Have you ever found yourself contemplating a career change and going freelance?

Perhaps you’re fed up with your 9-5 job, considering returning to work after a break or managing family responsibilities. Whatever your reason, you’re not alone in these thoughts. Thousands of others are in the same boat. So, why don’t more people take the leap?

The most obvious answer is the fear of losing security. A steady income and the ability to get a mortgage or bank loan are significant concerns. However, let’s think about this: do people truly feel secure in full-time employment these days? In the current global financial climate, is there such a thing as a job for life? It’s hard to claim that kind of security now, leaving this question wide open.

Would you prefer to have your career controlled by someone else or to take charge of it yourself? As an employee, you go to work each day expecting stability, assuming you’ll be there the next day, week, or year, unless something drastic happens. Employers typically don’t share financial struggles until the last minute when they’re ready to make cuts. By contrast, freelancing allows you to be more in control of your future. You’ll be the first to know when work is drying up or flourishing, giving you the opportunity to act before it becomes a major issue.

Another concern about freelancing is isolation. While working in an office provides a sense of camaraderie and support (if you’re lucky), isolation hasn’t been an issue for me. I’ve built a strong network of freelancers and business contacts with whom I exchange ideas and information. We meet up occasionally, providing a valuable social and professional outlet. In contrast, office politics can be draining, requiring constant vigilance to protect your position. As a freelancer, you’ll find genuine friends and support without the backstabbing.