doesn't involve a computer screen, such as walking, cycling, dancing, or crafting. Give them all a go, and find out which one suits you!
Set yourself up for freelance success
Now that you've discovered how to go freelance, you'll understand there's a lot to consider. However, there are countless benefits to this move, such as you having autonomy over your time and the freedom to work from anywhere you please. So, why not start researching freelance gigs online or in your area and see what you find? Choosing to do it alone is a huge step, but it might just be the best one you ever make.
Looking for freelance work? Get a free CV review to make sure your CV is up to the job.
This article was originally written by Charlotte Grainger and has been updated by Elizabeth Openshaw.