If you already dabble in a bit of side freelancing, we don’t blame you. It’s extra income through the Christmas period and can prove invaluable at times when your regular income won’t cut it, for example when MOT time rolls around, or the boiler conks out.

But sometimes, the freelance bug gets you. It infects you like an independent work-loving parasite that won’t stop self-branding on Twitter and creating mailing lists of potential clients.

Do these symptoms sound familiar? Looks like it could be time for you to go from part-time freelancer to full-time. Read on to see how to make the transition as smooth as possible.

Managing your time is key

As a part-time freelancer, the chances are you’re already a dab hand at managing your time between your freelancing, work and home life.

Making the switch from part-time freelancer to full-time requires meticulous planning and if necessary, being able to tell a white lie to your employer while getting your affairs in order.

If you’re giving up your employed work straight away you need to decide the date as soon as possible. If you want it to be more gradual you may need to discuss reducing your hours with your employer.

However you decide to do it, make sure your employer is on board – and if they aren’t, be prepared to dive straight into full-time freelancing!

Acknowledge that every step is a victory

Successfully set up your freelancing bank account? Victory! Nabbed a long-term client? Go you! Managed to steal the office stapler and claim is as your own? The world is yours for the taking!

While the little things might not seem like they need cause for celebration, inside you should be doing back flips when you make your first cup of ‘full-time freelance’ tea.

By breaking down the process you’ll make the monumental step of becoming a fully-fledged freelancer seem nothing more than a simple stroll in the park.

Prepare your workspace before you go full-time

Getting your affairs in order is a no brainer when you’re taking your freelance full-time. So it goes without saying that you should prepare your home office before you start getting back pain from crouching over a laptop on the sofa all day.

If you already have the preparation sorted, read on – but for those of you planning on working from bed – you best get to a furniture shop and find yourself a desk and chair.

If you think you’ll struggle to work from home all day there are plenty of other solutions that might suit you better, such as a co-working space or renting a private office for a growing business – don’t rule them out before you’ve tried them!

Factor in family time

No freelancer is complete without their factored in family time to keep them sane. It might seem easy to let your freelancing leak into every aspect of your life, but this is an area you should keep shut off from your work.

Set aside some time each week to catch up with your Nan over a brew, take your cousins on a day trip to the park or have a date night with your other half – you’ll regret it if you don’t!

Are you planning on going from part-time to full-time freelance? Leave your own experiences in the comment section below!

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About The Author

Stephanie Whalley

Serial snacker, compulsive cocktail sipper and full time wordsmith with a penchant for alliteration, all things marketing and pineapple on pizza.

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