When Is the Best Time to Go Freelance as A Creative?

BE

Ben Etchells

I’ve been a freelance videographer for over seven years. Over that time, I’ve learned that while timing can influence how smooth your start is as a freelancer, it’s not the ultimate deciding factor for success.

The truth is, there’s rarely a perfect moment to begin. You don’t need to wait for everything to fall into place before taking that first step. There’s a Chinese proverb that says:“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.” What matters most is starting, learning as you go, and building momentum. Timing becomes more important when it’s about knowing when to scale up, go full-time, or take on bigger risks - not when you’re taking your first steps.

That said, there are certain situations where starting your freelance career can feel easier and less stressful. If you’re still deciding when to take the leap, here are four practical moments that can give you a head start and help you build confidence.

1. When You’re Living at Home and Have Fewer Overheads

Freelancing comes with financial uncertainty, especially in the early days. If you’re in a position where your living expenses are minimal, maybe because you’re living with family or have no major financial commitments, it can be a perfect time to experiment with freelancing.

Why it’s ideal:

  • Lower financial pressure allows you to take risks and build a client base at your own pace.
  • You can focus more on your craft and less on making ends meet.

Actionable Tips:

  • Build a strong creative portfolio to showcase your skills.
  • Collaborate on projects to build your portfolio rather than your bank account
  • Experiment with different types of projects to see what you enjoy most and where your strengths lie.
  • Learn from other freelancers by connecting with them, asking about their approach to getting work, and understanding how they find clients.
  • Practice your core skill consistently to refine and improve it.
  • Set up routines and workflows to stay organised and professional as you take on projects.
  • Research the business side of freelancing - learn how to handle invoicing, taxes, and client communications.

2. When You Have a Full- or Part-Time Job to Support You

Freelancing doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing decision. Starting while you’re employed can give you the financial stability and freedom to take your time finding clients and refining your services. However, it’s crucial to ensure you’re not violating any company policies or contracts.

Why it’s ideal:

  • You have a steady income to fall back on while building your freelance pipeline.
  • You can test the waters to see if freelancing suits your lifestyle.

Things to Watch Out For:

  • Be transparent about your freelancing activities if your employer requires it.
  • Avoid working on freelance projects during your day job hours or using company resources.

Actionable Tip: Set clear boundaries and allocate specific hours to freelance work outside your primary job.

3. Start with a 6-12 Month Survival Budget (Minimum)

If you don’t have either of the above (low overheads or a steady job to support you while freelancing) having a survival budget is super important. This safety net allows you to focus on building your freelancing career without the stress of worrying about immediate income.

Why It’s Ideal:

  • A financial cushion gives you time to find clients and establish yourself.
  • It reduces the pressure to take on work that doesn’t align with your goals or values.

Actionable Tips:

  • Calculate your monthly living expenses (housing, food, utilities, etc.) and save at least six months’ worth. (The more savings the better!)
  • Use tools like the Personal Survival Budget Calculator to break down your costs and get a clear picture of how much you’ll need.
  • Create a plan to save while working your current job or through side hustles.
  • Set up a budget for your first months freelancing to ensure your savings last.

4. Taking the Slightly More Risky Approach

Not everyone has the luxury of low expenses or a savings buffer, and we know many freelancers who started with little and still made it work. While riskier, this approach can pay off if you’re determined, adaptable, and resourceful.

Why It Can Work:

  • Pressure to succeed can push you to work harder and get creative in finding opportunities.
  • You learn fast when you’re thrown into the deep end.

Actionable Tips:

  • Start freelancing as a side hustle, even without savings, to test the waters.
  • Build a strong support network of other freelancers for advice, referrals, and encouragement.
  • Take on any work that gets you started and gradually refine your focus as you gain experience.
  • Keep a tight budget to stretch every pound while growing your income.

Conclusion:

Freelancing is as much about timing as it is about preparation and mindset. Whether you’re minimising financial risk, building up a client base on the side, or diving in headfirst, the most important step is to start. Remember, the 'perfect moment' doesn’t exist. The only moment that matters is the one you choose to take action.

“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.”