Re:Ask HN: Is transitioning from a full-time position to fre...
by softwaredoug on Thursday June 25, 2020 @11:55AM
(#23642098)
> do I need to worry that my skills won't be up to snuff?
One of the benefits though is you may worry about this a lot as a freelancer. You constantly are working to make yourself marketable, you don't rest on your laurels at a single job.
> How hard will it be to find work as a new freelancer in the current environment?
It can sometimes be the case that in a tough economic times that freelancers are paradoxically in more demand. Freelancers are more 'disposable. You're in many ways the first to be let go, but also the first to be brought back, as if things suddenly go poorly again, you can be easily let go!
> Are there pitfalls or other options that I'm overlooking?
Be prepared to be reasonably competent at all parts of running a business. Not just technology, but sales, accounting, contracts, project management, relationship management. All of these are good skills, but you may paradoxically find yourself less technical as a freelancer.
Also I would highly recommend setting up your own business entity to do freelancing to avoid 'hidden employment' issues that your clients may find themselves in.
One of the benefits though is you may worry about this a lot as a freelancer. You constantly are working to make yourself marketable, you don't rest on your laurels at a single job.
> How hard will it be to find work as a new freelancer in the current environment?
It can sometimes be the case that in a tough economic times that freelancers are paradoxically in more demand. Freelancers are more 'disposable. You're in many ways the first to be let go, but also the first to be brought back, as if things suddenly go poorly again, you can be easily let go!
> Are there pitfalls or other options that I'm overlooking?
Be prepared to be reasonably competent at all parts of running a business. Not just technology, but sales, accounting, contracts, project management, relationship management. All of these are good skills, but you may paradoxically find yourself less technical as a freelancer.
Also I would highly recommend setting up your own business entity to do freelancing to avoid 'hidden employment' issues that your clients may find themselves in.