You're considering a career in change management. What are the benefits of becoming a freelancer?

Freelancing offers unparalleled autonomy, empowering individuals to shape their work life according to their preferences. It allows flexibility in scheduling, location, and project selection, promoting a balanced lifestyle tailored to one's skills, interests, and personal values, with the freedom to take necessary breaks.

"Flexibility and autonomy allow you to work on projects that align with your interests and values. You can also set your own hours and create a work schedule that fits your lifestyle, whether you're a night owl or an early bird. This can be particularly beneficial if you have other commitments, such as childcare or eldercare responsibilities."

You can build experience in a range of sectors and with different types of change projects in a short space of time. This stands you in good stead for the next opportunity and saves you becoming pigeonholed into one sector. That said, if you are passionate about a particular sector and know it is a good source of work, then you can choose to specialise in one field, which can also help you stand out. The short-term nature of freelance projects provides a clear and motivating focus. As a freelancer you don't become involved in the long-term politics or culture that can be very draining for employees.

Becoming a freelancer in change management offers several advantages. Flexibility is a significant benefit, allowing you to choose your projects, work hours, and clients, tailoring your career to suit your lifestyle and work preferences. You have the opportunity for diverse experiences, working across various industries and organizational cultures, enhancing your adaptability and skill set. Freelancing can also lead to potentially higher earnings, as you can set your rates based on the value you deliver and the demand for your expertise. Additionally, you gain autonomy over your career path, deciding on the direction of your professional growth, and the freedom to balance work with personal life more effectively.

Working across different clients and industries will help you apply your knowledge and experience to different contexts and see what works or not. It will keep you challenged and help grow your 'toolkit'. You also have access to some of the clients learning and resources so take advantage!

Variety and challenge: Freelance change consultants get to work on a wide range of projects across different industries. This keeps the work interesting and helps you develop a broad skillset. You'll encounter unique challenges and opportunities to innovate solutions, fostering a dynamic and intellectually stimulating work environment.

Freelancing allows you to set your own rates and negotiate projects that align with your expertise. This can lead to a higher earning potential compared to a traditional salaried role. As you build your reputation and client base, you can command even higher rates and scale your income accordingly. Freelancing also eliminates company salary caps, opening doors to significant financial growth.

When I freelanced, I really enjoyed being able to do other things outside of my client projects, like facilitate conference sessions, write articles, participate in podcasts with only my own brand to worry about. And also, you're your own boss, no performance reviews and all the admin it entails!

Freelancing empowers you to prioritize your well-being at work, enabling you to perform at your best. You have greater control over your work environment, allowing you to work when most focused, take breaks as needed, and create an optimal workspace. For example, if you're someone who thrives on intense work followed by recovery time, freelancing lets you schedule projects accordingly. Moreover, freelancers can adapt to career changes with flexibility. They have the freedom to accept or reject clients based on assessments and contracts, reducing exposure to toxic work environments. All of this creates a more satisfying and fulfilling work experience, as you are able to take in your growth and accomplishments.