When Should A Freelancer Stop Freelancing?

As a freelancer, you’re your own boss and get to set your own schedule, deciding when and where you work – as well as what projects you work on.

But just because a career as a freelancer is ideal for some people doesn’t mean it’s necessarily for everyone. So how do you know if it’s time to move on?

You might have given it a go only to realise it doesn’t suit your needs. Or maybe you just hate it. Both of which are great reasons to stop doing anything.

In this article we’ll look at some common reasons people decide to stop freelancing, and what you can do to either minimise the risk of these happening to you, or prepare to wind down.

Signs it might be time to move on from freelancing

The first thing to remember is that no job, freelancing or otherwise, has to be a forever career. In fact, it’s perfectly normal (and even healthy) to want a change at one time or another.

Your options include getting a more traditional job with a fixed salary, starting a business with someone else, or some kind of hybrid.

How can you be sure you’re making the right call, though? After all, it’s a big decision, and not one you want to take lightly.

Thankfully, there are some telltale signs to look out for which can help make your decision a little easier.

Income instability

Freelancing is unpredictable by nature, with “feast-or-famine” cycles that can be stressful and mentally draining.

Sometimes, the concept of a fixed income might seem comforting, offering the kind of stability and reassurance you crave as a freelancer out in the wild, having to fend for yourself every day.

There are also certain benefits to consider.

While avoiding commuting expenses might save you money in the short-term, there’s also no sick or maternity pay, paid annual leave, or any kind of pension scheme if you’re a freelancer.

It’s also true that, in certain industries, the demand for freelancers just isn’t as high, with the few opportunities there are going to those with the most experience. Which means fighting it out.

Lack of growth or challenge

Another sign is if you feel like you’re stagnating in your freelance career. For example, your income might have plateaued, or you might just feel like you’re not really getting closer to your goals (despite all the effort you’re putting in).

This is naturally frustrating. Regardless of what job you’re in, you always want to have a sense that there’s a clear path for you to make progress if you want it.

You’re struggling to stay motivated

Something that’s often overlooked is that you have to be able to stay self-motivated as a freelancer. You’re your own boss. You have no one to answer to but yourself.

But this also means you need to be an exemplary employee (as you’re the only one!), and this includes communicating clearly and confidently with potential clients to ensure you get work, as well as meeting deadlines to ensure you keep getting work.

You need other people around you

If you consider yourself more of an introvert, you may struggle with the isolation that’s inherent to a freelance lifestyle. There’s obviously no one to gossip with while you’re making a cup of tea on your break.

Business admin feels too complicated

All this is before you get into the logistics of business admin, like keeping good freelance records, sending invoices, and working out which way up the tax return goes.

Wearing all those different hats isn’t for everyone, and if you have any shortcomings as either a manager or an employee, you’re going to come face-to-face with them pretty quickly.

When should you not stop freelancing?

Just because you’re going through a dry spell, it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s time to call it a day. Freelancing is uncertain by nature, and so, in a lot of ways, this is just par for the course.

You may just need to hold the line (as Toto would say) or tweak a couple of things (e.g. your marketing strategy), and before you know it, the floodgates will be wide open.

Also, if you’ve only just embarked on your freelance journey, at least give yourself a chance to build up a head of steam before you throw in the towel.

What to try if you want to carry on freelancing

Even if it feels like the world wants you to give up, you might not want to. So, what are some things you can try if you’re dead set on continuing your freelance career?

Considering freelancing alongside employment

You don’t have to go cold turkey. You could combine freelancing with a side business for some additional income, or you could get a “regular” job with a fixed salary and continue freelancing on the side.

The bottom line is, you don’t have to give up freelancing entirely and can continue to enjoy the benefits of it while earning a more stable living.

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